Species of plants

Rhodiola is a perennial flowering plant with traditional usage as an anti-fatigue agent and adaptogen compound. It has been used in traditional medicine for several disorders, notably including treatment of anxiety and depression.

Gentiana, commonly known as longdan in Chinese, has been an important medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine for more 2,000 years. It is available in many forms including an extract and tea and is named for its extreme bitter taste.

Snow lotus is a specialty and a rare herb mainly produced in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and neighboring regions, and is scattered above the snow at 4,800 to 5,800 meters above sea level. It generally grows in mountain rock crevices. Usually, only 5 percent of seeds can sprout.

Goji berry, also called wolfberry, is a bright orange-red berry that comes from China's native shrubs. Research shows that it can boost the immune system and brain activity, protect against heart disease and cancer, and improve life expectancy.

Highland barley, also known as qingke in Chinese, is the principal cereal cultivated on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and is rich in mineral elements. The plant is mainly used to make liquor, flour, bread, cakes and noodles. It is believed to help reduce cholesterol, improve digestion and prevent diabetes and altitude sickness

Dongchongxiacao, or Chinese caterpillar fungus, is classified as a medicinal mushroom, and its use has a long history as part of traditional Chinese medicine as well as traditional Tibetan medicine. The hand-collected, intact fungus-caterpillar body is valued by herbalists as medicine.

(China Daily 11/26/2019 page29)