Stevia is an herb native to South America.
The natives of South America have enjoyed the benefits of Stevia for centuries. The secret to Stevia's special quality is found in the complex compound Stevioside. The higher the percentage of steviosides, the more effective the extract. Although the herb is found growing wild, the most potent hybrids, the stevia plants richest in steviosides, are cultivated on plantations. The herbs are carefully nurtured and harvested at only certain times of the year.