Herb Library

Activated Carbon

Emergency poison treatment — adsorbs toxins in GI tract. Hospital use for drug overdose. Consumer use for gas/bloating (limited evidence). BINDS medications and nutrients — take 2+ hours apart. Black stool is normal. NOT for daily detox.

Pelargonium sidoides

A South African medicinal plant with clinical evidence for respiratory support, especially acute bronchitis.

Allium sativum + CoQ10 + Nattokinase

Triple cardiovascular formula — Aged Garlic + CoQ10 + Nattokinase. Addresses cholesterol, arterial flexibility, and blood viscosity simultaneously.

Vitex agnus-castus (40mg extract)

The clinically studied 40mg extract dose of Vitex — used in European phytomedicine for PMS, cycle regulation, and mastalgia. Specific to BNO 1095/Ze 440 extracts.

R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

A mitochondrial antioxidant that regenerates vitamins C and E. Used for diabetic neuropathy, blood sugar support, and liver protection. R-form is most bioactive.

Andrographis paniculata (standardized)

Standardized andrographolide extract — Swedish Kan Jang formula has most clinical evidence for reducing cold duration and severity. Contains 4-6% andrographolides. Take at first sign of symptoms for best results. Scandinavian cold remedy.

Andrographis paniculata (extract)

Standardized andrographolide extract — clinical evidence for reducing duration of upper respiratory infections. One of the strongest evidence-based immune herbs.

Arnica montana (cream)

Topical arnica cream/gel for bruises, sprains, and post-surgical swelling. EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Clinical evidence for bruising and osteoarthritis pain.

Arnica montana (gel)

Topical arnica in gel format — faster absorbing than cream. For bruises, sprains, and post-procedure swelling. EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Clinical evidence for bruising.

Withania somnifera (KSM-66)

The most clinically studied ashwagandha extract — full-spectrum root with 5% withanolides. 24+ gold-standard clinical trials for stress, sleep, and performance.

Withania somnifera (Sensoril)

Leaf AND root extract — higher withanolide content (10%) than KSM-66. More calming profile. Both forms are evidence-based but have different effects.

Bacopa monnieri (300mg)

Standard Bacopa capsule — 300mg standardized to 55% bacosides. Take WITH food to reduce GI upset. Needs 8-12 weeks for memory effects. The nootropic benchmark.

Bacopa monnieri (BacoMind/Synapsa)

Standardized bacopa extracts — multiple patented forms exist. BacoMind (9 bioactives), Synapsa/CDRI-08 (55% bacosides). Clinical evidence for memory in 8-12 weeks.

Vitamin B Complex (B1-B12)

All 8 B vitamins together — thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B5, B6, biotin, folate, B12. For energy, nervous system, mood, and methylation. Look for methylated forms (methylfolate, methylcobalamin) for MTHFR gene variants. Turns urine bright yellow (riboflavin — harmless).

Berberis vulgaris (500mg HCl)

Standard berberine HCl capsule — 500mg 2-3x daily with meals. The clinical dose that matches metformin in some blood sugar studies. The #1 natural metabolic supplement.

Berberis vulgaris (standardized)

Standardized berberine hydrochloride — the most studied form. 500mg 2-3x daily is the clinical dose for blood sugar and cholesterol support.

Berberine + Cinnamon + Gymnema

Triple metabolic formula — Berberine for insulin sensitivity, Ceylon Cinnamon for glucose transport, Gymnema to reduce sugar cravings.

Berberine hydrochloride (500mg)

Isolated alkaloid from multiple plants (Goldenseal, Oregon Grape, Barberry, Coptis). 500mg 2-3x daily matches metformin for blood sugar in some studies. Also antimicrobial and cholesterol-lowering. The "natural metformin."

Various fungal/yeast sources

Polysaccharides from mushrooms, yeast, or oats that modulate immune function. The most studied immune-modulating compounds from medicinal mushrooms.

Actaea racemosa (540mg)

Standard Black Cohosh capsule — for menopausal hot flashes. 540mg (or 40mg standardized extract) daily. Takes 4-8 weeks for effect. Monitor liver function.

Actaea racemosa (extract)

Standardized extract — the most studied form for menopausal hot flashes, night sweats, and mood support. Remifemin is the best-known brand.

Nigella sativa

Prophet Muhammad said it cures everything except death. Contains thymoquinone — anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial. One of the most researched traditional herbs with 1000+ studies.

Sambucus nigra (65:1 extract)

High-concentration elderberry extract (65:1 ratio). More potent than syrup form. Standardized for anthocyanins. Popular in clinical research.

Sambucus nigra (commercial syrup)

Commercially produced elderberry syrup — standardized, safe, and consistent. The most popular immune supplement in America. 1 tbsp daily for prevention, every 2-3 hours acute.

Piper nigrum (BioPerine)

Standardized 95% piperine extract — the universal bioenhancer. 5-10mg increases absorption of curcumin by 2000%, CoQ10, vitamins, and many supplements.

