Botanicals are materials of plant origin, often referred to as herbs.
Many are reputed to impart special benefits to the user. Often the plant is obscure to the food industry. The 60's saw the growth of herbal teas produced by many entrepreneurs. In the 90's the trend continues with rose petals used in a sorbet, kudzu blossoms added to jelly, or even an attempt to use mistletoe juice. A botanical is a medicine or preparation made from a plant.