Herb Library

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.

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.

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 (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.

Prunus africana (extract)

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

Monascus purpureus (on rice)

Rice fermented with Monascus yeast — naturally contains monacolin K (identical to lovastatin). Effective for cholesterol but regulated in some countries.

Rhodiola rosea (SHR-5 extract)

Standardized to 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside (SHR-5). The most clinically studied Rhodiola extract for stress, fatigue, and cognitive performance.

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.

Salvia officinalis (throat spray)

Sage + Echinacea throat spray — clinical evidence comparable to chlorhexidine spray for sore throat. Swiss study showed significant pain reduction in 1-2 hours.

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.

Lentinula edodes (extract)

Standardized shiitake extract — AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is the most studied form. Used in Japanese hospitals for immune support alongside conventional treatment.

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.

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.

Artemisia annua

Source of artemisinin — the Nobel Prize-winning antimalarial compound. Used in TCM for fever and parasites. Important global health herb.

Taurine (amino acid)

Conditional amino acid — abundant in heart, brain, and eyes. For heart rhythm, blood pressure, anxiety, and eye health. 1-3g daily. In energy drinks for a reason (but its calming, not stimulating). Deficiency common in vegans and elderly.

Melaleuca alternifolia

One of the most studied topical antimicrobial essential oils. Used for acne, fungal infections, wound care, and oral health. TOPICAL ONLY.

Melaleuca alternifolia (cleanser)

5% tea tree oil face wash — clinical evidence comparable to benzoyl peroxide for mild-moderate acne with fewer side effects. The natural acne treatment standard.

Melaleuca alternifolia

Australian aboriginal antiseptic — TOPICAL USE ONLY. For acne, athletes foot, nail fungus, dandruff, and wound infection. Contains terpinen-4-ol (antimicrobial). Toxic if ingested. Evidence-based for acne (5% solution = benzoyl peroxide) and nail fungus.

Panax notoginseng

TCM hemostatic — uniquely both stops bleeding AND moves blood stasis. Key ingredient in Yunnan Baiyao (the most famous Chinese trauma medicine). For bruises, injuries, cardiovascular health, and heavy menstruation.

Ocimum tenuiflorum

The "Queen of Herbs" in Ayurveda — sacred to Vishnu, grown in every Hindu household. Adaptogen for stress, blood sugar, and respiratory health. Three types: Rama (green), Krishna (purple), Vana (wild). Daily tulsi tea is a health practice in India.

Trametes versicolor (capsule)

Standard capsule form of Turkey Tail — the most clinically studied medicinal mushroom globally. PSK form used in Japanese oncology for 30+ years.

Trametes versicolor (extract)

Hot water extract standardized for PSK/PSP polysaccharides. The most clinically studied medicinal mushroom — used in Japanese oncology for decades.

Trametes versicolor (powder)

Ground Turkey Tail fruiting body — add to smoothies, coffee, or broth. 1-3g daily. The most affordable way to get the world's most clinically studied medicinal mushroom.

Curcuma longa

One of the most extensively researched herbs, containing curcumin which supports healthy inflammatory response and joint comfort.