There are some wonderful herbs and spices that nature has on offer. They are rich in nutrients, and can offer both culinary and medicinal uses. Today we will be listing herbs and spices that begin with the letter X.
Xanthophyllum adenotus
There is a plant known as Xanthophyllum adenotus, which belongs to the family Polygalaceae. The specific epithet adenotus comes from the Greek word for “gland,” and it refers to the glands that are found on the leaves.
The Xanthophyllum adenotus plant can either become a shrub or a tree, reaching heights of up to 15 meters (50 feet) and possessing trunk diameters of up to 25 centimeters (10 in).
The flowers open pinkish to pale violet and then darken to a dark scarlet once they have dried. The round fruits might be a light brown or reddish brown color, and their diameter can reach up to 1.8 centimeters (one inch).
Uses:
- The leaves of this plant can be used in Australian cooking.
- The leaves and bark of the tree can be used in decoctions.
Health benefits
- Blood sugar regulation: Due to its low glycemic index, the leaves of this herb can be used in decoctions to help regulate blood sugar.
- Prevents cancer: Xanthophyllum adenotus has a rich supply of antioxidants that can combat carcinogens and other free radicals that can cause cell mutations.
Where to buy Xanthophyllum adenotus?
Eden Botanicals and Garden Center are places to get this herb.
Xanthophyllum ellipticum
There is a plant known as Xanthophyllum ellipticum that belongs to the family Polygalaceae. In reference to the plant’s leaves, the specific epithet ellipticum comes from the Latin word elliptica, which means “elliptical.”
Xanthophyllum ellipticum can either develop into a shrub or a tree that can reach a height of up to 30 meters (100 feet) and have a trunk diameter of up to 40 centimeters (16 in). The smooth bark can be either gray or a rusty brown color.
The blooms bloom white or a very light yellow, but as they age they turn brown or dark orange. The round fruits are orange when they are first ripe but turn brown or even almost black as they dry. They have a diameter of up to 2.2 centimeters (one inch).
Uses:
- Xanthophyllum ellipticum leaves can be used in preparing soups and sauces.
- The dried form of the leaves can be used in herbal medicine.
Health benefits
- This plant is rich in carotenoids, which can promote good vision.
- Infusions of the leaves of this herb in warm water can be used to treat fevers.
- It also can be grinded into paste and used to treat skin issues such as sores and eczema.
Where to buy Xanthophyllum ellipticum.
Garden Center, Monterey Bay Center, and Annie’s Annuals and Perennials are places where you can get this herb.
Xanthophyllum ecarinatum
Xanthophyllum ecarinatum is a tree which is a member of the family Polygalaceae, The specific epithet ecarinatum derives from the Latin phrase “not keeled,” which refers to the fact that the petals of the flower do not arrange themselves in the shape of a boat (also known as a carina).
The Xanthophyllum ecarinatum tree can reach heights of up to 25 meters (80 feet), and its trunk can be up to 16 centimeters in diameter (6 in). The smooth bark is either a light gray or a brownish color.
When they are first opened, the blossoms have a white color. The edible fruits have an elliptical shape, range in color from orange to dark brown, and can be as long as 11 centimeters (four inches) in length.
Uses
- The fruits of this plant can be eaten as snacks.
- In some cultures, the leaves are used as herbal medicine.
Health benefits
- The leaves are rich in xanthophylls. Xanthophylls are pigments which are responsible for the colour of their leaves and flowers. These xanthophylls act as antioxidants, which can neutralize the actions of oxidative species that can cause damage to your body cells.
- Anti-cancer properties: Consuming extracts from Xanthophyllum ecarinatum, research has shown it is capable of hindering the growth and progression of cancer cells.
Where to buy Xanthophyllum ecarinatum
This herb can be purchased at these locations: Suraj Spices, Walmart, and Eden Botanicals.
Xanthostemon chrysanthus
The golden penda, also known as the first love, is a species of Xanthostemon tree that is indigenous to north-eastern Queensland in Australia. The bright yellow flowers make this a desirable plant for any garden.
While the wild Xanthostemon chrysanthus tree can reach heights of 33 to 49 feet, garden specimens are often much smaller. Both the bark and the habit are rough and bushy. The 7-22 cm in length and 2-9.5 cm in width of the elliptic, glossy green leaves are impressive. They spiral up the stalks in whorls.
The racemes, or flowerheads, can reach a diameter of 15 centimeters (5.9 inches) and can be either terminal or axillary. There are a ton of little golden flowers that make it up (each one is only a centimeter or two in diameter). After the flowers fade, tiny (1-1.5 cm) green or brown, woody capsules ripen between August and February. The appearance of flowers is not restricted to a specific season.
