Herbal Knowledge

Knowledge categories

All 4 Culture & Meaning 1 Materials & Craft 3

A young mugwort plant identified by the contributor as Artemisia argyi, growing in soil

Culture & Meaning

Mugwort at the Door: Plant Identity and Protective Traditions

A fragrant bundle and a small sachet can carry a wish for protection. Begin with the plant’s name, then choose a form that fits y... Updated Oct 23, 2026 Read article

A pale Panax ginseng root beside reddish-brown slices identified as red ginseng, separated by a dark green line.

Materials & Craft

Red Ginseng vs. White Ginseng: One Plant, Different Processing

Learn how red and white ginseng begin as the same Panax ginseng root, how steaming changes it, how traditional use differs, and w... Updated Oct 03, 2026 Read article

Pieces of agarwood displayed in a Shenzhen Museum exhibit, with a small vessel of darker wood at right.

Materials & Craft

Sandalwood vs. Agarwood: Different Trees, Different Fragrant Wood

See how Santalum heartwood differs from resin-rich agarwood, then use botanical names, material descriptions, and sourcing record... Updated Sep 17, 2026 Read article

Close-up of a rolled piece of cinnamon bark on a muted brown surface; species is not verified from the photo.

Materials & Craft

Ceylon Cinnamon vs. Cassia: Plants, Uses, and Safety

Learn which plants supply Ceylon cinnamon and cassia, how bark and labels offer clues, and why traditional uses, food seasoning, ... Updated Sep 17, 2026 Read article