Herb Library

Salvia hispanica (prepared)

Chia seeds soaked in liquid overnight — forms a gel-like pudding rich in omega-3, fiber, and protein. The safest way to eat chia (pre-hydrated, no choking risk).

Salvia hispanica

Ancient Aztec superfood — richest plant source of omega-3 ALA. High in fiber, protein, and minerals. Must be hydrated before eating to prevent choking.

Cinnamomum cassia

TCM variety of cinnamon — warming kidney yang tonic. Contains MORE coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon. Prefer Ceylon for daily supplementation; Cassia for TCM formulas.

Rheum palmatum

Powerful laxative and purgative used in small doses as a bitter digestive tonic. At higher doses, strongly stimulates bowel evacuation. Also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.

Scutellaria baicalensis

Standardized root extract containing baicalin — one of TCM's top anti-inflammatory and antiviral herbs. Used for respiratory, liver, and gut support.

Ligusticum chuanxiong

TCM blood-moving and headache herb — "the herb that reaches the head." For headaches (all types), menstrual pain, and chest pain. Contains ligustrazine (tetramethylpyrazine) — used as IV drug in Chinese hospitals for cardiovascular disease.

Cinchona officinalis

Source of quinine — the original antimalarial drug. Discovery changed world history. Tonic water contains trace quinine. Historical use for fever, malaria, and leg cramps. Largely replaced by synthetic drugs.

Cinnamomum verum

A warming spice with a long history of use for digestive support and blood sugar balance. Ceylon cinnamon preferred over Cassia for supplements.

Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon 500mg)

Ceylon cinnamon capsule — the safe variety for daily use (negligible coumarin). 500mg-1g twice daily with meals for blood sugar support. ALWAYS choose Ceylon over Cassia.

Cinnamomum verum (tea)

Ceylon cinnamon sticks steeped in hot water — the safest daily cinnamon preparation. Sweet, warming flavor. Use Ceylon (not Cassia) for daily drinking.

Cissus quadrangularis (extract)

Standardized Cissus extract — Ayurveda's "bone setter" in concentrated form. Clinical trials for fracture healing, joint health, and body composition.

Cocos nucifera (water)

Natural electrolyte drink from young coconuts — rich in potassium. Nature's isotonic sports drink. Used for rehydration and kidney health in tropical traditions.

Pisces (marine source)

Hydrolyzed collagen from fish — type I collagen peptides for skin, hair, joint, and bone support. Not an herb but commonly sold alongside herbs.

Bovine/Marine collagen hydrolysate

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides — broken down for absorption. Used for skin elasticity, joint comfort, bone density, and gut healing. 10-15g daily typical dose.

Symphytum officinale (leaf salve)

Comfrey LEAF (not root) salve — for sprains, bruises, joint pain. Apply to INTACT SKIN only. Limit to 4-6 weeks/year. The traditional "bone-knitting" remedy.

Hintonia latiflora

Mexican blood sugar herb — traditional Maya and Aztec remedy for diabetes. Contains neoflavonoids (coutareagenin) that improve insulin sensitivity. German-studied (Sucontil brand). One of the best-studied Latin American anti-diabetic plants.

Cordyceps militaris (500mg)

Standard Cordyceps capsule — 500mg fruiting body. For energy, athletic performance, and lung capacity. 1-3g daily. Works best with consistent daily use over weeks.

Cordyceps militaris (extract)

Dual-extracted Cordyceps — hot water for polysaccharides, alcohol for cordycepin. Used for athletic performance, lung capacity, and energy support.

Corydalis yanhusuo

One of TCM's strongest pain-relief herbs, containing dl-THP (tetrahydropalmatine). Used for menstrual pain, abdominal pain, and traumatic injury.

Vaccinium macrocarpon

A well-known berry used to support urinary tract health, particularly in women.

Vaccinium macrocarpon (juice)

Pure unsweetened cranberry juice — the traditional form for UTI prevention. Must be unsweetened (sugar feeds bacteria). 8oz twice daily for prevention.

Angelica sinensis

Most prescribed herb in TCM — "Female Ginseng" for blood building and menstrual regulation. Different parts have different actions: head stops bleeding, body nourishes blood, tail moves blood. Contains ligustilide.

Codonopsis pilosula

TCM qi tonic — gentler and cheaper substitute for Ren Shen (Ginseng) in many formulas. For fatigue, poor appetite, loose stool, and shortness of breath. Milder and more moistening than ginseng. Safe for long-term daily use. Sweet taste.

Salvia miltiorrhiza

One of the most important cardiovascular herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, used for heart and circulatory support.

Berberis aristata

Berberine-containing Ayurvedic herb used for eye infections, skin disorders, jaundice, and diarrhea. Valued for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ziziphus jujuba (fruit)

TCM qi and blood tonic — harmonizes formulas and moderates harsh herbs. For fatigue, poor appetite, and emotional instability. The most commonly used "assistant" herb in TCM formulas. Sweet and nourishing. Eaten as a snack throughout China.

Atropa belladonna

Powerful smooth muscle antispasmodic used to relieve intestinal colic, treat peptic ulcers, and alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Contains tropane alkaloids used in conventional anesthesia.

Derris scandens

Thai traditional medicine vine for musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, and back pain. Clinical studies in Thailand demonstrate analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Contains rotenoids and isoflavonoids. Listed in Thai National List of Essential Medicines.

Harpagophytum procumbens

A South African herb used traditionally to support joint comfort and mobility, with research supporting its use for musculoskeletal discomfort.

Echinacea purpurea

One of the most popular immune-support herbs in Western herbalism, used traditionally at the onset of seasonal challenges.

Echinacea angustifolia

The root of narrow-leaved echinacea — traditionally preferred by Native Americans and early Eclectic physicians. Different alkaloid profile from E. purpurea.

Echinacea purpurea (400mg)

Standard echinacea capsule. Take at FIRST sign of symptoms — 2-3 caps every 2-3 hours day 1, then 3x daily for 7-10 days. Don't wait until you're already sick.

Echinacea purpurea + Hydrastis canadensis

The classic American herbal immune combination. Echinacea stimulates immune response while Goldenseal (berberine) provides direct antimicrobial action.

Echinacea angustifolia (root tincture)

Fresh-tinctured Echinacea root — produces the classic tongue-tingling sensation from alkylamides. The form preferred by traditional Western herbalists.

Echinacea purpurea (tea)

Echinacea steeped as tea — milder than tincture but still effective. Take at first sign of symptoms. Slight tingling on tongue is normal and indicates quality.

Echium amoenum

Iranian traditional flower tea for depression, anxiety, and as a calming agent. Clinical trials support anxiolytic effects. Popular in Iranian bazaars as dried flower tea. Contains rosmarinic acid and flavonoids. CAUTION: May contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids like other Echium species.

Magnesium sulfate (bath)

Magnesium sulfate dissolved in warm bath — traditional muscle soak. Provides transdermal magnesium and sulfate. 2 cups per standard bath. 20-minute soaks.

Maytenus ilicifolia

Brazilian medicinal tree leaf used for gastric ulcers, heartburn, and dyspepsia. Brazilian government-approved phytomedicine. Contains maytenin and pristimerine with gastroprotective and antitumor properties. Clinical studies support anti-ulcer effects.

Eucalyptus globulus

A respiratory support herb with powerful aromatic properties, used as a steam inhalant and in chest rubs for breathing comfort.

Eucalyptus + Peppermint + Camphor (topical)

Topical chest balm with eucalyptus, peppermint, and camphor — the natural Vicks alternative. Apply to chest and back for congestion relief. NEVER near infant faces.

Eucalyptus globulus

The leaf is used as tea for respiratory support. The essential oil is for steam inhalation ONLY — never ingest. Widely used in chest rubs.

Eucalyptus + Menthol (lozenge)

Eucalyptus and menthol cough drops — the classic sore throat and congestion remedy. Provides cooling relief and mild antimicrobial action. OTC standard.

Eucalyptus globulus (essential oil)

Steam-distilled eucalyptus oil — for inhalation and topical use ONLY. NEVER ingest. Used in steam inhalation for congestion and in chest rubs.

Eucalyptus globulus (steam inhalation)

The classic cold/flu remedy — 3-5 drops eucalyptus oil in steaming water, drape towel, breathe 5-10 min with eyes closed. Opens sinuses and soothes airways.

Oenothera biennis (1000mg)

Standard EPO softgel — 1000mg providing 90mg GLA. For PMS breast tenderness, eczema, and nerve function. Take 1-3 capsules daily. Works best over 2-3 months.

Trigonella foenum-graecum (610mg)

Standard fenugreek seed capsule. For lactation: 3 caps 3x daily. For blood sugar: 2 caps with meals. Expect maple-syrup body odor (sign it's working).

Trigonella foenum-graecum (extract)

Standardized for furostanol saponins (Testofen) or 4-hydroxyisoleucine. Used for blood sugar support, lactation, and testosterone support in men.

Trigonella foenum-graecum (tea)

Fenugreek seeds steeped overnight or simmered — for blood sugar, lactation, and digestive support. Distinctive maple-like flavor. Soak overnight for easier digestion.