Plant Name: Stevia

Latin Name: Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Hemsl

Family: Asteraceae

Aliases: Eupatorium rebaudianum, sweetleaf, honeyleaf and sugarleaf, and sweet  of Paraguay

Characteristic: 

The leaves of Stevia are a source of natural zero-calorie sweetener which is considered sweeter than sugar (sucrose)

Usage: 

It has been used in South and Central America , Japan and many other parts of the world as a sugar substitute and in the treatment of a number of health conditions for centuries. In 2008, FDA (The Food and Drug Administration) approved sweetener derived from the  stevia as safe for use in foods and beverages. The steviols glycosides are now used in herbal supplements, foods and beverages, and assweetening powders and syrups. Unlike other sweeteners, Stevia can be used in baking and cookingand its lesser amount is ample.