Herb Library

Sideritis raeseri

Greek and Balkan mountain herb consumed as daily tea. Clinical research supports cognitive benefits — Professor Pahnke's studies show it may be neuroprotective against Alzheimer's. Contains diterpenes and flavonoids. Different species from Sideritis scardica.

Mentha spicata (tea)

Gentler than peppermint — studied for anti-androgenic effects. Two cups daily reduced free testosterone in PCOS studies. Safe for hormonal acne and hirsutism.

Arthrospira platensis

A blue-green microalgae used as a nutrient-dense superfood rich in protein, B vitamins, iron, and phycocyanin antioxidants.

Arthrospira platensis (powder)

Spirulina in powder form — for smoothies and green drinks. 3-6g daily. Deep green color and mild oceanic taste. The most nutrient-dense food by weight on earth.

Arthrospira platensis (tablet)

Compressed spirulina tablets — convenient format avoiding the taste of powder. 3-6g daily provides complete protein, B12, GLA, and phycocyanin.

Stevia rebaudiana

A Paraguayan herb 200-300x sweeter than sugar, used as a natural zero-calorie sweetener. Also has mild blood pressure and blood sugar-lowering effects.

Urtica dioica (root extract)

Standardized nettle ROOT extract — specifically for prostate/BPH support. Different from nettle leaf (which is nutritive/antihistamine).

Urtica dioica (leaf)

The LEAF of stinging nettle — a nutritive mineral-rich tonic and antihistamine. Different uses from nettle ROOT. Rich in iron, calcium, and silica.

Hypericum perforatum (tea)

Dried St. John's Wort steeped as tea — milder than capsules but still has drug interactions. 2-3 cups daily. Yellow tea turns reddish. Same interaction warnings apply.

Phyllanthus niruri

Famous tropical kidney stone herb — used worldwide in folk medicine. Emerging clinical evidence for preventing calcium oxalate stone formation.

Phyllanthus niruri

A tropical herb whose name means "stone breaker" — traditionally used worldwide for kidney stones, gallstones, and liver support. Promising research.

Ashwagandha + Rhodiola + Holy Basil + Schisandra

Four-adaptogen formula for comprehensive stress resilience. Each adaptogen works through different HPA axis pathways for synergistic cortisol regulation.

Stryphnodendron adstringens

Brazilian cerrado tree bark widely used for wound healing, burns, gastric ulcers, and vaginal infections. Contains prodelphinidin tannins (up to 30%). Brazilian phytomedicine — standardized extract for wound healing. Applied topically as gel or decoction wash.

Prunus cerasus

Tart cherry concentrate — rich in melatonin and anthocyanins. Studied for sleep quality, exercise recovery, joint comfort, and gout support.

Licorice + Slippery Elm + Marshmallow

The most popular herbal throat tea — triple demulcent formula coating and soothing the throat. Contains licorice (limit intake to 4-6 weeks).

Thymus vulgaris (tea)

Traditional European cough remedy tea — thymol is a potent antimicrobial. German Commission E approved for bronchitis. Safe for children.

Camphor + Menthol + Cajuput + Clove

Iconic Asian topical analgesic — camphor, menthol, cajuput, and clove oils in a petroleum base. For muscle pain, headache (temples), and congestion. Since 1870.

Ocimum tenuiflorum + spices + tea

Tulsi combined with traditional chai spices (ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper) in black tea. India's most popular herbal chai. Adaptogenic and warming.

Trametes versicolor

A medicinal mushroom with extensive research for immune system modulation, particularly PSK and PSP polysaccharides.

Trametes versicolor (tea)

Turkey Tail simmered 1-2 hours as tea. The traditional preparation extracts water-soluble PSK/PSP polysaccharides for immune modulation.

Curcuma longa + fat + pepper

Homemade paste combining turmeric powder + coconut oil + black pepper — the traditional bioavailability-enhanced format. Popular in the "Doug English" protocol.

Curcuma longa (paste)

Fresh turmeric root ground into paste with coconut oil and black pepper. The highest-absorption DIY preparation. Store in fridge, use within 2 weeks.

Xysmalobium undulatum

South African anti-diarrheal — German registered medicine (Uzara). Contains uzarin (cardiac glycoside with anti-motility effect). For acute non-specific diarrhea. One of the most successful African traditional medicines commercialized in Europe.

Valeriana officinalis

One of the most well-known and studied sleep support herbs, used for centuries to promote relaxation and restful sleep.

Valeriana officinalis (450mg)

Standard valerian root capsule — 450mg is the common dose. Take 30-60 minutes before bed. May take 2-4 weeks for full effect. Strong smell even in capsules.

Valeriana officinalis (extract)

Standardized valerian extract — 0.8% valerenic acid typical. The most studied form for insomnia and sleep quality improvement.

Valeriana officinalis (tea)

Traditional valerian root tea — milder than extract but still effective for sleep. Strong, distinctive smell. Often combined with hops, lemon balm, or passionflower.

Valeriana officinalis (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted valerian — the strongest smelling herbal tincture. 30-60 drops before bed. More fast-acting than capsules. The smell is notoriously awful.

Crataeva nurvula

Traditional Ayurvedic remedy for kidney and bladder stones. Inhibits stone formation, increases bladder tone, and is valuable for urinary tract infections and enlarged prostate.

Ammi visnaga

Powerful antispasmodic for bronchial muscles, coronary arteries, and urinary tubules. Traditional Egyptian remedy for kidney stones and effective for asthma prevention.

Vitex agnus-castus (extract)

Standardized extract of chasteberry — the most studied form for PMS, menstrual irregularity, and cyclical breast pain. Takes 3+ months for full effect.

Vitex agnus-castus

See Chasteberry entry for full details. