Herb Library

Allium sativum (black/honey ferment)

Garlic transformed through fermentation — black garlic (heat) or honey-garlic (lacto). Both increase SAC content and reduce harshness while maintaining benefits.

Schisandra chinensis

Contains all five flavors — sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent. An adaptogen for liver protection, stress resilience, and endurance. Unique among herbs.

Linum usitatissimum (gel)

1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg replacement. Vegan baking staple that also provides omega-3 ALA and lignans. Functional food ingredient.

Linum usitatissimum (oil)

Cold-pressed flaxseed oil — the richest plant source of ALA omega-3. Must be refrigerated (goes rancid quickly). Used for inflammation, hormones, and brain health.

Boswellia sacra

The sacred resin used since antiquity. Contains boswellic acids studied for joint support and healthy inflammatory response. Related to Boswellia serrata.

Allium sativum (oil softgel)

Garlic oil in softgel — provides allicin compounds. Less studied than aged garlic extract but more affordable. 1500mg equivalent daily. Less effective than AGE for cholesterol.

Ginkgo biloba (120mg)

Standard ginkgo extract capsule — 120mg standardized extract. Take 120-240mg daily divided into 2-3 doses. Takes 4-6 weeks for cognitive effects.

Ginkgo biloba (standardized)

Standardized to 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones. The most studied form for cognitive function, circulation, and tinnitus.

Panax quinquefolius

A cooling adaptogen compared to Asian ginseng, used to support immune function, blood sugar balance, and stress resilience.

Panax ginseng

The "king of herbs" in Traditional Chinese Medicine, used as a premier adaptogen to support energy, cognitive function, and overall vitality.

Panax ginseng (500mg)

Standard ginseng root capsule — 500mg. Take in the morning (may cause insomnia if taken late). Cycle on 2-3 months, off 2 weeks. Not for daily permanent use.

Panax ginseng (tea)

Traditional ginseng root tea — sliced root simmered for 30-60 minutes. Often with jujube dates and honey. The Korean traditional preparation method.

Cynara cardunculus

Mediterranean plant used as a liver-protective remedy that stimulates bile flow and helps reduce blood cholesterol levels. Clinical trials support use for dyspepsia and mild hyperlipidemia.

Amorphophallus konjac

A water-soluble fiber from konjac root — absorbs 50x its weight in water. Used for appetite control, cholesterol, blood sugar, and constipation. Take with lots of water.

Turmeric + Coconut Oil + Black Pepper + Water

The specific "Doug English" golden paste recipe — cooked turmeric, coconut oil, black pepper, and water. The viral recipe that started the golden paste movement.

Centella asiatica (extract)

Standardized extract of Centella asiatica (asiaticoside, madecassoside). Evidence-based for wound healing, scarring, and venous insufficiency.

Vitis vinifera (seed)

Rich in OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) — powerful antioxidants studied for cardiovascular, skin, and venous health. 20x stronger than vitamin C.

Secale cereale

Standardized extract of rye grass pollen (Cernilton) clinically studied for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic prostatitis. Systematic reviews show benefit for urinary symptoms associated with BPH.

Camellia sinensis (decaf extract)

Decaffeinated green tea extract — provides EGCG catechins without caffeine. For those sensitive to caffeine who still want antioxidant/metabolic benefits.

Griffonia simplicifolia

West African climbing plant whose seeds are the natural source of 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), a serotonin precursor used for mood and sleep support.

Tinospora cordifolia (standardized)

Standardized Guduchi/Giloy extract — typically to 2.5% bitter principles. Ayurvedic immunomodulator for allergies, autoimmune conditions, and fever. Recently controversial in India due to liver toxicity reports (possibly from adulteration or Tinospora crispa contamination).

Matricaria chamomilla

Central Asian Unani calming herb for anxiety, digestive spasm, and skin inflammation. One of the most widely used herbs globally for relaxation and digestive comfort.

Gymnema sylvestre

An Ayurvedic herb known as the "sugar destroyer" — it temporarily blocks sweet taste receptors and is studied for blood sugar support.

Gymnema sylvestre (400mg)

Standard Gymnema capsule — 400mg standardized to 25% gymnemic acids. Blocks sweet taste for 1-2 hours. Take before meals for blood sugar and craving support.

Gymnema sylvestre (extract)

Standardized extract (25-75% gymnemic acids). Blocks sweet taste receptors for 1-2 hours. The most studied form for blood sugar support.

