Herb Library

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 (extract)

A carotenoid from marigold flowers — concentrated in the macula of the eye. Strong evidence for macular health and blue light protection.

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 (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 (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.

Melatonin (0.5mg)

Low-dose melatonin — 0.5mg is often MORE effective than 3-10mg. Research shows physiological doses mimic natural production. Less morning grogginess. Start here.

Silybum marianum

The most well-studied liver support herb. Silymarin, its active complex, has demonstrated hepatoprotective properties in numerous studies.

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 (oil)

Cold-pressed oil from milk thistle seeds — provides silymarin in a lipid-soluble form. Used for liver support, skin health, and antioxidant protection.

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.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

The "Great Harmonizer" in TCM — appears in more formulas than any other herb. For sore throats, digestive ulcers, adrenal fatigue, and cough. Contains glycyrrhizin (50x sweeter than sugar). DGL form avoids blood pressure effects.

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.

Perna canaliculus

Marine anti-inflammatory — contains unique omega-3s (ETA, OTA) not found in fish oil. Clinical evidence for osteoarthritis and asthma. Lipid extract (Lyprinol/PCSO-524) is the studied form. From pristine New Zealand waters. For joint inflammation and respiratory conditions.

Nigella sativa (cold-pressed oil)

Cold-pressed black seed oil — delivers thymoquinone in bioavailable oil form. 1-3 tsp daily for inflammation, blood sugar, immune support, and allergies. Peppery/bitter taste. 1400+ published studies. Egyptian pharaohs were buried with it.

Olea europaea (oil)

Extra virgin olive oil — contains oleocanthal (anti-inflammatory) and hydroxytyrosol (antioxidant). The foundation of the Mediterranean diet. Medicinal food.

EPA/DHA from fish

EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids from fish — among the most evidence-based supplements worldwide. Essential for brain, heart, joint, and eye health.

Panax ginseng

Most famous Chinese tonic herb that helps the body adapt to stress, fatigue, and cold. Improves stamina, hormonal support, immune function, and liver function. Traditional male aphrodisiac.

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

A South African root with strong clinical evidence for acute bronchitis and upper respiratory infections. One of the most evidence-based immune herbs.

Pelargonium sidoides (standardized)

German standardized extract of South African geranium root — the most clinically proven herbal cold/bronchitis remedy in Europe. Multiple randomized controlled trials show 1-2 day reduction in bronchitis symptoms. Child-safe. Brand names: Umcka, Kaloba.

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

One of the most widely used and recognized herbs, valued for digestive comfort, headache support, and respiratory relief.

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 (essential oil)

One of the most versatile essential oils — topical for headaches (temples), aromatherapy for energy/focus, and enteric-coated capsules for IBS.

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.

Mentha piperita (tea)

The world's most popular herbal tea. Menthol provides cooling digestive relief. Clinical evidence for IBS when taken as enteric-coated capsules.

PS (phospholipid)

A phospholipid critical for brain cell membrane function. Used for cognitive support, memory, ADHD, and exercise recovery. FDA qualified health claim for dementia risk.

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

A bulk-forming fiber supplement used for digestive regularity, cholesterol support, and blood sugar management.

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.

Plantago ovata (husk powder)

Ground psyllium husk — the #1 fiber supplement worldwide. FDA-approved for cholesterol reduction. 5-10g daily with 8+ oz water. Effective for IBS both directions.

Panax ginseng (steamed)

White ginseng that has been steamed and dried — this processing creates unique ginsenosides not found in raw ginseng. Considered more warming and potent.

Monascus purpureus (on rice)

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