Uses
- The leaves of this plant are used in some cuisines to make salads.
- The stems and leaves can be used in traditional medicine
Health benefits
- Promotes good skin health: The leaves contain epigallocatechin gallate, which can protect the skin from the effects of ultraviolet rays and the risk of developing skin cancer.
- Prevents cancer: Another set of antioxidants, catechins, are present in teirleaves, which help to fight against cancer.
Where to buy
Eden’s Botanicals and Suraj Spices are places where you can get this herb.
Xanthostemon arenarius
Xanthostemon arenarius, a tree in the myrtle family Myrtaceae, is found only in the rainforests of far northeastern Queensland, Australia.
Commonly reaching heights of 5–6 m, this tree has been spotted as high as 20 m when it was an emergent. The bark is grey to greyish brown in color. Also, the bark is firm and plated. About 5–9 cm in length and 2–4.5 cm across, the leaves are arranged in a spiral.
The inflorescences are dense and yellow, appearing at the season’s conclusion. The flat seeds are between 4.25 and 6 mm in length and are contained in ovoid fruits that are around 10 to 14 mm in diameter.
Uses
- The fruits of this plant can be eaten as snacks.
- The leaves of this plant can be used in herbal medicine.
Health benefits
- It has decongestant properties that are useful for clearing up the respiratory tract of mucus and phlegm.
- It is rich in vitamin C, and as such is a great immunity booster, to help fight against infections.
Where to buy
Walmart and Suraj Spices are places to buy this herb.
Xanthostemon verdugonianus
Mangkono, often known as Philippine ironwood, is the common name for the plant species Xanthostemon verdugonianus. It is native only to the Philippines, specifically the islands of the Visayas, Palawan, and northern Mindanao. The dense wood it produces is highly prized for its longevity and weight. Loss of habitat poses a significant threat.
The tallest Mangkono was documented at 33 feet, although its widest was only 3.8 feet (1.2 meters) (10 m).
It has a very crooked main trunk and lots of side branches. In appearance, the bark is peeling and has a slaty white tint. The heartwood is a deep red to brown color, while the sapwood is a lighter red.
As far as Philippine hardwoods go, Xanthostemon verdugonianus is in a league of its own.
There is a width of around 5 centimeters (2.0 inches) and a length of about 8 centimeters (3.1 inches) for each leaf. The tops are a deep forest green, while the bottoms are a lighter, almost bluish green. Their surface seems soft and leathery to the touch. They’re straightforward and laid out in a staggered fashion.
Uses:
The Mangkono is famous for its hardwood, which can be used as timber.
Health benefits
- The leaves of this tree have aphrodisiac properties.
- It aids digestion. has properties that can ease the digestion of food. It can soothe the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Where to buy
Annie’s Annuals and Perennials, Walmart, and Etsy are places where you can purchase this herb.
Xerochrysum bracteatum
Strawflowers, or Xerochrysum bracteatum, are a type of golden everlasting that are endemic to Australia and belong to the daise family. In 1803, Étienne Pierre Ventenat described a plant that would later spend many years being classified as Helichrysum bracteatum until being moved to the new genus Xerochrysum in 1990.
It grows to a height of 1 m (3.3 ft) and has green or gray leaves throughout the year. These papery bracts, which mimic petals, are produced in clusters atop the flowers from spring through fall. This species can be found all over the country, from the outskirts of the rain forest to the deserts and subalpine regions.
The golden everlasting serves as food for numerous larvae of lepidopterans (butterflies and moths), while adult butterflies, hoverflies, native bees, small beetles, and grasshoppers visit the flower heads.
The plant is an erect perennial, or not frequently annual, herb that is simple or seldom branching at its base.
The green stems, which are thicker than those of other members of the genus, are rough and coated with fine hairs. The leaves can be described as lanceolate, elliptic, or oblong.
Health benefits
- The leaves have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce chronic inflammation and pain.
- This herb has antidepressant properties that are similar to the results from conventional medications.
Where to buy
You can purchase this herb at Publix, Monterey Bay and Annie’s Annuals and Perennials.
Xerosicyos danguyi
The flowering plant genus Xerosicyos belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. The words “dry” (xeros) and “sicyos” (spice) in Greek are the source of its name (“cucumber”). Three different species can only be found in Madagascar. The huge liana Xerosicyos danguyi has robust branches and spherical, gray succulent leaves.
The silver dollar vine is widely cultivated and has earned that name for good reason. Another liana species, Xerosicyos perrieri, can be recognized by its slender stems and diminutive, ovate, green, succulent leaves.
