Ingredient Glossary (Starter): Key Actives and What They Do
Herbal ingredient lists can feel overwhelming if you're new to natural wellness. What exactly is "Matricaria chamomilla"? Why do some products list the same herb under different names? This glossary explains the key botanicals you'll find in Merivida products, in straightforward language.
🌸 Calming and Relaxation Herbs
🌼 Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
The classic calming herb, chamomile is like a gentle hug in plant form. The flowers contain compounds called apigenin and bisabolol that help promote relaxation.
💜 Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Famous for its distinctive scent, lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, compounds that have been studied for their calming effects. We use true lavender (angustifolia).
🌶️ Digestive Support Herbs
🔥 Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
The warming spice that's excellent for digestive comfort. Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols, compounds that support healthy digestion and add a pleasant warming sensation.
🌿 Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Cooling and refreshing, peppermint contains menthol that creates that familiar tingly sensation. It's traditionally used to support comfortable digestion.
🛡️ Immune and Seasonal Support
🌺 Elderflower (Sambucus canadensis)
The delicate flowers of the elder tree, elderflower has a lovely floral taste and is traditionally used during seasonal changes. We use organically grown elderflowers.
✨ Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
The golden spice that contains curcumin, a compound that gives turmeric its distinctive colour. We use organic turmeric root powder and often combine it with black pepper.
⚗️ Understanding Extraction Methods
You might see different forms of the same herb in our products. Here's what the common terms mean:
Whole Herb
The entire plant part, minimally processed
Extract
Concentrated using water, alcohol, or other methods
Standardised Extract
Concentrated to contain specific levels of active compounds
Essential Oil
Steam-distilled aromatic compounds (used sparingly)
📖 Reading Our Ingredient Lists
When you see an ingredient like "Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract 4:1," here's how to decode it:
Ashwagandha
Common name
Withania somnifera
Scientific name (exact species)
Root
Part of plant used
4:1 Extract
4 parts herb = 1 part extract
Educational Purpose Only
This glossary is for educational purposes only. Food supplements are not medicines and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult healthcare professionals if you have specific health concerns or are taking medications.
Want to Learn More About Specific Ingredients?
Check our detailed ingredients page or reach out with questions—we love talking about herbs!