Guides

Same Name, Different Plants

Herbs sold under the same name are not always the same species, while EMA assessments refer to a specific species. Looking for the Latin name on the label is the most reliable way to get the herb whose effects and safety were assessed.

Updated: October 15, 2026

Why it matters

Information about a herb applies to a specific species and plant part. Another species may contain different substances and have a different effect and safety profile.

Common mix-ups

  • "Kantaron" in Turkish: St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) interacts seriously with many medicines; centaury (Centaurium erythraea) is a bitter herb used for indigestion
  • Thyme: the EMA assessment covers Thymus vulgaris and T. zygis; in Turkey "kekik" is often Origanum or Thymbra
  • Sage: the EMA assessment covers common sage (Salvia officinalis); Greek sage, common in Turkey, is Salvia fruticosa
  • Cinnamon: the EMA assessment covers Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum); cassia (C. cassia), common in shops, is different
  • Ginseng: Korean ginseng is Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng is Eleutherococcus senticosus; they are separate plants, assessed separately
  • Passion flower: the assessment covers Passiflora incarnata herb; Passiflora edulis, grown for its fruit, is different
  • Plantain: ribwort (Plantago lanceolata) and broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) are separate species
  • Elder: the assessment covers dried flowers; berries, leaves and bark are outside it

What to do

  • Look for the Latin name and plant part (leaf, flower, root) on the label
  • Every Herbadex herb card shows the Latin name under its title; compare it with the product
  • If unsure, ask your pharmacist

Frequently asked questions

Is St John's wort the same as centaury?

No. St John's wort is Hypericum perforatum; centaury is Centaurium erythraea. St John's wort has serious drug interactions.

What is the thyme sold in Turkish markets?

Often Origanum or Thymbra species. The EMA assessment covers Thymus vulgaris and T. zygis.

How do I know I have the right herb?

Check the Latin name and plant part on the label and compare it with the Herbadex card.

Sources

  1. Community herbal monograph on Thymus vulgaris L. and Thymus zygis L., herbaEMA HMPC · 2013
  2. European Union herbal monograph on Salvia officinalis L., folium – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2016
  3. Community herbal monograph on Passiflora incarnata L., herbaEMA HMPC · 2014
  4. European Union herbal monograph on Sambucus nigra L., flos – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2018
  5. European Union herbal monograph on Plantaginis lanceolatae folium – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2025
  6. Community herbal monograph on Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Maxim., radixEMA HMPC · 2014
  7. Community herbal monograph on Cinnamomum verum J.S. Presl, cortexEMA HMPC · 2011
  8. European Union herbal monograph on Hypericum perforatum L., herba – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2022
  9. European Union herbal monograph on Panax ginseng C.A.Mey., radix – Revision 1EMA HMPC · 2024
  10. European Union herbal monograph on Centaurium erythraea Rafn s.l., herbaEMA HMPC · 2015

Next guide in series

Buying and Storing Herbs Safely at Home →

Species mix-ups, moisture, mould and volatile oil loss in loose herbs: how to check Latin names, spot quality issues and store dried herbs safely at home.

Related herbs

Thyme – Dried Herb & Tea
⚠ Avoid in pregnancy

Thyme

T Traditional use

Thymus vulgaris, Thymus zygis

Thyme tea is traditionally used for chesty (productive) cough that comes with a cold. The EMA assessment covers Thymus species.

Respiratory, Throat & Mouth

Dried Herb & Tea

Centaury – Dried Herb & Tea
⚠ Avoid in pregnancy

Centaury

T Traditional use

Centaurium erythraea

Centaury herb tea is traditionally used for mild indigestion and temporary loss of appetite; do not confuse it with St John's wort.

Digestion

Dried Herb & Tea

Korean Ginseng – Dried Herb & Tea
⚠ Avoid in pregnancy

Korean Ginseng

T Traditional use

Panax ginseng

Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) root is traditionally used for symptoms of weakness such as fatigue; use it for no more than 3 months.

Energy & Focus

Dried Herb & Tea

Elderflower – Dried Herb & Tea
⚠ Avoid in pregnancy

Elderflower

T Traditional use

Sambucus nigra

Elderflower tea is traditionally used to relieve early symptoms of the common cold. The assessment covers the flowers only.

Immunity

Dried Herb & Tea

Eleuthero – Dried Herb & Tea
⚠ Avoid in pregnancy

Eleuthero

T Traditional use

Eleutherococcus senticosus

Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) root is traditionally used for symptoms of weakness such as fatigue; do not use it for more than 2 months.

Energy & Focus

Dried Herb & Tea

Cinnamon – Spice
⚠ Avoid in pregnancy

Cinnamon

T Traditional use

Cinnamomum verum

Ceylon cinnamon bark tea is traditionally used for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and wind, and for mild diarrhoea.

Digestion

Spice