Spirulina commonly refers to Arthrospira platensis, a blue-green photosynthetic microorganism traditionally grouped with algae and used as a dried nutrient-dense food material. It grows in alkaline aquatic environments and is harvested, dried, and used as the whole biomass in powders, tablets, and blended preparations.
Although it is not a true herb in the botanical garden sense, spirulina is often included on herbal and wellness sites because it is used in a plant-like, food-based way. Modern use centers more on powders and supplements than on teas or old apothecary preparations.
