Native to central North America, Jerusalem Artichoke is now grown throughout the world in cold-tolerant temperatures. Also referred to as Sunroot, Sunchoke or Earth Apple, this perennial plant is recognised for its small yellow flowers, hairy oval shaped leaves and an underground rhizome system which bears small tubers.

Interestingly, the name “Jerusalem artichoke” is misleading as it is a type of sunflower in the same genus as the garden sunflower; however, it has no relation to Jerusalem, neither is it a type of artichoke.The plant is a natural source of inulin used for its prebiotic fibre to help keep the gut happy by maintaining bowel regularity.

Jerusalem artichoke tubers have a long history of human consumption, and the plant’s green matter has a long history as animal food.

One of the most cultivated fruit in the world, the banana belongs to the Musaceae family of flowering tropical plants and is distinctively recognised by the banana fruit clustered at the top of the plant.

Not really a tree by true definition, the banana plant is a giant clumping tropical herb. Even more confusing, bananas are botanically a berry, making them a fruit and a herb.The plant is a natural source of resistant starch used for its prebiotic fibre to help keep the gut happy by maintaining bowel regularity.

Buddha named the banana to be the symbol of the futility of earthly possessions.

Guava has been cultivated for so many centuries that its place of origin is uncertain. Believed to have originated from Mexico through to Central America, this small, resilient, evergreen tree is now cultivated throughout the world for its medicinal and food value.

The fruit of most varieties is round, though some types are pear shaped. They have white to salmon-pink, juicy seedy flesh and an aromatic fragrance aroma.

Various parts of the plant, including the leaf and the fruit are used for medicinal purpose.

Guava is a natural source zinc which is used to:

• Support skin health
• Reduce free radicals formed in the body
• Maintain hair health
• Support nail health

TraditionallyThe fruit, leaf, stem and bark of this berry fruit has been used from ancient times for various ailments.

Native to India and now grown throughout the world, this tropical tree is also referred to as Indian Gooseberry and Amalaki in Ayurveda.

It is said that the Amla berry comes from the first tree to appear on earth, manifested out of the tears of Brahma while he was meditating.

A much-beloved staple of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, this plum-sized berry is considered a cooling ‘pitta’ herb (aids metabolism and digestion), and is said to possess five of the six tastes (sour, bitter, pungent, astringent, sweet), although sour is its main taste.

The fruit is a rich source of vitamin C which is used to:

• Support connective tissue production important to maintain healthy skin elasticity, integrity, structure and firmness
• Support collagen health and formation
• Support skin healing and repair
• Provide as an antioxidant support to protect against free radical damage

Its fruits possess multiple benefits and are of immense use in folk medicine. It is considered the “Mother” because it is considered as the ultimate healer due to its restorative properties

Bamboo is native to most continents except for Antarctica and Europe. Belonging to the grass family, it is considered one of the fastest growing plants in the world. Bamboo grows in a short but strong growth spurt during summer and then remains near dormant over winter.

Bamboo is used for everything from construction to irrigation systems, from musical instruments to food, fuel and medicine.

Bamboo is a natural source of silica which can help:

• Support connective tissue production
• Maintain healthy skin elasticity, structure and firmness
• Support collagen health and formation to support skin health
• Support hair and nail strength and thickness

Early Chinese books were once written on bamboo slats and bamboo has been used as a source of medicine and construction material since ancient times.

Native to Egypt, the Mediterranean through to Europe, this annual aromatic herb is now grown throughout the world. The bright orange daisy-like flower is also referred to as English Marigold or Pot Marigold has an aromatic odour and slightly bitter taste.

Its name is derived from the Latin wordcalends, meaning the first day of every calendar month as Calendula flowers open as the sun rises and can be found blooming in some parts of the world every month.The flowers are the part of the herb used medicinally, either in the form of infusions, tinctures, liquid extracts, creams or ointments.

Calendula has been used as herbal medicine since the 12th century and has been cultivated by the Egyptians, Greeks, Hindus and Arabs. It also grew in Europe where it was cultivated in the kitchen garden as ornamental flower. These are dried for broth, which is said to comfort the heart and spirits.

Usually regarded as a common garden weed, the Dandelion grows wild throughout much of the world. Other common names include Blowball, Puffball, Swine Snout and Wild Endive.

A member of the Asteraceae family (a relative to sunflowers and daisies), it is distinguished by its single yellow flower which opens at dawn and closes at dusk. Once the flower has matured the plant forms a puffball of seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

Its botanical name Taraxacum originates from the Arabic word tarakhaqun meaning ‘wild chicory’. Its common name is thought to be a corruption of the French word dent de lion meaning ‘lion’s tooth’, a reference to the coarsely toothed leaves. Officinale is traditionally used to refer to a plant with health and medicinal properties that was sold in the apothecary.Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to:

• Support gallbladder function
• Promote bile flow from gall bladder
• Promote healthy appetite and relieve loss of appetite
• Support healthy digestion
• Reduce symptoms of indigestion

Traditionally, Dandelion has long been used in Western Herbal Medicine to support healthy digestion and was also consumed by many different cultures as a food source.