Herb Library

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

Source of Manuka honey — the most antibacterial honey known (MGO/UMF ratings). For wound healing, MRSA, H. pylori, and sore throats. Essential oil is antimicrobial. New Zealand endemic — unique methylglyoxal activity.

Leptospermum scoparium

Honey from New Zealand Manuka tree flowers — contains methylglyoxal (MGO) with proven antimicrobial properties. Used for wound healing and digestive health.

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.

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 (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.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (600mg)

Standard NAC capsule — 600mg 1-2x daily. The glutathione precursor for liver protection, respiratory mucus, and mental health. Take on empty stomach for best absorption.

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.

Glycine max (Bacillus subtilis fermented)

Japanese fermented soybeans — the natural source of nattokinase and vitamin K2 (MK-7). Slimy texture and strong smell. One of the world's healthiest foods.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Echinacea purpurea

Worlds most popular immune herb — E. purpurea is the most studied species. For colds, flu, and immune support. Whole plant is used (unlike E. angustifolia root-only). Clinical evidence for reducing cold duration by 1-4 days.

Pinus pinaster (bark extract)

Patented French maritime pine bark extract — standardized OPCs. Over 400 studies for cardiovascular, skin, joint, cognitive, and venous health.

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.

Panax ginseng (white dried)

The King of TCM herbs — powerfully tonifies Yuan Qi (original qi). For collapse, severe fatigue, and chronic illness recovery. Aged 4-6 years. White ginseng is air-dried (milder than Red/steamed). Shan Shen (wild) is most prized and extremely expensive.

Secale cereale (pollen)

Flower pollen extract from rye — clinical evidence for BPH and prostate health. Allergen-free extract (proteins removed). Different from bee pollen.

Crocus sativus (extract)

Standardized saffron extract (3.5% lepticrosalides). Clinical evidence for mild-moderate depression comparable to fluoxetine. Also studied for PMS and eye health.

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.

Senna alexandrina

OTC stimulant laxative — FDA-approved for short-term constipation. Contains sennosides (anthraquinone glycosides). Works in 6-12 hours. SHORT-TERM USE ONLY (max 1-2 weeks). Chronic use causes melanosis coli and dependency.

Senna alexandrina

An FDA-approved OTC stimulant laxative. Effective but for SHORT-TERM USE ONLY. Contains anthraquinones that stimulate peristalsis.

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

One of the most studied herbs for mood support. Extensively researched for mild to moderate emotional wellness. Has critical drug interactions.

Hypericum perforatum (300mg)

Standard SJW capsule — 300mg extract (0.3% hypericin) 3x daily. The most studied dose for mild-moderate depression. CRITICAL drug interactions — check all medications.

Hypericum perforatum (extract)

Standardized to 0.3% hypericin. Clinical evidence comparable to SSRIs for mild-moderate depression. CRITICAL drug interactions — the most interaction-prone herb.

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.

Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa (seed)

TCM premier insomnia herb — nourishes Heart blood and calms the Shen. For insomnia with palpitations, anxiety, and night sweats. Key ingredient in Suan Zao Ren Tang (Jujube Seed Decoction), one of TCMs most important sleep formulas. Dose: 15-30g in decoction.