Thunderbolt Botanicals
Native to Africa and India, and introduced to many other regions, Senna (Senna alexandrina; syn. Cassia acutifolia, C. angustifolia, C. senna, C. lanceolata; Senna spp.) is a plant from the pea (Fabaceae) family that grows about 1 meter tall with yellow pea-like flowers in racemes, followed by flat leguminous seed pods. At K. Patel, we are focused on Cassia angustifolia.
Interestingly, Senna is one of the rare botanicals that have been officially approved by the US FDA as an over-the-counter drug (OTC). It is approved for short-term use for adults and children 2 years and older as a digestive aid, intended for short-term relief of constipation.
The adaptogenic Vitamin C – Amla
Amla (aka. Indian Gooseberry, Emblic; Emblica officinalis, syn. Phyllanthes emblica) is a small to medium sized tree from East Asia, growing to about 26 feet in height and producing simple close-set leaves along their branches. The plant is useful in Agroforestry for cutting the branches as a green manure, as well as in reforestation projects, as they are a fast-growing pioneer species that can attract wildlife.
The King of Bitters
Indian Echinacea
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is an herbaceous perennial with lance-shaped leaves growing between 1-4 feet mainly in shady spots. It is present throughout much of India and tropical Asia, and cultivated widely as well.
Andrographis has a long traditional use in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Siddah and Innani Traditional medicines, yet it is still relatively unknown in the west.
Turmeric & Upstream Health
The Upstream Functional Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric & Upstream Health
Long used in Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for a wide range of uses, Turmeric is also a spice, a colorant and the source of curcumin. KP Phyto has invested heavily in understanding the points along the supply chain that must be controlled for the best quality outcomes in Turmeric ingredient quality. We also invest into the understanding and development of the research behind Indian traditional botanicals…with a focus this month on Turmeric!
The Meditative Basil
Stress in the Modern World
The word “stress” found its way into our language about health as it was coined by Hens Selye, who explained it to be a threat to homeostasis as a “nonspecific response of the body to any demand.” There is acute stress, meaning the stress is short lived and helps us to get out of a stressful situation, such as being chased by a bear.