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.

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 (standardized)

Standardized andrographolide extract — Swedish Kan Jang formula has most clinical evidence for reducing cold duration and severity. Contains 4-6% andrographolides. Take at first sign of symptoms for best results. Scandinavian cold remedy.

Andrographis paniculata (extract)

Standardized andrographolide extract — clinical evidence for reducing duration of upper respiratory infections. One of the strongest evidence-based immune herbs.

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.

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.

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.

Bacopa monnieri (BacoMind/Synapsa)

Standardized bacopa extracts — multiple patented forms exist. BacoMind (9 bioactives), Synapsa/CDRI-08 (55% bacosides). Clinical evidence for memory in 8-12 weeks.

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).

Beta vulgaris

Rich in nitrates that convert to nitric oxide — supports blood pressure, athletic endurance, and circulation. One of the most studied performance foods.

Berberine + Cinnamon + Gymnema

Triple metabolic formula — Berberine for insulin sensitivity, Ceylon Cinnamon for glucose transport, Gymnema to reduce sugar cravings.

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 (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."

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.

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.

Ruscus aculeatus

A European herb with clinical evidence for chronic venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, and orthostatic hypotension. Contains ruscogenins.

Petasites hybridus (root)

PA-free root extract — strongest evidence for migraine prevention and seasonal allergy support. ONLY use certified PA-free products.

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.

Symphytum officinale (root extract)

TOPICAL ONLY. Standardized comfrey root extract (Kytta-Salbe) has clinical evidence for acute back pain, sprains, and joint comfort. PA-free topical only.

Ubiquinone/Ubiquinol

A naturally occurring antioxidant critical for cellular energy production. Strong evidence for heart health, statin side effects, and energy. Not an herb but essential in herbal formularies.

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 + D-Mannose

The two most evidence-based UTI prevention ingredients combined. Cranberry PACs prevent adhesion + D-Mannose flushes E. coli. Daily for recurrent UTI prevention.

Vaccinium macrocarpon (powder)

Freeze-dried whole cranberry powder — retains PACs, fiber, and vitamin C. No added sugar unlike juice. The most versatile cranberry supplement form.

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 (Meriva phytosome)

Curcumin bound to phosphatidylcholine — 29x better absorption than standard curcumin. The most clinically studied bioavailable curcumin form for joint health.

D-Mannose (simple sugar)

A simple sugar that prevents E. coli from adhering to urinary tract walls. Strong evidence for UTI prevention. Not technically an herb but essential in UTI protocols.

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 + Vitamin C + Zinc + Echinacea

Four evidence-based immune ingredients together. Each addresses different immune pathways. The most comprehensive OTC immune formula.

Sambucus nigra (lozenge)

Elderberry in lozenge/throat drop form — provides local throat soothing plus systemic immune anthocyanins. Often with zinc and vitamin C for triple immune action.

Sambucus nigra (freeze-dried powder)

Freeze-dried elderberry powder — versatile format for smoothies, baking, and DIY gummies. Retains anthocyanins better than heat-dried. No added sugar.

Sambucus nigra (Sambucol brand)

The original clinically studied elderberry extract brand. Standardized for anthocyanins. Multiple RCTs for influenza and common cold.

Sambucus nigra + Zinc

Combination of elderberry extract with zinc — two of the most evidence-based immune support ingredients. Zinc lozenges alone can reduce cold duration by 33%.

EPA 360mg + DHA 240mg

Standard 1000mg fish oil softgel providing 360mg EPA + 240mg DHA. The world's most taken supplement. For heart, brain, joint, and eye health. 1-3 daily.

EPA 600mg + DHA 400mg (per softgel)

High-concentration fish oil — 1000mg EPA+DHA per softgel (vs 300mg in standard). Fewer pills needed. For therapeutic doses (2-4g) for triglycerides and inflammation.

Digitalis purpurea

SOURCE OF DIGOXIN — a life-saving heart drug. EXTREMELY TOXIC as an herb — NEVER self-administer. Included for educational awareness only.

Chamomilla recutita

Gentle anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, and relaxant herb suitable for children. Valuable for digestive problems, colic, gas, and irritable bowel syndrome, and externally for eczema and sore skin.

Zingiber officinale (root)

Fresh ginger root — the most versatile digestive and anti-nausea herb. Warming, circulatory stimulant, and anti-inflammatory. Safe in pregnancy for nausea.