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<h2>Understanding the Need for Change</h2>Plant names tell stories of history, culture, and science, but sometimes these names carry harmful legacies. Many plants in our gardens still bear names rooted in colonialism, racism, or cultural insensitivity. Renaming these <a data-mce-href="http://www.indigitea.com/dogblood" href="http://www.indigitea.com/dogblood" target="_blank" rel="noopener">plants</a> is about more than semantics—it's about fostering a shared respect for nature and the communities that cherish it.In addition to promoting inclusivity, learning about the medicinal properties of these plants helps deepen our connection to them and their histories. In Part 1, we explore four plants with problematic names, their new identities, and their medicinal benefits.<figure id="figure-h7y24sdmdtm4q1di96"><img id="h7y24sdmdtm4q1di96" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2162396675/photo/friends-trip-outdoor-and-portrait-with-coffee-travel-adventure-and-picnic-outside-tourist.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=FgZzFhA4ad-TQ-udDITf0ePtSloV0iO6R4Dv9OwmgM4=" alt="Friends trip, outdoor and portrait with coffee, travel adventure and picnic outside. Tourist group, espresso cup and happy people in countryside with food basket, college break and vacation" title="Friends trip, outdoor and portrait with coffee, travel adventure and picnic outside. Tourist group, espresso cup and happy people in countryside with food basket, college break and vacation" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2162396675/photo/friends-trip-outdoor-and-portrait-with-coffee-travel-adventure-and-picnic-outside-tourist.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=FgZzFhA4ad-TQ-udDITf0ePtSloV0iO6R4Dv9OwmgM4=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>4 Renamed Plants, Their Histories, and Their Healing Properties</h2>1. ICE PLANT (formerly Hottentot Fig)<ul><li>Problematic Name: “Hottentot” is a derogatory term for the Khoikhoi people of South Africa. The term "Hottentot" comes from the clicks used in the Khoisan language to denote consonants. The clicks were unfamiliar to European ears, so the first Dutch to encounter the Khoisan people called them "Hottentots," which means "stutterers".</li><li>New Name: Ice Plant or Cape Fig.</li><li>Medicinal Use: Ice Plant is celebrated for its cooling properties and ability to <a data-mce-href="http://www.indigitea.com/vervain" href="http://www.indigitea.com/vervain" target="_blank" rel="noopener">soothe</a> sunburns and minor wounds when its gel-like interior is applied topically.</li></ul><figure id="figure-u8jku3x68m4q1dnq2"><img id="u8jku3x68m4q1dnq2" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/984116956/photo/plants-and-flowers-of-hottentot-fig-on-sand-beach-in-italy.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=vQ2PVitSaxIEL6iX2YBnkcwWAIZ8YCrsvGiYrRAL08w=" alt="Plants and flowers of Ice plant formerly known as Hottentot fig of south africa." title="Plants and flowers of Ice plant formerly known as Hottentot fig of south africa." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Ice Plant or Cape Fig" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/984116956/photo/plants-and-flowers-of-hottentot-fig-on-sand-beach-in-italy.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=vQ2PVitSaxIEL6iX2YBnkcwWAIZ8YCrsvGiYrRAL08w=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Ice Plant or Cape Fig</figcaption></figure>2. GRASS TREE (formerly Black Boy Plant)<ul style=""><li>Problematic Name: The plant was called the "black boy" because white settlers thought it resembled a small Black boy holding a spear.</li><li>New Name: Grass Tree.</li><li><strong style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Medicinal Use:<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"> Aboriginal communities have long used the resin from Grass Trees for wound care and as an adhesive in tools and weaponry.<figure id="figure-vrgukuyieqm4q2cc08"><img id="vrgukuyieqm4q2cc08" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" title="Grass trees (Xanthorrhoea) of Australia" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1173053810/photo/grass-trees.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=9Tl5qCp50lm-6TGlAsAE1Xm3QC1aZFkQTuPOxMI82k4=" alt="Grass trees (Xanthorrhoea) of Australia" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Grass Tree" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1173053810/photo/grass-trees.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=9Tl5qCp50lm-6TGlAsAE1Xm3QC1aZFkQTuPOxMI82k4=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Grass Tree <strong style="color: #111827; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="color: #111827; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><strong style="color: #111827; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="color: #111827; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"> 3. GRAY PINE (formerly Digger Pine)<figure id="figure-z05zfe307pm4q2g543" class=""><img id="z05zfe307pm4q2g543" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" title="Gray pine branch" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/623742030/photo/jack-pine-branch.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=c3mSTEgnqnqRS0gxnSIRlP-q7lBaSUe2sSYo_ZTII58=" alt="Gray pine branch" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Pinus sabiniana “Gray Pine”" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/623742030/photo/jack-pine-branch.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=c3mSTEgnqnqRS0gxnSIRlP-q7lBaSUe2sSYo_ZTII58=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Pinus sabiniana “Gray Pine” <ul style="list-style-type: circle;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: circle;"><li id="figure-8r3akg7v3vm4q2rkh4"><span style="color: #111827; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="color: #111827; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Problematic Name: “Digger” was a derogatory term used for Native American tribes in California. The name supposedly came from the observation that the Paiute foraged for its seeds by digging around the base of the tree, although it is more likely that the term was first applied to the people; "Digger Indians" was in common use in California literature from the 1800s.