In contrast to its predecessor, Xerosicyos pubescens is a completely novel species. It spreads underground, creating a massive caudex from which vines with deciduous leaves can grow. The leaves, which are lobed and semi-succulent, wither and die back during the dry season and extended drought.
Uses
The leaves of this plant are used as spice.
Health benefits
- This herb helps to lower blood sugar: It does this by increasing insulin sensitivity in the body while reducing its resistance.
- Can provide better quality sleep: The tarragon plant contains active compounds with sedative and relaxing effects. They are quite natural, and provide better alternatives to sleep medications that can lead to depression and abuse.
Where to buy
Garden Center and Monterey Bay are places where you can buy this herb.
Ximenia americana
Ximenia americana is a bush-forming shrub/small tree belonging to the genus Ximenia and the family Olacaceae. It is also known as tallow wood, hog plum, yellow plum, sea lemon, and pi’ut (Chamorro). It is a 7-meter-tall tree that thrives in the tropical forests of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia (23 feet).
The leaves, which can be anything from spear-like to oval in shape, are carried on spur shoots. X. americana has tiny, fragrant blooms and fruit. Although most flowering and fruiting take place during the dry season, these processes can take place at any time of year regardless of weather.
The leaves are almond-shaped, bright green, and oval. Flowers typically have a subtle, muted hue. Colors of orange and lemon yellow dominate the fruit selection.
Health benefits
- Analgesic properties: Active compounds in Ximenia can help reduce pain, occupying pain receptors. This can prevent the nervous system from transmitting pain.
- Boosts immunity: Ximenia is rich in zinc. Zinc is one mineral that helps strengthen your immune system. In addition, peppers are rich in antioxidants and other chemicals with strong antimicrobial activity that can help your body fight infections and diseases.
Where to buy
Monterey Bay and Costco are places to purchase this herb.
Xi xin
Xi xin is the Chinese name for Chinese wild ginger. It is known botanically as Asarum splendens. It is a perennial herb that is propagated by rhizomes. The leaves are dark green, heart-shaped, and speckled with silver. It is native to China, as the name suggests.
The Asarum genus contains several low-growing herb species found in East Asia (China, Japan, and Vietnam), North America, and Europe. From a biological perspective, Asarum was first discovered in Asia.
They have small, axillary, brown or reddish blooms and distinctive kidney-shaped leaves that emerge from creeping rhizomes. Although the two are not closely related, the rhizome of wild ginger is commonly referred to as “wild ginger” because of its similarity in flavor and aroma to ginger root.
Uses:
- It is used in Chinese traditional medicine.
- It can also be used in cooking to add flavor to soups and sauces.
Health benefits
- The Chinese wild ginger is credited with having cancer-fighting properties. It can be used to hinder the growth of cancer cells.
- The ginger can be steeped in water to provide teas that can deal with cold and coughs.
Where to buy
Walmart and Annie’s Annuals and Perennials are places to buy the herb.
Xylocarpus granatum
The cannonball mangrove, cedar mangrove, or puzzlenut tree (Xylocarpus granatum) is a mangrove from the mahogany family (Meliaceae). The continents of Africa, Asia, Australasia, and the Pacific Islands all host populations.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has deemed this widespread mangrove species to be of “least concern” for the time being.
Uses:
- The fruits and bark of the mahogany are used in traditional medicine.
- The wood from the tree is used for making furniture.
- Tannins from the bark are used for strengthening rope and dying cloth.
Health benefits
- This herb has antimicrobial activity. Infusions of the leaves and bark are useful for fighting infections and diseases.
- Warm teas made from the leaves are effective at treating colds and coughs.
Where to buy
Xylocarpus granatum can be purchased at Walmart and WholeFoods Market.
Xylocarpus moluccensis
The tree genus Xylocarpus moluccensis belongs to the Meliaceae family. The Moluccas archipelago inspired its eponymous moniker.
The maximum height of a Xylocarpus moluccensis is 30 meters (100 feet), and its maximum trunk diameter is 70 cm (28 in). The blossoms are a delicate, pearly white. The diameter of these roundish fruits can reach up to 11 cm (4 in).
There are native populations of Xylocarpus moluccensis all the way from the Sundarbans in India and Bangladesh, via mainland Southeast Asia and Malesia, to the tropics of Australia. It lives in mangrove forests.
Uses
- It can be used as an ornamental plant for indoor and outdoor decor.
- The leaves and fruits can be used in herbal medicine.
