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.

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.

Andrographis paniculata (leaf)

Standardized leaf extract of Andrographis — the most studied form for acute respiratory support. Contains andrographolide.

Andrographis + Echinacea + Elderberry

Triple immune formula combining the three most evidence-based acute immune herbs. For use at first sign of seasonal challenges. 7-10 day courses.

Andrographis paniculata (tablet)

Standard andrographis tablet — typically 400mg extract. Take at FIRST sign of upper respiratory symptoms for best results. 5-7 day courses.

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.

Artemisia annua (extract)

The Nobel Prize-winning antimalarial compound extracted from Sweet Annie. Used globally for malaria. Research ongoing for other applications. Professional use.

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.

Withania somnifera + warm milk

Traditional Ayurvedic nightcap — ashwagandha powder simmered in milk with cardamom and honey. The original adaptogen delivery method. Deeply calming.

Berberis vulgaris

A bioactive compound found in several plants, studied extensively for metabolic health support including blood sugar and cholesterol.

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."

Berberine HCl (timed-release)

Sustained-release berberine — reduces GI side effects and maintains blood levels. Dihydroberberine (GlucoVantage) is 5x more bioavailable than standard.

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.

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."

Boswellia serrata (30% AKBA)

High-potency boswellia extract standardized to 30% AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid) — the most potent 5-LOX inhibitor. For osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma. ApresFlex/Aflapin brands have best bioavailability.

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

Ayurvedic brain tonic — one of two herbs called "Brahmi" (the other is Gotu Kola). Clinical evidence for memory, learning, and anxiety. Takes 8-12 weeks for full cognitive benefits. Bitter taste.

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.

Lion's Mane + Bacopa + Ginkgo

Triple cognitive formula — Lion's Mane for NGF, Bacopa for memory consolidation, Ginkgo for cerebral circulation. Different mechanisms for synergistic support.

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.

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 (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.

Curcuma longa (C3 Complex)

The original patented curcumin extract — standardized to 95% curcuminoids. The "gold standard" used in most clinical research. Often combined with BioPerine.

Curcuma longa (500mg curcumin)

Standard curcumin extract capsule — 500mg 95% curcuminoids. NEEDS piperine or lipid for absorption. The most studied natural anti-inflammatory supplement worldwide.

Curcuma longa (95% extract)

Standardized curcumin extract (95% curcuminoids) — much more concentrated than whole turmeric. Various forms improve bioavailability differently.

Curcuma longa (Meriva phytosome)

Curcumin bound to phosphatidylcholine — 29x better absorption than standard curcumin. The most clinically studied bioavailable curcumin form for joint health.

Harpagophytum procumbens (480mg)

Standard Devil's Claw capsule — for back pain and osteoarthritis. 960mg 2x daily (1.92g total). Clinical evidence comparable to some NSAIDs for low back pain.

Harpagophytum procumbens (extract)

Standardized to harpagoside content. Clinical evidence for low back pain, osteoarthritis, and musculoskeletal discomfort comparable to some NSAIDs.

Echinacea purpurea (standardized)

Standardized whole-plant Echinacea extract — the most clinically studied form. Take at FIRST SIGN of symptoms for best results. Short-term use (7-10 days).

Echinacea purpurea (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted Echinacea — the strongest form for acute immune support. 60 drops every 2 hours day 1, then 60 drops 3x daily for 7-10 days. Tongue tingling normal.

Sambucus nigra (adult gummy)

Adult-dose elderberry gummies — typically 100-150mg elderberry per gummy. The most popular immune supplement format in the US. Pleasant berry flavor.

Sambucus + Vitamin C + Zinc + Echinacea

Four evidence-based immune ingredients together. Each addresses different immune pathways. The most comprehensive OTC immune formula.

Sambucus nigra + Ascorbic acid

Classic immune combination — elderberry anthocyanins with vitamin C. The two most popular evidence-based immune support ingredients together.