Herb Library

Crataegus monogyna

A premier cardiovascular herb with extensive research supporting its use for heart health and circulation.

Crataegus monogyna

The berry specifically — rich in OPCs and flavonoids. The most studied form of hawthorn for cardiovascular support and blood pressure.

Crataegus monogyna (450mg)

Standard hawthorn berry capsule. The convenient daily cardiovascular tonic format. 450mg 2-3x daily. Safe for long-term use. Works best over months.

Crataegus monogyna (extract)

Standardized hawthorn extract (WS 1442 or LI 132) — 18-20% OPCs. The most clinically studied form for heart failure support and cardiovascular health.

Crataegus monogyna (leaf + flower)

Hawthorn leaves and flowers — different OPC profile than berries. Used as tea in European traditions. The leaf+flower+berry combination provides the broadest cardiovascular support.

Crataegus monogyna (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted hawthorn — whole berry, leaf, and flower combined. 30-60 drops 2-3x daily. The most comprehensive hawthorn preparation for cardiovascular support.

Chamomile + Passionflower + Valerian + Lavender

Classic sleep tea blend — the four most popular sleep herbs combined. Take 30-60 minutes before bed. The ritual of making tea contributes to the calming effect.

Hibiscus sabdariffa (cold brew)

Cold-brewed hibiscus — retains more anthocyanins than hot-brewed. The preferred preparation for blood pressure support (3+ cups daily in studies). Delicious over ice.

Hibiscus sabdariffa (tea)

The ruby-red flower tea enjoyed worldwide — Mexican Agua de Jamaica, West African Bissap, Egyptian Karkade. Clinical evidence for blood pressure support (3 cups/day).

Apis mellifera (raw)

Raw unprocessed honey — contains enzymes, propolis, pollen, and hydrogen peroxide generation. The world's oldest wound dressing. Cough suppressant equal to dextromethorphan.

Aesculus hippocastanum (300mg)

Standard horse chestnut extract capsule — 300mg providing 50mg aescin. For chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Clinical evidence comparable to compression stockings.

Aesculus hippocastanum (extract)

Standardized to 16-20% aescin. Clinical evidence comparable to compression stockings for CVI. The most studied herbal vein supplement.

Astragalus membranaceus

Premier TCM immune tonic — builds Wei Qi (defensive energy). For chronic fatigue, frequent colds, and recovery from illness. TONIC herb — take between illnesses, NOT during acute infections. Sliced root simmered in soups.

Astragalus membranaceus (standardized)

Standardized Astragalus extract — typically standardized to astragaloside IV and polysaccharides. The supplement form of Huang Qi. For immune support, telomere health (TA-65 contains cycloastragenol), and cardiovascular protection. Take between illnesses.

Ferrous bisglycinate

The gentlest form of supplemental iron — chelated for better absorption and fewer GI side effects. Often recommended alongside iron-rich herbs.

Iron bisglycinate + Ascorbic acid

Chelated iron with vitamin C — the gold standard iron supplement. Vitamin C increases iron absorption by 67%. Bisglycinate form minimizes GI upset. Take on empty stomach.

Plantago ovata

The husk of psyllium seeds — the most used bulk-forming fiber supplement worldwide. FDA-approved for cholesterol reduction and regularity.

Hedera helix

A European respiratory herb — ivy leaf extract is one of the most well-studied and widely prescribed herbal cough remedies in Germany. Contains hederasaponins.

Hedera helix (extract)

The most prescribed herbal cough remedy in Germany (Prospan/EA 575). Clinical evidence for acute bronchitis, productive cough, and COPD. Safe for children.

Lonicera japonica

TCM heat-clearing and detoxifying herb — #1 herb for external wind-heat (sore throat, fever, rash). For all hot, toxic conditions: infections, skin rashes, and dysentery. Contains chlorogenic acid. Shuang Huang Lian (with Forsythia) is hugely popular in China.

Piper methysticum

A Pacific Island herb traditionally used for relaxation and social ceremonies. Effective for stress and tension but with important liver safety concerns.

Piper methysticum (250mg)

Standard kava extract capsule — 250mg standardized to 30% kavalactones. For anxiety support. Use ONLY noble kava root extracts. Monitor liver. Max 3 months continuous.

Piper methysticum (extract)

Standardized to 30-70% kavalactones. Clinical evidence for anxiety comparable to benzodiazepines. Use ONLY noble kava root extract. Monitor liver.

Piper methysticum (traditional prep)

Traditional Pacific Island preparation — root pounded and soaked in water (NOT alcohol extract). The traditional water preparation has 3000+ years of safe use in Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa. Noble cultivars only. Hepatotoxicity linked to non-noble/non-root parts.

Piper methysticum (tea)

Traditional Polynesian kava preparation — root pounded and strained in water. Produces numbness of mouth (normal). Used for social ceremony, anxiety, and relaxation.