Health benefits
- The fruits and leaves of Xylocarpus moluccensis have a rich supply of vitamin C. This makes it effective in boosting the immune system.
- It also has a rich supply of vitamin E which makes it useful in producing skin care products.
Where to buy
Edens Botanicals and LaBoite are places to purchase this herb.
Xylopia ferruginea
One of the plant species that belongs to the Annonaceae family is called Xylopia ferruginea. It is a deciduous tree that lives in forests and may grow to a height of up to 24.5 meters (80 feet) in height.
The Latin word “ferrugo,” which means “rust,” is where we get the word “ferruginea,” which refers to the rusty-colored hairs that are seen on the underside of the leaves.
Health benefits
- The leaves of Xylopia ferruginea are rich in anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are the pigments responsible for the unique color of their leaves. Anthocyanins are antioxidants that are effective at eliminating free radicals. Free radicals in the body can cause mutations in various cells in the body. This can lead to issues like cancer, inflammation, and chronic heart conditions.
- Promotes healthy heart: The antioxidants in this herb are effective at lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of stroke.
- Regulating blood sugar: The leaves of this herb are low on the glycemic index. This means that diabetic patients can take them without a risk of a spike in their blood sugar levels. In addition, this herb contains antioxidants that can reduce insulin resistance.
Where to buy Xylopia ferruginea?
This herb can be purchased at La Boite and Walmart.
Xylopia aethiopica
Xylopia aethiopica, a member of the Annonaceae family, is a 20-meter-tall evergreen tree with a pleasant scent. Its natural habitats are lowland rain forests and moist savanna fringe woodlands. Additionally, it is often referred to as negro pepper.
The dried fruits of X. aethiopica (grains of Selim) are used as a spice and an herbal medicine.
Africa’s tropical regions are home to Xylopia aethiopica. It can be found in jungles, especially those that are close to the water. It is a pioneer plant in dry savanna areas and thrives in riverine and bordering forests.
Uses
- It is used as a spice in flavouring soups and sauces.
- It is used in traditional medicine for treating infections and diseases.
Health benefits
- Infusions of this plant can be used in the treatment of dysentery and stomach cramps.
- A decoction of the leaves and roots can be used to treat fevers.
- The fruits are often incorporated in preparations for enemas and for external uses, where their revulsive properties can be put to good use for treating any painful area. They are also used in the treatment of boils and skin eruptions.
Where to buy Xylopia aethiopica
Xylopia aethiopica is a spice that you can get at these locations: Walmart and Etsy.
Xylopia malayana
Xylopia malayana is a tree that can reach heights of up to 39 meters, and its trunk can be as wide as 1.8 meters. It also has short buttresses and greyish-white bark. The leaf blades of its alternating, stalked leaves are 8.8-12.5 by 3. 8-5 cm and thinly leathery.
There are 8 pairs of veins on each leaf blade.
Long and fragrant (up to 2.4 cm), its blossoms bloom singly in the axils. The 3.8 mm long sepals are broad and egg-shaped. Each of its leathery, golden petals is dotted with tiny hairs.
Fruit is aggregated from several individual fruitlets at the apex of the flower stalk, and each flower generates one such fruit. When ripe, the fruitlets open up to reveal a red pulp and are around 27 mm in length. In certain cases, as many as six seeds might be found in a single fruitlet.
Uses:
- The leaves of these plants are used in decoctions.
- The leaves and bark can be infused in warm water to form herbal teas.
Health benefits
- The seeds of this plant are rich in compounds that can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Research shows that taking extracts from Xylopia malayana can greatly improve mood and reduce depression.
- Improves sleep: Extracts of rice plants are credited with improving sleep quality. Xylopia malayana contains active compounds that can help deal with insomnia and sleeplessness. The effects of this tàextract where similar to result from conventional medications.
Where to buy Xylopia malayana
Herbs and Spices, Walmart, and Etsy are places to get this herb.
Xylopia macrantha
One of the plant species that belongs to the Annonaceae family is called Xylopia macrantha. Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama are its three countries of origin. The huge blossoms that the plant produces inspired the botanists José Jerónimo Triana and Jules Émile Planchon to give it their names when they first properly identified the species.
The undersides of the leaves are rounded, and the points at the very end of the blades are sharp. The upper sides of the leaves do not have any hairs and are smooth and lustrous.
The undersides of the leaves are crimson, particularly around the midrib. The undersides of the leaves are covered with long, fine hairs that are laid down in a flat pattern. Its petioles measure between 3 and 4 millimeters in length.
Where to buy Xylopia macrantha
This herb can be purchased at these locations: Central Market and Publix.