Herbs Around The World 🌿

[Dart]

Let's talk about Medicinal Herbs. 

Mind sharing the herb you have tried and find it effective in alleviating your condition? The herb can be in the form of capsule/tablet, tea or topical oil.

 

I will start the ball rolling.

 

Peppermint tea & oil. I like the refreshing scent. It helps in flatulence and in sleep. But it can reduce testosterone level if used in excess.

Edited April 30 by Dart

[ToughGuy]

Mulberry leave...multiple benefits

 

Commonly used in TCM too

[Dart]

Yes, the Mulberry leaf has multiple benefits and in particular the white variety is known to lower blood sugar.

 

 

Edited May 5 by Dart
Spelling mistake

[ziurtis]

Previously found ashwagandha to be effective to reducing stress. However, I had to stop as it had the unintended effect of anhedonia. I didn't get agitated or stressed out easily but I also lost interest in things that should be joyful to me. While some people find that it increases testosterone production, it lowered my libido instead. Took a few months of stopping it before the effects went away, even had a mild panic attack during the withdrawal period.

[Dart]

Ashwagandha a.k.a "Indian Ginseng" actually has a reverse therapeutic effect from Panax Ginseng. It exudes a calming effect. We can find the herb incorporated into supplement inducing sleep. Studies have found Ashwagandha reduces libido in mice. The herb is not to be taken in a long term basis. American Ginseng is a more suitable alternative if you're looking for an adaptogen milder than the aggressive and heaty Panax Ginseng.

[Ann_Onn]

Cajuput oil aka Gelam tree oil aka Minyak Kayu Putih. Mine is from a local brand hj beauty from a shop near Kg Gelam. I use it to relieve muscle soreness and when I strained my ankle. More gentle less pungent than tea tree oil. 

[Dart]

Both the Cajuput and Tea Tree come from the same family of Melaleuca. Cajuput's distinct camphor-like warming effect is good in treating aching muscles and nasal congestion too.

 

*************************************

 

The Zodia plant is a natural mosquito  repellent. The essential oil in the plant emits a pleasant scent which is offensive to mosquitoes. You can keep it in a pot in your house compound to ward off those blood suckers! I had the plant but it died on me after a several months 😄

 

Zodia plant 👇
 

[Dart]

Hi @ToughGuy, @ziurtis, @Ann_Onn,

 

Thank you for sharing your experiences. Sorry for not quoting you when responding to your comments. I thought this is a new thread and traffic is sparce. From now on I will quote participants when I respond to comments as this triggers notification.🫒

[Dart]

Revisiting Peppermint and This Time With Spearmint Around

 

Peppermint has an intense minty aroma. It contains 40% of Menthol, a property where its medicinal value comes from. 

 

Spearmint like peppermint are eaten fresh or consumed as tea. It emits a sweeter taste. It has similar properties but milder than its cousin peppermint, its menthol content is only 1% in comparison. That explains why Spearmint is seldom made into topical oil.

 

 

[Ann_Onn]

I looked up Applemint (the leaf on the left in pic) since you didn’t mention it. It’s also sweet and mild like the spearmint. And I found a local hydroponic farm that grows and sells it. Am planning to visit and get one soon 😊

https://www.straitsagriculture.com/product-page/applemint

[shyc]

Interesting topics but unfortunately I am not a fan of mint taste. 
 

However someone shared with me Sawtooth Coriander or False Coriander, anyone any idea where I can get this? 

[Dart]

2 hours ago, Ann_Onn said:

I looked up Applemint (the leaf on the left in pic) since you didn’t mention it. It’s also sweet and mild like the spearmint. And I found a local hydroponic farm that grows and sells it. Am planning to visit and get one soon 😊

https://www.straitsagriculture.com/product-page/applemint

 

Oh yeah, tomorrow's Saturday so you can go shopping for your herb. Apple mint a.k.a. Wolly mint like other members of the mint family is a hardy plant. The fragrance may be faint, you need to crush the leaves to get the fragrance out and perhaps sprinkle them on your dishes. Do report back if the herb smells like apple 🍎😄

 

1 hour ago, shyc said:

Interesting topics but unfortunately I am not a fan of mint taste. 
 

However someone shared with me Sawtooth Coriander or False Coriander, anyone any idea where I can get this? 

 

I wish I could help. You can check with supermarkets where they regularly take in a lot of fresh herbs or in organic shops for the pungent and citrusy Sawtooth Coriander ya 🤔
 

[Dart]

P/S @Ann_Onn correcttion: Apple Mint a.k.a. Woolly Mint. It's a spelling mistake. My bad.

 

*************************************

 

Revisiting Mulberry

 

Mulberry leaf is taken in capsule / tablet or as in tea has multiple health benefits including lowering blood sugar (the white variety is a more studied choice), lowering blood cholesterol and anti inflaminatory effect.

