Herb Library

Monascus purpureus (on rice)

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

Panax ginseng (white dried)

The King of TCM herbs — powerfully tonifies Yuan Qi (original qi). For collapse, severe fatigue, and chronic illness recovery. Aged 4-6 years. White ginseng is air-dried (milder than Red/steamed). Shan Shen (wild) is most prized and extremely expensive.

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.

Rosa canina

Nature vitamin C bomb — 20x more vitamin C than oranges (per weight). For colds, joint health, and skin aging. Contains galactolipid GOPO (anti-inflammatory for osteoarthritis). Nordic staple for winter health. Rich in lycopene.

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.

Salvia officinalis (throat spray)

Sage + Echinacea throat spray — clinical evidence comparable to chlorhexidine spray for sore throat. Swiss study showed significant pain reduction in 1-2 hours.

S-adenosylmethionine

Not an herb but a naturally occurring molecule. Strong evidence for mood support, joint comfort, and liver health. Often included in herbal formularies.

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.

Serenoa repens + Urtica dioica root

Classic prostate formula — Saw Palmetto (320mg) + Nettle Root (240mg). The two most studied herbs for BPH combined. European standard of care.

Senna alexandrina

OTC stimulant laxative — FDA-approved for short-term constipation. Contains sennosides (anthraquinone glycosides). Works in 6-12 hours. SHORT-TERM USE ONLY (max 1-2 weeks). Chronic use causes melanosis coli and dependency.

Senna alexandrina

An FDA-approved OTC stimulant laxative. Effective but for SHORT-TERM USE ONLY. Contains anthraquinones that stimulate peristalsis.

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.

Valerian + Passionflower + Hops + Melatonin

Triple-action sleep formula — Valerian for GABA, Passionflower for calm, Hops for sedation, low-dose Melatonin for circadian reset. Take 30-60 min before bed.

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.

Hypericum perforatum (0.3% hypericin)

German standardized extract — 300mg 3x daily (0.3% hypericin). Matches SSRIs for mild-moderate depression in meta-analyses. LI 160 and WS 5572 are the most-studied extracts. Full effect takes 4-6 weeks. THE most drug-interacting herb known.

Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa (seed)

TCM premier insomnia herb — nourishes Heart blood and calms the Shen. For insomnia with palpitations, anxiety, and night sweats. Key ingredient in Suan Zao Ren Tang (Jujube Seed Decoction), one of TCMs most important sleep formulas. Dose: 15-30g in decoction.

Sulforaphane (from broccoli)

Broccolis secret weapon — the most potent natural Nrf2 activator known. Upregulates 200+ detoxification and antioxidant genes. For cancer prevention, autism (clinical trials), and detoxification. Broccoli sprouts have 100x more than mature broccoli.

Artemisia annua

Source of artemisinin — the Nobel Prize-winning antimalarial compound. Used in TCM for fever and parasites. Important global health herb.

Taurine (amino acid)

Conditional amino acid — abundant in heart, brain, and eyes. For heart rhythm, blood pressure, anxiety, and eye health. 1-3g daily. In energy drinks for a reason (but its calming, not stimulating). Deficiency common in vegans and elderly.

Melaleuca alternifolia

One of the most studied topical antimicrobial essential oils. Used for acne, fungal infections, wound care, and oral health. TOPICAL ONLY.

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.

Melaleuca alternifolia

Australian aboriginal antiseptic — TOPICAL USE ONLY. For acne, athletes foot, nail fungus, dandruff, and wound infection. Contains terpinen-4-ol (antimicrobial). Toxic if ingested. Evidence-based for acne (5% solution = benzoyl peroxide) and nail fungus.

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.

Trametes versicolor (extract)

Hot water extract standardized for PSK/PSP polysaccharides. The most clinically studied medicinal mushroom — used in Japanese oncology for decades.

Trametes versicolor (powder)

Ground Turkey Tail fruiting body — add to smoothies, coffee, or broth. 1-3g daily. The most affordable way to get the world's most clinically studied medicinal mushroom.

Curcuma longa

One of the most extensively researched herbs, containing curcumin which supports healthy inflammatory response and joint comfort.

Curcumin + Boswellic Acids

The two strongest evidence-based anti-inflammatory herbs combined. Curcumin (COX-2) + Boswellia (5-LOX) = dual pathway inflammation support. The joint health standard.

Curcuma longa (500mg capsule)

Standard whole turmeric root capsule — 500mg per capsule. The basic form. Look for products with added BioPerine/piperine for absorption. 1-3g daily typical.

Curcuma longa (500mg + BioPerine)

The most popular turmeric supplement format — 500mg turmeric/curcumin extract with 5mg BioPerine (piperine) for 2000% better absorption. 1-2 caps twice daily.

Curcuma longa (BCM-95)

BCM-95 patented extract — combines curcumin with essential oils from turmeric for 7-8x better absorption than standard curcumin without needing piperine.

Curcuma longa + Zingiber officinale

Turmeric and ginger combined — synergistic anti-inflammatory duo. Both inhibit COX-2 through different pathways. The most popular natural inflammation combination.

Curcuma longa (gummy)

Turmeric/curcumin in gummy format — the tastiest way to take turmeric daily. Check actual curcuminoid content (many gummies are underdosed). Should contain piperine.

Curcuma longa (whole root powder)

Whole turmeric root powder — contains curcumin plus 200+ other compounds (turmerones, polysaccharides). Different therapeutic profile from isolated curcumin extracts.

Curcuma longa (tea)

Fresh or powdered turmeric steeped with black pepper and fat (coconut milk). The simplest anti-inflammatory daily ritual. Add ginger for synergy.

Curcuma longa (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted turmeric — provides curcuminoids in a rapidly absorbed liquid format. 30-60 drops 2-3x daily. The alcohol also helps curcumin absorption.

Cranberry + D-Mannose + Uva Ursi

Triple UTI prevention — Cranberry PACs prevent bacterial adhesion, D-Mannose flushes E. coli, Uva Ursi provides urinary antiseptic action. For recurrent UTIs.

Valeriana officinalis + Humulus lupulus

Classic European sleep combination — synergistic sedation. Ze 91019 clinical trials show improved sleep quality comparable to benzodiazepines without morning hangover. Standard dose: 500mg valerian + 120mg hops before bedtime. Non-addictive.

Valeriana + Humulus

The most clinically studied sleep herb combination. Ze 91019 extract shown to improve sleep quality comparable to benzodiazepines without morning hangover.

Horse Chestnut + Butcher's Broom + Gotu Kola + Grape Seed

Comprehensive vein formula — Aescin for vein tone, Ruscogenins for vein strength, Centella for vein wall integrity, OPCs for capillary protection.

B1+B2+B3+B5+B6+B7+B9+B12

Complete B vitamin complex — essential cofactors for energy, mood, nerve function, and methylation. Critical for anyone under stress, vegetarians, and elderly.

Vitex agnus-castus

Premier female hormone balancer — for PMS, irregular periods, PCOS, and luteal phase defect. Acts on the pituitary (increases LH, decreases prolactin). Takes 3+ months for full effect. Named "Chaste Tree" because monks used it to suppress libido.

Bacopa monnieri

Clinical nootropic — 300mg daily improves memory acquisition and retention in 8-12 weeks. Gold standard Ayurvedic brain herb. Contains bacosides. Studies in both elderly (memory) and children (ADHD/learning). Take with fat for absorption.

Salix alba

Original source of salicylic acid (forerunner of aspirin). Effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic for osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and fevers with fewer side effects than aspirin.