Herb Library

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.

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.

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.

Lavandula angustifolia (80mg)

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

Glycyrrhiza glabra (deglycyrrhizinated)

Licorice with glycyrrhizin removed — eliminates the blood pressure and potassium concerns. Used specifically for digestive ulcers and heartburn. SAFE long-term.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Silybum marianum (175mg capsule)

Standard milk thistle capsule — 175mg extract (140mg silymarin at 80% standardization). Take 3x daily with meals for liver support. The most common supplement format.

Silybum marianum (80% extract)

The gold standard liver herb — 80% silymarin standardization. Used in European hospitals for mushroom poisoning. 140mg 3x daily is the clinical dose.

Silybum marianum (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted milk thistle — silymarin is partially alcohol-soluble. 30-60 drops 3x daily. Ironic that the liver herb is in alcohol, but the dose of alcohol is tiny.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (600mg)

Standard NAC capsule — 600mg 1-2x daily. The glutathione precursor for liver protection, respiratory mucus, and mental health. Take on empty stomach for best absorption.

NAC

A precursor to glutathione — the body's master antioxidant. Used for liver protection, respiratory mucus, mental health, and as an ER antidote for acetaminophen poisoning.

Passiflora incarnata (extract)

Standardized for vitexin/isovitexin. Clinical evidence for anxiety comparable to oxazepam in one trial. The most studied form for sleep and anxiety.

Pelargonium sidoides (root tincture)

Traditional Zulu root preparation — the original form used by Zulu healers for respiratory infections. Root is harvested, dried, and extracted in alcohol. Dark reddish-brown tincture. For acute bronchitis, sinusitis, and sore throat. Different preparations than standardized capsules.

Mentha piperita (enteric 0.2ml)

Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsule — 0.2ml (approx 200mg) per capsule. For IBS: 1-2 caps 3x daily 30 min before meals. The enteric coating is essential.

Mentha piperita (enteric-coated)

Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsule — releases in the intestines, not stomach. FDA-recognized for IBS. IBGard is the most studied brand. 180-225mg per cap.

Mentha x piperita (enteric-coated)

Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules — the coating survives stomach acid and releases in the intestines. Clinical evidence matching antispasmodics for IBS (bloating, cramping, gas). 0.2-0.4mL per capsule 3x daily. Non-enteric causes heartburn.

Pinus pinaster

Patented antioxidant (Pycnogenol) — OPCs similar to grape seed but with unique compounds. For venous insufficiency, ADHD, asthma, diabetes, and skin aging. 400+ published studies on Pycnogenol brand. Expensive but well-researched.

Multi-strain probiotic + FOS/Inulin

Probiotic bacteria combined with prebiotic fiber (FOS/inulin) that FEEDS the probiotics. The synbiotic approach — more effective than probiotics alone for gut health.

Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium species

Live beneficial bacteria for gut health. Not herbs but essential in herbal protocols. Different strains have different effects. 10-50 billion CFU typical dose.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 + L. reuteri RC-14

Specific probiotic strains for vaginal and urinary health — GR-1 and RC-14. The most studied strains for BV and yeast prevention. 2 billion CFU daily.

Plantago ovata (capsule)

Psyllium husk in capsule format — for those who dislike the powder texture. Take with a FULL glass of water. 2-6 capsules before meals for cholesterol and blood sugar.

Echinacea purpurea

Worlds most popular immune herb — E. purpurea is the most studied species. For colds, flu, and immune support. Whole plant is used (unlike E. angustifolia root-only). Clinical evidence for reducing cold duration by 1-4 days.

Pinus pinaster (bark extract)

Patented French maritime pine bark extract — standardized OPCs. Over 400 studies for cardiovascular, skin, joint, cognitive, and venous health.

Prunus africana (extract)

Standardized to 14% triterpenes and 0.5% n-docosanol. The most clinically studied form for BPH — widely prescribed in Europe.

Monascus purpureus (on rice)

Rice fermented with Monascus yeast — naturally contains monacolin K (identical to lovastatin). Effective for cholesterol but regulated in some countries.

Rhodiola rosea (SHR-5 extract)

Standardized to 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside (SHR-5). The most clinically studied Rhodiola extract for stress, fatigue, and cognitive performance.

Secale cereale (pollen)

Flower pollen extract from rye — clinical evidence for BPH and prostate health. Allergen-free extract (proteins removed). Different from bee pollen.

Crocus sativus (extract)

Standardized saffron extract (3.5% lepticrosalides). Clinical evidence for mild-moderate depression comparable to fluoxetine. Also studied for PMS and eye health.

Serenoa repens (160mg softgel)

Standard saw palmetto softgel — 160mg extract 2x daily (320mg total). The worldwide standard prostate supplement dose. May take 4-6 weeks to notice effects.

Serenoa repens (supercritical CO2)

Supercritical CO2-extracted saw palmetto — the extraction method used in European clinical trials (Permixon). Contains 85-95% fatty acids and sterols. More potent than ethanol extracts. For BPH: reduces nocturia, improves urine flow, shrinks prostate.

Serenoa repens (320mg extract)

Standardized to 85-95% fatty acids and sterols — the clinical dose is 320mg daily. The most studied herbal prostate supplement worldwide.

Lentinula edodes (extract)

Standardized shiitake extract — AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is the most studied form. Used in Japanese hospitals for immune support alongside conventional treatment.

Hypericum perforatum (300mg)

Standard SJW capsule — 300mg extract (0.3% hypericin) 3x daily. The most studied dose for mild-moderate depression. CRITICAL drug interactions — check all medications.

Hypericum perforatum (extract)

Standardized to 0.3% hypericin. Clinical evidence comparable to SSRIs for mild-moderate depression. CRITICAL drug interactions — the most interaction-prone herb.

Melaleuca alternifolia (cleanser)

5% tea tree oil face wash — clinical evidence comparable to benzoyl peroxide for mild-moderate acne with fewer side effects. The natural acne treatment standard.

Panax notoginseng

TCM hemostatic — uniquely both stops bleeding AND moves blood stasis. Key ingredient in Yunnan Baiyao (the most famous Chinese trauma medicine). For bruises, injuries, cardiovascular health, and heavy menstruation.

Trametes versicolor (capsule)

Standard capsule form of Turkey Tail — the most clinically studied medicinal mushroom globally. PSK form used in Japanese oncology for 30+ years.