 

Top: Red Mulberry 

Bottom: White Mulberry 😄

 

 

[Dart]

Lavender

 

Lavender flower and leaf are used as in tea and essential oil. It has a mild sedative effect and induces a restful sleep.

 

 

Edited May 29 by Dart

[Dart]

Vicks Plant

 

When was your last time you rubbed Vicks VapoRub onto your chest and inhaled its soothing sensation? 

 

Do you know the company actually uses the herb's name for its commercial product? 

 

Its scientific name is Plectranthus tomentosa. The herb is a succulent. The greenish gel in its thick, velvety and rounded leaves is responsible for the therapeutic menthol and champhor like aroma. The secretion treats the upper respiratory and repels mosquitoes and fleas.

[Dart]

38 minutes ago, Dart said:

Vicks Plant

 

When was your last time you rubbed Vicks VapoRub onto your chest and inhaled its soothing sensation? 

 

Do you know the company actually uses the herb's name for its commercial product? 

 

Its scientific name is Plectranthus tomentosa. The herb is a succulent. The greenish gel in its thick, velvety and rounded leaves is responsible for the therapeutic menthol and champhor like aroma. The secretion treats the upper respiratory and repels mosquitoes and fleas.

 

Vicks Plant (Plectranthus tomentosa) 👇 

 

 

[shyc]

2 hours ago, Dart said:

 

Vicks Plant (Plectranthus tomentosa) 👇 

 

 

Thx for this info. Didn’t know the name actually a plant. Always have a bottle on standby since young. Beside using for Sinuse issues, occasionally use it for headaches and migraines. When feeling sluggish, would sleep with it rubbed at the base of the foot and wear socks over them. Some old wife tale but somehow been doing for years 😛 

[Cube3]

TCM for Manhood - 锁阳！💪💪💪

[shyc]

7 hours ago, Cube3 said:

TCM for Manhood - 锁阳！💪💪💪

Where to get 🤭😜

[leckmich]

Tcm stores. Not tmc. Lol

[Dart]

18 hours ago, Cube3 said:

TCM for Manhood - 锁阳！💪💪💪

 

Is it Cynomorium songaricum, in TCM for erectile dysfunction and fertility?

 

Thank you for your introduction. They look like dicks,  don't they? 😄  I don't think the herb has a common English name, so let's just go by its scientific name. TCM by itself, has a massive range of herbs, a large number of which are not well documented or known internationally.

 

 

[Dart]

Herbs & Side Effects 🌿

 

The presumption that all herbs are natural therefore they don't carry side effects is incorrect. While some herbs don't carry side effects at all, others do to a varierty of degrees. Hence, double and triple check from reliable sources especially on exotic herbs before consuming or applying them.

 

Some traditional raw herbs sold openly in the market may be contaminated with heavy metals like lead and arsenic due to the location they were harvested. So it's safer to buy from reputable brand or from reputable seller. I'm sure the Singapore government is quite stringent in monitoring the safety of these products for public consumption!

 

[shyc]

7 hours ago, Dart said:

Is it Cynomorium songaricum, in TCM for erectile dysfunction and fertility?

Thank you for your introduction. They look like dicks,  don't they? 😄  …

 

Have similar tots when I googled them. 😂 as they say “You are what you eat“ 😜 

[Dart]

Makrut / Thai Lime Leaf

 

The Makrut Lime (Citrus hystrix) has some unique features of a two lobed leaf and a bumpy fruit. The leaf is more prized over the fruit for its highly aromatic and pungent flavour. It is usually used in culinary like in Tom Yam dishes to enhance its tangy flavour. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy and topically.

 

Makrut Lime possesses antioxidant property and aids in digestion. The intense, citrusy aroma has a calming effect on the nervous system.

 

In Penang Hokkien, it's called Thai Ko Kam (Leprosy lime) perhaps it's due to its fruit's appearance and cleansing property. The lime is popularly known as Kaffir Lime. A derogatory term for the wonderful herb the British borrowed from the muslims which is stuck and incorporated into English. Kaffir means Infidel referring to the popular practice of superstition using the herb.

 

 

 

Edited June 17 by Dart

[shyc]

Ah one of my fave herb, a little goes a long way. Unfortunately difficult to grow in HDB with limited sun. Super prone to infestation of caterpillars and larvae as they love the leaves as much as I do. Crush whole Kaffir leaves for milder taste and finely julienne for stronger aromatic flavour. Fruit is easily found in florist in the wet market especially Chinese and Indian as it's sort of ward off evils so tend to be sold with cut flowers. In my younger days, together with the 'cousin' the green lime, juices are squeeze and mixed with sugar syrup to entertain guests before the popularity of bottled or can drinks. Not sure if accurate but the cut fruit is also used to go over the wet hair after shower to get rid of dandruff. Also love the aroma after that. Sorry not sure of any scientific benefits but definitely know how aromatic, delicious in cooking. These days fresh leaves are washed, patted dry and frozen for later used. A very handy herbs to have in the freezer.

