Herb Library

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.

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.

Silybum marianum (standardized)

Standardized milk thistle extract — 80% silymarin (silybin A, silybin B, isosilybin A, isosilybin B, silychristin, silydianin). Hospital use for Amanita mushroom poisoning (IV silibinin). For liver protection, hepatitis, and cirrhosis support.

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.

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

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.

Ocimum tenuiflorum

The "Queen of Herbs" in Ayurveda — sacred to Vishnu, grown in every Hindu household. Adaptogen for stress, blood sugar, and respiratory health. Three types: Rama (green), Krishna (purple), Vana (wild). Daily tulsi tea is a health practice in India.

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.

Reduced Coenzyme Q10

The reduced/active form of CoQ10 — better absorbed than ubiquinone, especially for people over 40. Essential for mitochondrial energy and heart health.

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.

Ascorbic acid + Rose Hips + Acerola

Buffered vitamin C powder with whole-food co-factors (rose hips, acerola, bioflavonoids). Mixed into water for daily immune support. 500-2000mg typical daily dose.

Cholecalciferol

Not an herb but critical in herbal protocols. Deficiency is pandemic. Essential for immune function, bone health, mood, and hormonal balance.

Cholecalciferol + Menaquinone-7

D3 and K2 together — K2 directs calcium to bones (not arteries). The optimal combination for bone and cardiovascular health. 2000-5000 IU D3 + 100-200mcg K2 daily.

Menaquinone-7 (MK-7)

The calcium-directing vitamin — activates osteocalcin (puts calcium in bones) and MGP (removes calcium from arteries). Essential partner for D3 supplementation. MK-7 from natto fermentation has longest half-life. For bone and cardiovascular health.

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.

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.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus + Streptococcus thermophilus

Traditional fermented milk — the original probiotic food. Contains L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus. Some brands add additional strains. Look for "live active cultures."

Zinc L-carnosine complex

A chelated zinc-carnosine complex — studied for gastric mucosal protection, H. pylori, and gut barrier integrity. Not an herb but commonly used with herbs.

Zinc acetate/gluconate (lozenge)

Zinc lozenges for cold — dissolve in mouth every 2-3 hours. Studies show 33% reduction in cold duration. Zinc acetate form is most studied. Start within 24 hours.

Zinc picolinate

One of the most bioavailable forms of zinc. Essential for immune function, wound healing, taste/smell, testosterone, and skin health. Often deficient.