The coffee plant belongs to the botanical family we call Rubiaceae. This family is also known as the madder family and contains plants you may know including Geranium, Kratom and Cleavers (the latter taking its common name from its pesky ability to literally cleave to your clothing. Known for its high nutritional content and chlorophyl agents). When plants belong in the same botanical family it means that they share similar reproductive characteristics and have developed  together evolutionarily.

This plant species is endemic to Southern Africa and South America and tends to grow in the understory of large forested tropical areas. The coffee plant is famous for its alkaloid content of caffeine, but the madder family also is responsible for the plant alkaloid quinine. Quinine is a strong anti parasitic that has been widely used for outbreaks such as malaria and was used in South America for generations before the western “discovery” of quinine in the 1600-1800’s. Isn’t that fun to learn?

There is so much to discover in regards to the medicinal qualities of plants and it doesn’t MADDER where you start, but the madder family could be a good jumping point. Coffee beans and fruit have medicinal effects like their ability to relieve fatigue or alleviating menstrual cramps and headaches. Did you know the coffee plants leafs are a strong anti-inflammatory and is showing to have effects on insulin and cholesterol levels?

Plants are medicine and have so much to teach us. We have evolved side by side, so why would it be of any surprise that they can help us in a plethora of ways? We love plants!

I hope this inspires you to take a deeper look at the relationship between plant families and their affects and aid in human existence. Start with the plants you love, like coffee, to inspire and connect you to the natural world you are all intrinsically a part of.