Lavandula angustifolia (80mg)

Oral lavender oil capsule (Silexan/CalmAid) — 80mg. Clinical evidence for generalized anxiety comparable to lorazepam. The most studied oral lavender preparation.

Lavandula angustifolia (oil)

The most versatile and safest essential oil. Used for anxiety, sleep, burns, skin healing, and headaches. One of the few oils safe for occasional neat (undiluted) spot use.

Citrus limon + Zingiber officinale (tea)

The universal wellness tea — fresh ginger and lemon in hot water with honey. For digestion, nausea, immune support, and daily alkalizing. The simplest effective herbal tea.

L-Glutamine (amino acid)

Most abundant amino acid — fuel for intestinal cells and immune cells. For leaky gut, IBS, post-exercise recovery, and sugar cravings. 5-10g daily for gut repair. Powder dissolves easily. The #1 supplement for intestinal permeability.

Forsythia suspensa

TCM heat-clearing herb — partner of Jin Yin Hua in Yin Qiao San (Silver-Forsythia Powder), Chinas most used cold formula. For early-stage wind-heat: sore throat, fever, and headache. Contains forsythin (antiviral). Take at FIRST sign of cold for best results.

Milk Thistle + Dandelion + Artichoke + NAC

Comprehensive liver formula — Silymarin for protection, Dandelion for bile flow, Artichoke for fat metabolism, NAC for glutathione. The most complete liver support.

Camellia sinensis (amino acid)

An amino acid unique to tea (especially green tea). Promotes calm, focused alertness without drowsiness. Increases alpha brain waves. Synergizes with caffeine.

Tagetes erecta (FloraGLO)

Standardized free-form lutein from marigold — the form used in AREDS2 study. 10-20mg daily for macular health and blue light protection.

Lutein/Zeaxanthin (10mg/2mg)

Macular pigment carotenoids — filter blue light and protect against age-related macular degeneration. AREDS2 formula includes 10mg lutein + 2mg zeaxanthin. From marigold (Tagetes) flower extract. Takes 6+ months to build macular pigment density.

Catharanthus roseus

Toxic herb used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, and acute lymphocytic leukemia. Source of vincristine and vinblastine.

Magnesium citrate

Well-absorbed magnesium form — slightly laxative which is beneficial for constipation. The form in "Natural Calm" powder. 200-400mg daily.

Magnesium bisglycinate

The gentlest, most bioavailable form of magnesium — chelated to glycine. Used for sleep, muscle relaxation, anxiety, and migraine prevention. Does not cause diarrhea.

Centella asiatica

Ayurvedic Medhya Rasayana — the Ayurvedic name for Gotu Kola. For meditation support, wound healing, and cognitive enhancement. "Brahmi" in some Ayurvedic texts (naming is confused with Bacopa). Sattvic herb that balances all three doshas.

Leptospermum scoparium

Source of Manuka honey — the most antibacterial honey known (MGO/UMF ratings). For wound healing, MRSA, H. pylori, and sore throats. Essential oil is antimicrobial. New Zealand endemic — unique methylglyoxal activity.

Leptospermum scoparium

Honey from New Zealand Manuka tree flowers — contains methylglyoxal (MGO) with proven antimicrobial properties. Used for wound healing and digestive health.

Leptospermum scoparium (UMF 15+)

UMF 15+ (or MGO 514+) medical-grade Manuka honey. Proven wound-healing properties. FDA-cleared Medihoney used in hospitals. The gold standard of medicinal honeys.

Calendula officinalis

Premier wound-healing herb — for cuts, burns, diaper rash, and radiation dermatitis. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and lymphatic. Calendula cream/salve is a medicine cabinet essential. Internal use for GI inflammation and menstrual cramps.

Camellia sinensis (shade-grown powder)

Shade-grown, stone-ground green tea powder. Higher in L-theanine, EGCG, and caffeine than regular green tea. Provides calm, focused energy.

Camellia sinensis (ceremonial grade)

Ceremonial-grade matcha whisked with warm milk — the modern wellness café staple. Higher L-theanine than culinary grade. Calm, focused energy.

Camellia sinensis (blended)

Matcha blended with banana, spinach, and plant milk — combines L-theanine calm focus with smoothie nutrition. The fitness-friendly matcha format.

Carbo vegetabilis

Highly porous carbon used for acute poisoning (ER use) and digestive gas/bloating. ABSORBS medications — never take with other supplements or drugs.

N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine

Not an herb but a natural hormone the body produces at night. Supplemental melatonin resets circadian rhythm. 0.5-3mg is often more effective than higher doses.

Melatonin (gummy)

Melatonin in gummy format — the most popular sleep supplement form. LESS IS MORE with melatonin (0.5-3mg often better than 5-10mg). Take 30 min before bed.