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.

Pelargonium sidoides

A South African medicinal plant with clinical evidence for respiratory support, especially acute bronchitis.

Allium sativum + CoQ10 + Nattokinase

Triple cardiovascular formula — Aged Garlic + CoQ10 + Nattokinase. Addresses cholesterol, arterial flexibility, and blood viscosity simultaneously.

Vitex agnus-castus (40mg extract)

The clinically studied 40mg extract dose of Vitex — used in European phytomedicine for PMS, cycle regulation, and mastalgia. Specific to BNO 1095/Ze 440 extracts.

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.

Arnica montana (cream)

Topical arnica cream/gel for bruises, sprains, and post-surgical swelling. EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Clinical evidence for bruising and osteoarthritis pain.

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.

Artemisia annua (extract)

The Nobel Prize-winning antimalarial compound extracted from Sweet Annie. Used globally for malaria. Research ongoing for other applications. Professional use.

Withania somnifera (KSM-66)

The most clinically studied ashwagandha extract — full-spectrum root with 5% withanolides. 24+ gold-standard clinical trials for stress, sleep, and performance.

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 (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.

Beta vulgaris

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

Berberis vulgaris

A bioactive compound found in several plants, studied extensively for metabolic health support including blood sugar and cholesterol.

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.

Berberis vulgaris (standardized)

Standardized berberine hydrochloride — the most studied form. 500mg 2-3x daily is the clinical dose for blood sugar and cholesterol support.

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.

Actaea racemosa (extract)

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

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.

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

Ayurvedic brain tonic — one of two herbs called "Brahmi" (the other is Gotu Kola). Clinical evidence for memory, learning, and anxiety. Takes 8-12 weeks for full cognitive benefits. Bitter taste.

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.

Ruscus aculeatus

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

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).

Petasites hybridus (PA-free extract)

Patented PA-free butterbur extract — MUST be certified pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free. Clinical evidence for migraine prevention (75mg 2x daily) and hay fever (Ze 339 extract). One of the best-studied herbal migraine preventives. German standard.

Petasites hybridus (root)

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

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.

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.

Vaccinium macrocarpon (500mg)

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

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 (extract)

Standardized cranberry extract for proanthocyanidins (PACs). More convenient than juice for UTI prevention. 36mg PAC daily is the studied dose.

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.

Vaccinium macrocarpon (36mg PACs)

Standardized cranberry with 36mg proanthocyanidins (PACs) per dose — the clinical dose for UTI prevention. PACs prevent E. coli from adhering to bladder wall. Takes daily use for prevention (not treatment). 36mg PACs = 10 oz pure cranberry juice.

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.

Curcuma longa (95% extract)

Standardized curcumin extract (95% curcuminoids) — much more concentrated than whole turmeric. Various forms improve bioavailability differently.

Curcuma longa (Meriva phytosome)

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

Harpagophytum procumbens (extract)

Standardized to harpagoside content. Clinical evidence for low back pain, osteoarthritis, and musculoskeletal discomfort comparable to some NSAIDs.

Echinacea purpurea (standardized)

Standardized whole-plant Echinacea extract — the most clinically studied form. Take at FIRST SIGN of symptoms for best results. Short-term use (7-10 days).

Echinacea purpurea (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted Echinacea — the strongest form for acute immune support. 60 drops every 2 hours day 1, then 60 drops 3x daily for 7-10 days. Tongue tingling normal.