Nigella sativa (cold-pressed oil)

Cold-pressed Nigella sativa seed oil — the premium form delivering thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and thymol. 1-3 tsp daily. For inflammation, blood sugar, cholesterol, and immune support. Peppery/bitter taste. "The remedy for everything except death."

Camellia sinensis (fully oxidized)

Fully oxidized tea — highest caffeine of true teas. Contains theaflavins (unique to black tea). Studied for cardiovascular, gut, and cognitive health.

Boswellia serrata (400mg)

Standard Boswellia extract capsule — 400mg standardized to 65% boswellic acids. For joint comfort and inflammation. 400mg 3x daily. Takes 2-4 weeks for full effect.

Boswellia serrata (ApresFlex)

ApresFlex — 20% AKBA standardization with enhanced bioavailability. 100mg dose shown to be as effective as 250mg regular boswellia in clinical trials.

Bacopa monnieri (extract)

Standardized Bacopa extract (45-55% bacosides). The most clinically studied form for memory, learning, and cognitive function. Takes 8-12 weeks for full effect.

Ruscus aculeatus

A European herb with clinical evidence for chronic venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, and orthostatic hypotension. Contains ruscogenins.

Petasites hybridus (75mg PA-free)

PA-FREE butterbur extract — 75mg. For migraine prevention: 75mg 2x daily for 3+ months. ONLY use certified PA-free products (PAs are hepatotoxic and carcinogenic).

Scutellaria baicalensis

Major TCM anti-inflammatory — contains baicalin and wogonin. Used for heat conditions, respiratory infections, and liver protection. Different species from American Skullcap (S. lateriflora). Anti-viral and anti-bacterial.

Cinnamomum verum

True cinnamon — contains 0.004% coumarin (250x less than Cassia). Safe for daily supplementation without liver risk. For blood sugar support, antioxidant protection, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Multiple thin layers when rolled (vs single thick Cassia).

Syzygium aromaticum (essential oil)

Natural dental analgesic — 80-90% eugenol. Drop on cotton for toothache (FDA-approved active ingredient in OTC dental products). Also antimicrobial and antifungal. EXTERNAL USE ONLY (undiluted). Dilute for massage/aromatherapy.

Syzygium aromaticum (dental use)

Clove oil specifically for dental pain — eugenol is a natural anesthetic and antiseptic. Apply a tiny amount on cotton to the affected tooth. Temporary relief only.

Gadus morhua (oil)

Traditional vitamin A + D + omega-3 supplement — 1 tsp daily was the standard childhood supplement for generations. Rich in EPA/DHA plus fat-soluble vitamins.

Chicken sternum cartilage

Undenatured type II collagen from chicken cartilage — works through immune tolerance (not structural). 40mg daily shown to reduce joint discomfort.

Avena sativa (finely ground)

Ultra-fine ground oatmeal — FDA-approved skin protectant. Used for eczema, itching, sunburn, and sensitive skin. The basis of Aveeno products. Safe for all ages.

Symphytum officinale (root extract)

TOPICAL ONLY. Standardized comfrey root extract (Kytta-Salbe) has clinical evidence for acute back pain, sprains, and joint comfort. PA-free topical only.

Ubiquinone/Ubiquinol

A naturally occurring antioxidant critical for cellular energy production. Strong evidence for heart health, statin side effects, and energy. Not an herb but essential in herbal formularies.

Ubiquinone (100mg)

Standard CoQ10 capsule — 100-200mg daily with fat-containing meal. Essential for heart health and energy. If over 40, consider ubiquinol (reduced form) for better absorption.

Ubiquinol (reduced CoQ10)

Pre-reduced form of CoQ10 — 8x better absorbed than ubiquinone (oxidized form). Essential for mitochondrial energy. For heart health, statin side effects (muscle pain), migraines, and fertility. Everyone over 40 should consider it (natural production declines with age).

Vaccinium macrocarpon (500mg)

Standard cranberry concentrate capsule. For UTI prevention, look for products standardized to 36mg PACs (proanthocyanidins). Take daily for prevention.

Vaccinium macrocarpon + D-Mannose

The two most evidence-based UTI prevention ingredients combined. Cranberry PACs prevent adhesion + D-Mannose flushes E. coli. Daily for recurrent UTI prevention.

Vaccinium macrocarpon (extract)

Standardized cranberry extract for proanthocyanidins (PACs). More convenient than juice for UTI prevention. 36mg PAC daily is the studied dose.

Vaccinium macrocarpon (powder)

Freeze-dried whole cranberry powder — retains PACs, fiber, and vitamin C. No added sugar unlike juice. The most versatile cranberry supplement form.

Vaccinium macrocarpon (36mg PACs)

Standardized cranberry with 36mg proanthocyanidins (PACs) per dose — the clinical dose for UTI prevention. PACs prevent E. coli from adhering to bladder wall. Takes daily use for prevention (not treatment). 36mg PACs = 10 oz pure cranberry juice.