Indigofera Tinctoria (Indigo)

Known as the original source of the beautiful indigo dye, Indigofera Tinctoria (commonly called True Indigo), is a deciduous spreading tropical shrub that typically grows to 2-3 ft. tall. Cultivated since at least 4000 BC, this stunning flower features racemes of summer-blooming pink or violet flowers.

Other than those gorgeous, showy leaves and fruit, Indigofera Tinctoria may well be one of the very best things you can put on your skin. It is incredibly useful with the reduction of skin cells. In other words, helps to get rid of dandruff. And if that is not enough - it has been proven effective as an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent.

Phellodendron Amurense (Amur Cork Tree)

Native to Eastern Asia and known for its glorious broad-spreading crown, Phellodendron Amurense (also known as Amur Cork Tree), is a unique deciduous tree, that can grow and spread up to 50 ft. Its name, Phellodendron, comes from the Greek words “phellos” – cork, and “dendron”, meaning tree.

In addition to its ancient Greek vibe, Phellodendron Amurense has a lot to offer when it comes to skincare. Being a member of the citrus family, we use it for its amazing anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory qualities to relieve pain and inflammation in the skin.

Angelica Sinesis (Chinese Angelica)

Also known as “female ginseng,” Angelica Sinesis (or Chinese Angelica) is a magnificent herb that grows in the cool high-altitude mountains of China, Japan, and Korea. It has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Its dry root benefits women's health, cardiovascular conditions, osteoarthritis, inflammation, headache, infections and more.

On top of these cool medicinal traits, Angelica Sinesis has been a Rockstar in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Modern science has shown this incredibly powerful plant to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, and to be useful in providing support for healing wounds.

Ailanthus Altissima (Tree Of Heaven)

Wouldn't it be nice to have a small slice of heaven? Well, here are some good news! Ailanthus Altissima is not only known as Tree of Heaven, but it also completely justifies it's name as well. Native to China and mentioned in the country's most ancient extant dictionary, this tree's roots, leaves and bark are used in traditional Chinese medicine, primarily as an astringent.
This botanical is indeed heavenly. Ailanthus Altissima have long proven effective against a variety of ailments such as skin infections and inflammation. Modern science credits this tree derivatives with anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects, and even to stimulate innate immunity to combat infection.

Sanguisorba Officinalis (Great Burnet)

Gorgeous crimson flower heads, long green stalks… but Sanguisorba Officinalis (also called Great Burnet) has a lot more than merely good looks. Native throughout the cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, northern Asia, and North America, Sanguisorba Officinalis is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows in meadows and is an important food plant for the European large blue butterflies.

Sanguisorba Officinalis has medicinal qualities so powerful, that it was named after them: in Latin, "sanguis" means blood and "sorbeo" means to soak up - for the plant was used to stop bleeding. Sanguisorba Officinalis has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years not only in cases of bleeding, but to soothe burns and skin ulceration. Modern science has demonstrated its effectiveness as an anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial agent.

Chrysanthemum Indicum (Indian Chrysanthemum)

Praised by ancient Chinese poets, Chrysanthemum Indicum (also commonly known as Indian Chrysanthemum), is one of the main parents of the florists' chrysanthemum. It is an essential herb in both Japanese and Chinese traditional medicines. With aromatic leaves and strongly fragrant flowers, this plant is used in China to treat eye ailments, migraine, inflammation and more.

Chrysanthemum Indicum may have been cultivated for over 3,000 years, yet this wondrous plant is still relevant now as it was in the past (and even more so) as it provides a vast range of benefits. Modern science credits Chrysanthemum Indicum as having anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-microbial effects.

Rheum Palmatum (Chinese Rhubarb)

Hearing the name Ruhbarb probably brings up an immediate taste in your mouth of a delicious cake or jam, but don't get confused! Rheum Plamatum, the Chinese Rhubarb, is nothing like the one you know and love to eat, but is a robust six feet tall glorious plant that is one of the most popular botanicals in traditional Chinese medicine.

Having huge rounded leaves and feathery plumes of summer flowers, Rheum Plamatum is grown as an ornamental, but also as a medicinal plant. Used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, Rheum Plamatum has been also researched by modern science and has found to be anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-allergic, anti-oxidative and also to help with sebum regulation. Even Marco Polo used it and imported it to Europe, did you know that?!

Scutellaria Baicalensis (Skullcap)

One of the 50 fundamental herbs in Chinese herbalism, this showy blue flowered botanical is the superhero of plants, and can survive even the strongest drought. Scutellaria Baicalensis, also known as Skullcap, is a hardy hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs), and needs nothing but insects(!) to be pollinated.

Widely used for more than 2000 years, this unbelievably strong plant can help your body fight against different inflammatory skin conditions. And if that is not enough, Scutellaria Baicalensis functions as an anti-bacterial agent, and is utilized in the cases like bronchitis and high fever. Modern science has proven the plant to be anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-oxidative and even help with sebum regulation.

Cnidium Monnieri (Cnidium Fruit)

Having a strong reputation as an aphrodisiac, this racy botanical is frequently prescribed by Chinese medicine practitioners for male impotence, but has much more to offer. Cnidium Monnieri (Cnidium Fruit) is an annual herb native to China, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat a variety of diseases.

On top of being commonly used in TCM to “warm” the kidneys and strengthen yang energy, modern science has shown Cnidium Monnieri to be effective as an anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial agent, and it has even been proven to reduce itching.

Portulaca Oleracea (Purslane)

Often regarded as a “longevity herb,” Portulaca Oleracea (also commonly known as Purslane) is an annual succulent that has been around for more than 4,000 years as an edible and medicinal plant. It has smooth, reddish unique stems, and beautiful yellow flowers that appear any time during the year.

Unusually high in omega-3 fatty acids and containing significant amounts of various vitamins, it is quite hard to believe that this plant also does wonders to the skin - but it's true. Portulaca Oleracea is considered to have value as an anti-oxidant, and modern science credits it with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-oxidative properties.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice)

Originating from the Greek word meaning "sweet root", Glycyrrhiza Glabra, or as most of us know it - Licorice, is in fact very sweet, and as opposed to what you probably think, does not taste like anise. Glycyrrhiza Glabra is used to add taste to tobacco, candies and sweets, but most importantly, this botanical has been employed as a medicine in China for at least 2,000 years.

Invigorating the spleen, benefitting vital energy, stopping cough and pain - these are just a few of the remarkable traits of Glycyrrhiza Glabra. Modern science has shown it also to have value as an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent, and if that's not impressive enough, you'll be amazed to discover that this plant has the ability to mediate the medicinal character of other herbs!

Sapindus Mukurossi (Soapberry)

Having natural detergent and foaming properties, this fast-growing tropical deciduous tree is one of the most remarkably useful botanicals out there. Sapindus Mukurossi, commonly known as Soapberry, is a tree native to India and Japan, and can grow up to 6 ft. tall. Other than its gorgeous flowers and smooth yellowish fruits, Sapindus Mukurossi has been used for centuries as a natural remedy and even to add taste to desserts.

This ancient botanical is medicinally used in the treatment of epilepsy, burns, head lice, dental problems and more. Its fruit is used to treat a range of skin disorders, and is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Also, Sapindus Mukurossi contains a high concentration of saponins, which have natural cleaning properties that are useful in soaps and cleansers.