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.

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 (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 (gel)

Topical arnica in gel format — faster absorbing than cream. For bruises, sprains, and post-procedure swelling. EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Clinical evidence for bruising.

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.

Bacopa monnieri (300mg)

Standard Bacopa capsule — 300mg standardized to 55% bacosides. Take WITH food to reduce GI upset. Needs 8-12 weeks for memory effects. The nootropic benchmark.

Vitamin B Complex (B1-B12)

All 8 B vitamins together — thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B5, B6, biotin, folate, B12. For energy, nervous system, mood, and methylation. Look for methylated forms (methylfolate, methylcobalamin) for MTHFR gene variants. Turns urine bright yellow (riboflavin — harmless).

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.

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.

Various fungal/yeast sources

Polysaccharides from mushrooms, yeast, or oats that modulate immune function. The most studied immune-modulating compounds from medicinal mushrooms.

Actaea racemosa (540mg)

Standard Black Cohosh capsule — for menopausal hot flashes. 540mg (or 40mg standardized extract) daily. Takes 4-8 weeks for effect. Monitor liver function.

Actaea racemosa (extract)

Standardized extract — the most studied form for menopausal hot flashes, night sweats, and mood support. Remifemin is the best-known brand.

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.

Sambucus nigra (65:1 extract)

High-concentration elderberry extract (65:1 ratio). More potent than syrup form. Standardized for anthocyanins. Popular in clinical research.

Sambucus nigra (commercial syrup)

Commercially produced elderberry syrup — standardized, safe, and consistent. The most popular immune supplement in America. 1 tbsp daily for prevention, every 2-3 hours acute.

Piper nigrum (BioPerine)

Standardized 95% piperine extract — the universal bioenhancer. 5-10mg increases absorption of curcumin by 2000%, CoQ10, vitamins, and many supplements.

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."

Camellia sinensis (fully oxidized)

Fully oxidized tea — highest caffeine of true teas. Contains theaflavins (unique to black tea). Studied for cardiovascular, gut, and cognitive health.

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 (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.

Petasites hybridus (75mg PA-free)

PA-FREE butterbur extract — 75mg. For migraine prevention: 75mg 2x daily for 3+ months. ONLY use certified PA-free products (PAs are hepatotoxic and carcinogenic).

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.

Ubiquinone (100mg)

Standard CoQ10 capsule — 100-200mg daily with fat-containing meal. Essential for heart health and energy. If over 40, consider ubiquinol (reduced form) for better absorption.

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 (500mg)

Standard cranberry concentrate capsule. For UTI prevention, look for products standardized to 36mg PACs (proanthocyanidins). Take daily for prevention.

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.

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.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (DGL chewable)

Chewable DGL licorice — must be chewed/dissolved in mouth before swallowing for best effect. Mix with saliva activates the protective mechanism. For heartburn and ulcers.

D-Mannose (500mg)

Standard D-Mannose capsule — 500mg. For UTI prevention: 2 caps 2x daily. For acute UTI support: 2 caps every 2-3 hours. Prevents E. coli adhesion to bladder wall.

Sambucus nigra

Valuable antiviral remedy for flu, colds, and chest conditions. Flowers reduce fever and stimulate sweating, while berries speed recovery from upper respiratory infections and enhance immune function.

Sambucus nigra (capsule)

Standard elderberry capsule format — typically 500mg equivalent. Convenient travel-friendly form of the most popular immune berry.