Harungana madagascariensis

African relative of St. John's wort used across tropical Africa and Madagascar for liver complaints, digestive disorders, and malaria. Contains hypericin-type compounds and anthraquinones. European phytomedicine (Haronga extract) approved in Germany for dyspepsia.

Crataegus monogyna (berry tea)

Traditional hawthorn berry tea — simmer dried berries 15-20 minutes. The gentlest way to support cardiovascular health daily. Pleasant mild fruity taste.

Ocimum tenuiflorum

A sacred Ayurvedic adaptogen known as "The Queen of Herbs," used to support stress resilience, mental clarity, and respiratory health.

Ocimum tenuiflorum (500mg)

Standard Tulsi capsule — 500mg extract. The convenient daily adaptogen format for those who don't want tea. 1-2 capsules daily.

Ocimum tenuiflorum (extract)

Standardized Tulsi extract — concentrated ursolic acid and eugenol. The most studied form for stress resilience, blood sugar, and cognitive support.

Ocimum tenuiflorum (tea)

India's most sacred herb as a daily tea — three varieties (Krishna, Rama, Vana) each with slightly different flavor and properties. The gentlest adaptogen delivery.

Ocimum tenuiflorum (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted Tulsi — concentrated adaptogen drops. 30-60 drops 2-3x daily. Faster acting than capsules for acute stress. The portable adaptogen format.

Rhodiola crenulata

Tibetan/Chinese Rhodiola species — grows at 11,000-18,000 feet. For altitude sickness, fatigue, and immune support. Contains salidroside (shared with R. rosea) but different rosavin profile. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia species. Used by Tibetan herders and Sherpas.

Astragalus membranaceus (extract)

Standardized astragalus extract — concentrated polysaccharides and astragalosides for deep immune tonic and energy support. Take as a tonic, not during acute illness.

Bacterial fermentation (Streptococcus)

A naturally occurring polysaccharide in joints, skin, and eyes. Oral HA supplements support joint cushioning, skin hydration, and eye comfort.

Carapichea ipecacuanha

Historical emetic — syrup of ipecac was once in every first aid kit for poisoning (NO LONGER RECOMMENDED). Contains emetine (cardiotoxic with chronic use). Still used in very low homeopathic doses for nausea.

Isatis tinctoria

TCM antiviral powerhouse — Ban Lan Gen is the most commonly used herb in China for sore throats and flu. During SARS and COVID, sales exploded. Contains indirubin (anti-leukemic compound). Also the source of blue woad dye.

Pilocarpus jaborandi

Source of pilocarpine — prescription drug for glaucoma and dry mouth. Powerful cholinergic that causes sweating and salivation. Used by indigenous Brazilians as diaphoretic. PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (tea)

Daily longevity tea — the Chinese province of Guizhou where jiaogulan is consumed daily has the highest centenarian rate. Sweet, slightly bitter adaptogenic tea. For cholesterol, blood sugar, stress, and longevity. Caffeine-free. Can be re-steeped 3-5 times.

Simmondsia chinensis

Not actually an oil — it is a liquid wax ester, similar to human sebum. Excellent for skin and hair care. Non-comedogenic moisturizer. For acne, eczema, psoriasis, and hair conditioning. EXTERNAL USE ONLY (toxic if ingested).

Phyllanthus amarus

Siddha lithotriptic for kidney stones and hepatoprotective for jaundice and hepatitis B; extremely important in Tamil medicine.

Aloe barbadensis

Ayurvedic cooling herb used for skin burns, constipation (latex), liver support, and menstrual regulation. Gel and latex have very different therapeutic profiles.

Larix occidentalis

The bark of larch produces prebiotics (arabinogalactans) that strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, help reduce tumor cells, and treat middle ear infections in children.

Lavandula angustifolia

A beloved aromatic herb used for relaxation, sleep support, and mood balance. One of the safest and most versatile essential oils.

Lavandula angustifolia (tea)

Dried lavender buds as tea — the gentlest way to consume lavender for anxiety and sleep. Pleasant floral taste. Often blended with chamomile or lemon balm.

Melissa officinalis

A gentle, lemon-scented herb used for calming, digestive comfort, and cognitive support. Excellent for children.

Melissa officinalis (500mg)

Standard lemon balm capsule — 500mg. For anxiety, sleep, and cognitive support. Non-drowsy at moderate doses. Safe for children. Also supports HSV management.

Melissa officinalis (tea)

One of the most pleasant herbal teas — lemon-scented, calming, and digestive. Safe for children. Best fresh. Combines beautifully with chamomile for bedtime.