Herb Library

Crataegus monogyna (extract)

Standardized hawthorn extract (WS 1442 or LI 132) — 18-20% OPCs. The most clinically studied form for heart failure support and cardiovascular health.

Crataegus monogyna (leaf + flower)

Hawthorn leaves and flowers — different OPC profile than berries. Used as tea in European traditions. The leaf+flower+berry combination provides the broadest cardiovascular support.

Crataegus monogyna (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted hawthorn — whole berry, leaf, and flower combined. 30-60 drops 2-3x daily. The most comprehensive hawthorn preparation for cardiovascular support.

Chamomile + Passionflower + Valerian + Lavender

Classic sleep tea blend — the four most popular sleep herbs combined. Take 30-60 minutes before bed. The ritual of making tea contributes to the calming effect.

Apis mellifera (raw)

Raw unprocessed honey — contains enzymes, propolis, pollen, and hydrogen peroxide generation. The world's oldest wound dressing. Cough suppressant equal to dextromethorphan.

Aesculus hippocastanum

Seed extract used to support vein health and circulation, particularly for leg comfort. Only standardized extracts are safe.

Aesculus hippocastanum (300mg)

Standard horse chestnut extract capsule — 300mg providing 50mg aescin. For chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Clinical evidence comparable to compression stockings.

Aesculus hippocastanum (extract)

Standardized to 16-20% aescin. Clinical evidence comparable to compression stockings for CVI. The most studied herbal vein supplement.

Astragalus membranaceus (standardized)

Standardized Astragalus extract — typically standardized to astragaloside IV and polysaccharides. The supplement form of Huang Qi. For immune support, telomere health (TA-65 contains cycloastragenol), and cardiovascular protection. Take between illnesses.

Ferrous bisglycinate

The gentlest form of supplemental iron — chelated for better absorption and fewer GI side effects. Often recommended alongside iron-rich herbs.

Iron bisglycinate + Ascorbic acid

Chelated iron with vitamin C — the gold standard iron supplement. Vitamin C increases iron absorption by 67%. Bisglycinate form minimizes GI upset. Take on empty stomach.

Hedera helix (extract)

The most prescribed herbal cough remedy in Germany (Prospan/EA 575). Clinical evidence for acute bronchitis, productive cough, and COPD. Safe for children.

Piper methysticum (extract)

Standardized to 30-70% kavalactones. Clinical evidence for anxiety comparable to benzodiazepines. Use ONLY noble kava root extract. Monitor liver.

Piper methysticum (traditional prep)

Traditional Pacific Island preparation — root pounded and soaked in water (NOT alcohol extract). The traditional water preparation has 3000+ years of safe use in Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa. Noble cultivars only. Hepatotoxicity linked to non-noble/non-root parts.

Kefir grains (fermented milk)

Fermented milk drink with 30-50 strains of bacteria and yeasts. More diverse probiotics than yogurt. Used for gut health, immune support, and bone health.

Lavandula angustifolia (80mg)

Oral lavender oil capsule (Silexan/CalmAid) — 80mg. Clinical evidence for generalized anxiety comparable to lorazepam. The most studied oral lavender preparation.

Lavandula angustifolia (oil)

The most versatile and safest essential oil. Used for anxiety, sleep, burns, skin healing, and headaches. One of the few oils safe for occasional neat (undiluted) spot use.

Citrus limon + Zingiber officinale (tea)

The universal wellness tea — fresh ginger and lemon in hot water with honey. For digestion, nausea, immune support, and daily alkalizing. The simplest effective herbal tea.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (deglycyrrhizinated)

Licorice with glycyrrhizin removed — eliminates the blood pressure and potassium concerns. Used specifically for digestive ulcers and heartburn. SAFE long-term.

Milk Thistle + Dandelion + Artichoke + NAC

Comprehensive liver formula — Silymarin for protection, Dandelion for bile flow, Artichoke for fat metabolism, NAC for glutathione. The most complete liver support.

Tagetes erecta (FloraGLO)

Standardized free-form lutein from marigold — the form used in AREDS2 study. 10-20mg daily for macular health and blue light protection.

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.

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 (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.

Calendula officinalis

Premier wound-healing herb — for cuts, burns, diaper rash, and radiation dermatitis. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and lymphatic. Calendula cream/salve is a medicine cabinet essential. Internal use for GI inflammation and menstrual cramps.

Carbo vegetabilis

Highly porous carbon used for acute poisoning (ER use) and digestive gas/bloating. ABSORBS medications — never take with other supplements or drugs.

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 (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.

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.

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.

Multi-strain probiotic + FOS/Inulin

Probiotic bacteria combined with prebiotic fiber (FOS/inulin) that FEEDS the probiotics. The synbiotic approach — more effective than probiotics alone for gut health.

Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium species

Live beneficial bacteria for gut health. Not herbs but essential in herbal protocols. Different strains have different effects. 10-50 billion CFU typical dose.

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 (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.

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.