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.

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.

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.

Withania somnifera (gummy)

KSM-66 or Sensoril ashwagandha in gummy form — the fastest-growing supplement format. Tasty and convenient but check the actual extract dose per gummy.

Withania somnifera (KSM-66 extract)

Most clinically studied ashwagandha extract — standardized to 5% withanolides by HPLC. Root-only extract (no leaves). 22+ clinical trials for stress, testosterone, cognition, sleep, and athletic performance. The gold standard ashwagandha product.

Withania somnifera + warm milk

Traditional Ayurvedic nightcap — ashwagandha powder simmered in milk with cardamom and honey. The original adaptogen delivery method. Deeply calming.

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.

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.

Various fungal/yeast sources

Polysaccharides from mushrooms, yeast, or oats that modulate immune function. The most studied immune-modulating compounds from medicinal mushrooms.

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

Prophet Muhammad said it cures everything except death. Contains thymoquinone — anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial. One of the most researched traditional herbs with 1000+ studies.

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.

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."

Camellia sinensis (fully oxidized)

Fully oxidized tea — highest caffeine of true teas. Contains theaflavins (unique to black tea). Studied for cardiovascular, gut, and cognitive health.

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.

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.

Scutellaria baicalensis

Major TCM anti-inflammatory — contains baicalin and wogonin. Used for heat conditions, respiratory infections, and liver protection. Different species from American Skullcap (S. lateriflora). Anti-viral and anti-bacterial.