Herb Library

Digitalis purpurea

SOURCE OF DIGOXIN — a life-saving heart drug. EXTREMELY TOXIC as an herb — NEVER self-administer. Included for educational awareness only.

Boswellia serrata (extract)

Standardized boswellic acid extract (AKBA) — the most clinically studied form for joint comfort and inflammatory support. 100-250mg AKBA daily.

Zingiber officinale (dried)

TCM interior-warming herb — different from fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang). Dried ginger warms the Spleen and Kidney, rescues devastated yang. For cold extremities, abdominal pain with diarrhea, and vomiting from cold. Key in Li Zhong Wan and Si Ni Tang.

Allium sativum

One of the most studied medicinal herbs, used for cardiovascular health, immune support, and as a natural antimicrobial.

Allium sativum (aged extract)

Garlic aged for 20 months — converts allicin to S-allylcysteine (SAC). No garlic odor. The most clinically studied garlic form. Over 900 studies.

Allium sativum (odorless 1000mg)

Standard odorless garlic capsule — alliin-based (converts to allicin). The no-garlic-breath format. 1000mg daily for cardiovascular support.

Allium sativum (tincture)

Fresh garlic extracted in alcohol — preserves allicin compounds. For immune support and cardiovascular health. 20-40 drops 2-3x daily. Strong garlic taste.

Pelargonium sidoides

South African cold/bronchitis remedy — one of the best-studied herbal cold remedies (as EPs 7630). Clinical evidence for reducing duration of acute bronchitis. Zulu traditional medicine. Brand name Umcka.

Chamomilla recutita

Gentle anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, and relaxant herb suitable for children. Valuable for digestive problems, colic, gas, and irritable bowel syndrome, and externally for eczema and sore skin.

Zingiber officinale

A universally recognized warming herb used for digestive comfort, nausea relief, and circulatory support.

Zingiber officinale (550mg)

Standard ginger root capsule — 550mg. For nausea: 1g (2 caps) 30 min before travel or surgery. For inflammation: 1-2g daily with food. The most versatile herb capsule.

Zingiber officinale (candy)

Candied/crystallized ginger — the tastiest way to take ginger for nausea. Travel-friendly. Used for motion sickness, morning sickness, and post-surgical nausea.

Zingiber officinale (extract)

Standardized ginger extract — concentrated gingerols and shogaols. The most studied form for nausea, inflammation, and digestive support.

Zingiber officinale (root)

Fresh ginger root — the most versatile digestive and anti-nausea herb. Warming, circulatory stimulant, and anti-inflammatory. Safe in pregnancy for nausea.

Zingiber officinale (juice shot)

Concentrated ginger juice (1-2 oz) — the wellness café staple. Intense burning/warming. Often with lemon, cayenne, and turmeric. Powerful digestive and immune kick.

Zingiber officinale (5% gingerols)

Standardized ginger extract — 5% gingerols and shogaols. Clinical evidence for nausea (pregnancy, chemotherapy, post-surgical), osteoarthritis pain, and migraine. 250mg 4x daily for nausea. As effective as metoclopramide in some studies.

Zingiber officinale (syrup)

Ginger root simmered and combined with honey — a warming immune and digestive syrup. 1 tbsp as needed for nausea, 3-4x daily for colds. Traditional home remedy.

Zingiber officinale (tea bag)

Pre-packaged ginger root tea bags — the most convenient ginger format. Look for brands using real ginger root, not just flavoring. Steep 5-10 minutes.

Zingiber officinale (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted ginger — the most portable anti-nausea remedy. 20-30 drops in water. Works within minutes for nausea. Also for digestion and circulation.

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.

Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761)

THE specific standardized extract used in 400+ clinical trials. 24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones, <5ppm ginkgolic acids. Gold standard for cognitive support.

Panax ginseng (standardized)

Standardized to 4-7% ginsenosides. The most clinically studied form for energy, cognitive function, and immune support. G115 is a well-known standardization.

Panax ginseng (steamed red)

Steam-processed ginseng — 6-year-old roots steamed and dried. Creates unique ginsenosides (Rg3, Rk1) not found in white ginseng. Warmer and more stimulating than white. For erectile dysfunction, cognitive decline, fatigue, and immune support. Premium Korean product.

Glycine (amino acid)

Simplest amino acid with profound calming effects — improves sleep quality (3g before bed), supports collagen synthesis, and acts as inhibitory neurotransmitter. Sweet taste (glycine = sweet in Greek). For sleep, joint health, and detoxification.

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.

Vitis vinifera (95% OPC)

Standardized to 95% OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins). 100-300mg daily. Used for cardiovascular health, capillary strength, skin aging, and venous insufficiency.

Camellia sinensis

Rich in catechins and L-theanine, green tea is one of the most studied herbs for antioxidant support and metabolic health.

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.

Camellia sinensis (EGCG extract)

Concentrated green tea catechins — standardized for EGCG. More potent than drinking tea. Used for metabolic, cardiovascular, and cognitive support. Liver caution.

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

A premier cardiovascular herb with extensive research supporting its use for heart health and circulation.

Crataegus monogyna

The berry specifically — rich in OPCs and flavonoids. The most studied form of hawthorn for cardiovascular support and blood pressure.

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 (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.

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).

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.

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.

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.