Herb Library

Zingiber officinale + Curcuma longa (tea)

Fresh ginger and turmeric root simmered together — the most popular anti-inflammatory tea combination. Add black pepper and coconut milk for optimal absorption.

Lycium barbarum

TCM yin-nourishing superfruit — for eyes, liver, and kidneys. Eaten daily by Chinese elders. Contains zeaxanthin (eye protection), LBPs (polysaccharides), and betaine. Clinical evidence for macular degeneration. Sweet, pleasant taste. A true food-medicine.

Camellia sinensis (500mg)

Standard green tea extract capsule — 500mg providing EGCG catechins. For metabolism, antioxidant, and cognitive support. Take with food. Monitor liver with long-term use.

Gymnema sylvestre (leaf)

Ayurvedic diabetes leaf — "Meshashringi" (sugar destroyer). Chew fresh leaf and sugar becomes tasteless for 1-2 hours. For Type 2 diabetes, sugar cravings, and metabolic syndrome. May support beta cell regeneration. Traditional Ayurvedic practice: chew before meals.

Crataegus monogyna (450mg)

Standard hawthorn berry capsule. The convenient daily cardiovascular tonic format. 450mg 2-3x daily. Safe for long-term use. Works best over months.

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.

Hibiscus sabdariffa (cold brew)

Cold-brewed hibiscus — retains more anthocyanins than hot-brewed. The preferred preparation for blood pressure support (3+ cups daily in studies). Delicious over ice.

Hibiscus sabdariffa (tea)

The ruby-red flower tea enjoyed worldwide — Mexican Agua de Jamaica, West African Bissap, Egyptian Karkade. Clinical evidence for blood pressure support (3 cups/day).

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.

Magnolia officinalis

TCM qi-moving and phlegm-resolving herb — for abdominal distension, bloating, cough with phlegm, and anxiety. Contains honokiol and magnolol (anxiolytic, GABA-ergic). Part of Relora supplement (with Phellodendron) for cortisol/stress management.

Astragalus membranaceus

Premier TCM immune tonic — builds Wei Qi (defensive energy). For chronic fatigue, frequent colds, and recovery from illness. TONIC herb — take between illnesses, NOT during acute infections. Sliced root simmered in soups.

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.

Plantago ovata

The husk of psyllium seeds — the most used bulk-forming fiber supplement worldwide. FDA-approved for cholesterol reduction and regularity.

Lonicera japonica

TCM heat-clearing and detoxifying herb — #1 herb for external wind-heat (sore throat, fever, rash). For all hot, toxic conditions: infections, skin rashes, and dysentery. Contains chlorogenic acid. Shuang Huang Lian (with Forsythia) is hugely popular in China.

Piper methysticum (250mg)

Standard kava extract capsule — 250mg standardized to 30% kavalactones. For anxiety support. Use ONLY noble kava root extracts. Monitor liver. Max 3 months continuous.

Lavandula angustifolia (80mg)

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

L-Glutamine (amino acid)

Most abundant amino acid — fuel for intestinal cells and immune cells. For leaky gut, IBS, post-exercise recovery, and sugar cravings. 5-10g daily for gut repair. Powder dissolves easily. The #1 supplement for intestinal permeability.

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 (extract)

A carotenoid from marigold flowers — concentrated in the macula of the eye. Strong evidence for macular health and blue light protection.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (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.

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.

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.

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 (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 (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.

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

A bulk-forming fiber supplement used for digestive regularity, cholesterol support, and blood sugar management.

Plantago ovata (capsule)

Psyllium husk in capsule format — for those who dislike the powder texture. Take with a FULL glass of water. 2-6 capsules before meals for cholesterol and blood sugar.

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.

Prunus africana

African tree bark extract used for prostate health and urinary support in men. Extensively studied in European phytomedicine.

Prunus africana (extract)

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

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.