</li><li><span style="color: #111827; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="color: #111827; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="color: #111827; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="color: #111827; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Medicinal Use: Native Americans used the seeds and bark of the Gray Pine to create poultices for <a data-mce-href="http://www.indigitea.com/vervain" href="http://www.indigitea.com/vervain" target="_blank" rel="noopener">treating wounds and burns</a>. The young cones are roasted, and after about twenty minutes in the hot ash they produce a dark-hued syrup that is used as a <a data-mce-href="http://www.indigitea.com/guineahenweed" href="http://www.indigitea.com/guineahenweed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">medicine</a>. The syrup or pitch is used to relieve rheumatism, and the burned tinder can be applied to spider bites.<figure id="figure-qar5ea16ngm4q3sgob"><img id="qar5ea16ngm4q3sgob" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" title="" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12wpSlHZKcf653GfOpPVbNQfZ0lsV3BccbY2kxMWgcsiM8Tni7Y49osugLOX94H6.jpg" alt="" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="The gray pine is also known by other names, including: ghost pine, grayleaf pine, and towani pine." data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12wpSlHZKcf653GfOpPVbNQfZ0lsV3BccbY2kxMWgcsiM8Tni7Y49osugLOX94H6.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">The gray pine is also known by other names, including: ghost pine, grayleaf pine, and towani pine.</figcaption></figure> </li></ul></figcaption><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2"> 4. BUSH LILY (formerly Kaffir Lily)<figure id="figure-p92alwa1qm4q3izla"><img id="p92alwa1qm4q3izla" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" title="Clivia miniata, the Natal lily or Bush lily. Close up of flower Clivia miniata" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1693762060/photo/clivia-miniata-the-natal-lily-or-bush-lily-close-up-of-flower-clivia-miniata.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=svdYnugWlrzy4yEKAjiqjvPbAe8fybWs08YHtIDz0bs=" alt="Clivia miniata, the Natal lily or Bush lily. Close up of flower Clivia miniata" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Clivia miniata, the Natal lily or Bush lily." data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1693762060/photo/clivia-miniata-the-natal-lily-or-bush-lily-close-up-of-flower-clivia-miniata.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=svdYnugWlrzy4yEKAjiqjvPbAe8fybWs08YHtIDz0bs=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Clivia miniata, the Natal lily or Bush lily. We believe language should nurture—not negate. After learning the colonial roots of the term "Kaffir" (a historically offensive slur in Southern Africa), we've adopted "Bush Lily" to celebrate this radiant plant while honoring global communities. &nbsp; <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle,normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle,normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"> "Kaffir" carries painful baggage – Derived from apartheid-era oppression, we reject language tied to dehumanization. &nbsp;<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle,normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle,normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Nature deserves respectful names, "Bush Lily" reflects the plant's essence without harm. &nbsp; Botany is evolving. &nbsp;Like many gardens removing "master branch" for "main branch," we're growing too. &nbsp;We invite you to share this intentional shift. Together, we can cultivate a more inclusive herbal lexicon. &nbsp;Words root us in history—let's plant better ones."<h2 id="figure-o1gx0jx5qqm99957eh"><img id="o1gx0jx5qqm99957eh" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" title="Aerial view of different types of tea, with leaves in some" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/181895476/photo/aerial-view-of-different-types-of-tea-with-leaves-in-some.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=75uLNEqYv81IwOgFIrDfxn1O4i2czbr_TNATNJPUYTo=" alt="Aerial view of different types of tea, with leaves in some" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/181895476/photo/aerial-view-of-different-types-of-tea-with-leaves-in-some.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=75uLNEqYv81IwOgFIrDfxn1O4i2czbr_TNATNJPUYTo=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><span style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(35px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); color: #111827; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(35px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); color: #111827; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Moving Forward</h2><figure><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); color: #111827; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); color: #111827; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">The movement to rename plants for inclusivity is ongoing. It requires continued effort and engagement from all sectors of society. Botanists, educators, gardeners, and enthusiasts alike have a role to play in supporting this initiative by staying informed and advocating for inclusive practices. <span style="color: #111827; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="color: #111827; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="color: #111827; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="color: #111827; font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">As we move forward, it is crucial to remember that language is a powerful tool that shapes our perceptions and interactions. By choosing words carefully and thoughtfully, we can create a more inclusive world for everyone.&nbsp; 🌿Sipping consciously,Janine</figure><figure><figure id="figure-9hrp7wl1mbm99ahm1g" class=""><img id="9hrp7wl1mbm99ahm1g" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" title="Two women holding teacups" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1318877797/photo/two-women-holding-teacups.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=UNNAFGJcCOya_w99k_Q3iQNG2Yt3FazkqiEOGtKf8MM=" alt="Two women holding teacups" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1318877797/photo/two-women-holding-teacups.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=UNNAFGJcCOya_w99k_Q3iQNG2Yt3FazkqiEOGtKf8MM=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"> </figure>Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.</figure></figcaption></figure></figcaption></figure></figcaption></figure></li></ul>

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Special Edition Teas

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Tea Bags vs. Loose Leaf Tea: Identifying True Quality vs....

4 Problematic Plant Names and the Importance of Renaming ...

Reckoning with Racist Roots: The Movement to Rename Probl...