Herb Library

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.

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.

Fish oil + Cholecalciferol

Fish oil combined with vitamin D3 — the two most universally recommended supplements. D3 is fat-soluble so fish oil is the perfect carrier. Convenient 2-in-1.

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.

Schizochytrium sp. (algae DHA+EPA)

DHA+EPA from microalgae — the vegan omega-3 source. Where fish get their omega-3 (from eating algae). No ocean contaminants. 250-500mg DHA+EPA daily.

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.

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.

Saw Palmetto + Nettle Root + Pygeum + Pumpkin Seed

The most comprehensive prostate formula — four evidence-based herbs. Addresses DHT conversion, inflammation, smooth muscle tone, and zinc delivery.

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.

Prunus africana

African tree bark extract used for prostate health and urinary support in men. Extensively studied in European phytomedicine.

Prunus africana (extract)

Standardized to 14% triterpenes and 0.5% n-docosanol. The most clinically studied form for BPH — widely prescribed in Europe.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pelargonium sidoides

Zulu respiratory remedy — EPs 7630 extract is a German registered medicine for acute bronchitis. Name means "heavy cough" in Zulu. Clinical evidence for reducing bronchitis duration by 2 days. Contains gallic acid and umckalin.