[Dart]

On 6/18/2026 at 4:13 AM, shyc said:

Ah one of my fave herb, a little goes a long way. Unfortunately difficult to grow in HDB with limited sun. Super prone to infestation of caterpillars and larvae as they love the leaves as much as I do. Crush whole Kaffir leaves for milder taste and finely julienne for stronger aromatic flavour. Fruit is easily found in florist in the wet market especially Chinese and Indian as it's sort of ward off evils so tend to be sold with cut flowers. In my younger days, together with the 'cousin' the green lime, juices are squeeze and mixed with sugar syrup to entertain guests before the popularity of bottled or can drinks. Not sure if accurate but the cut fruit is also used to go over the wet hair after shower to get rid of dandruff. Also love the aroma after that. Sorry not sure of any scientific benefits but definitely know how aromatic, delicious in cooking. These days fresh leaves are washed, patted dry and frozen for later used. A very handy herbs to have in the freezer.

 

 

I love the plant too. Yes, the plant is susceptible to pest. You must have grown it to tell this fact! I'm growing one in my apartment 😃 Spray with neem oil frequently help to curb the problem.The plant requires at least a few hours of direct sunlight to thrive but in a flat / apartment, the next best option is to place it in the bright balcony. The substrate must have good drainage and aeration. It's also a heavy feeder, so fertilise once every fortnight.

 

Makrut lime oil is effective and can remedy dandruff problem due to its antifungal property.
 

[shyc]

 

 

 

Some plants found on my walks in the park. Waiting for the expert to help identify 😉 🙏🏻 

[Dart]

On 7/4/2026 at 2:37 PM, shyc said:

 

 

 

Some plants found on my walks in the park. Waiting for the expert to help identify 😉 🙏🏻 

 

Hi there, are you referring to me? I'm no expert 😄

 

From the pictures (top to bottom), they look like:

* First picture Rosemary

* Picture 2 & 3 Mexican mint (a.k.a. Cuban Oregano a.k.a Indian Borage) with the variegated ones

* Bottom your favourite herb ~ Sawtooth Coriander 

 

Tear one leaf and smell to confirm.

 

Hey! Are you trying to test me? 😄

 

You can download these apps: PlantNet or PictureThis. I use them to identify plants I see and they're free 👍

 

[shyc]

@Dart 😜 🤭 just happened to spot them on my walks so thot I post for fun. No offence or intention to test anyone 😜   
someone else property 😝 I only stole some pictures even though I really would like to have the sawtooth 🤫 

Thanks for the apps info. Will try it out on my next walks

[Dart]

@shyc

 

You're welcome 😊 

 

I would identify the plant with one app and confirm it with the other whenever I stroll past the plants with no identification and nobody seems to know or the name tag is questionable. Technology is so smart and comes in handy.

 

Mexican Mint is one herbal plant I find to be undemanding and hardy too. Not to mention the benefits it bestows. I've got one lush pot with me.

 

Let's keep all the herbs coming, glad to know you're a herb enthusiast too. It's great & fun to learn through the exchange of knowledge and views from everyone 😉 🌿

Edited Tuesday at 02:12 PM by Dart
herlal to herbal

[Dart]

@shyc

 

P/S This is my pot of Mexican Mint a.k.a. Cuban Oregano a.k.a. Indian Borage 👇

 

Edited 11 hours ago by Dart

[shyc]

@Dart thanks, that’s a huge and beautiful plant. We used to have it in my younger days and I think we did had a few drinks from boiling the leaves in water. If memory didn’t fail me it’s for cough or sore throat. I don’t have much knowledge only some basic of those that friends gave or introduced. Mostly more for adding into cooking rather than knowing the health benefits, if any. Among those I had were turmeric, kaffir, pandan etc. Was gifted rosemary and basil but unfortunately didn’t have green fingers and died soon after. Now I have this purplish leaves creepers which was told good for kidney detox and a leafy one for diabetes. Will try to snap the leaves if any left. Not doing too well. 

[shyc]

Spiral ginger (Costus species) is traditionally used to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and manage blood sugar levels. (This I was told was to reduce blood sugar)

 

This seem more like Wondering Jew thou initially I thot it's Turtle Vine. (This almost pinkish purplish drink, I had drunk from an aunty who boiled them in water and told me it's meant to detox kidneys)

 

Disclaimer: Since I am not sure if I identified them correctly so don't take my word for it 😁😜

 

@Dart I find PictureThis more idiot proof and easier for folks like me who know close to little. Whereas PlantNet more comprehensive and a little more challenging to use as it asked more to verify. Isn't all bad as it helps make the identifying more accurate as we know many plants actually looks almost similar and if eating for health benefits the more accurate, the better.