Native to China, Korea and Siberia, this perennial plant is now grown throughout the world.

Its botanical name is derived from the Greek word panax meaning “all-healing” and is also referred to as Asian ginseng. The word ginseng is derived from the Chinese term rénshēn, meaning ‘essence of man’, a reference to the root’s characteristic forked shape, resembling the human body and the legs of a man. The part of the plant most frequently used for health purposes is the root.

Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine as an adaptogen and to:

• Support healthy stress response in the body
• Relieve fatigue

Traditionally used in Chinese Medicine to:

• Increase vitality
• Promote energy levels

Korean Ginseng has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to promote health and is used as a general tonic or adaptogen.

Native to Africa, this plant is generally known for its fruit the kola nut, originally used to mimic the cola flavour in Coca-Cola.

Now grown throughout the world in tropical regions, the fruit’s aromatic seed contains a natural source of caffeine and are chewed fresh.

It is also believed to modify the taste sensation so that any food or drink consumed immediately after being chewed, seems sweet.

Traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to:

• Increase mental alertness
• Relieve tiredness
• Reduce cognitive fatigue

Native to China and south east Asia, this slow growth evergreen tree is now cultivated throughout the world.

Also referred to as Tea plant, the leaves are used to make traditional caffeinated teas, including black, white, oolong and green tea.

According to Chinese legend, the tea plant was first stumbled upon by accident. The emperor at the time was boiling water in his garden when a leaf from the overhanging tree drifted into his pot. The combination yielded a drink that compelled him to research the tree further, uncovering both medicinal and palatable properties.

Green tea is a source of caffeine and is used to help:

• Increase mental alertness
• Relieve tiredness

The tea plant has been cultivated by the Chinese people for more than 2700 years. The leaves of the tea plant were considered for medicinal purposes first, and only later included as a drink.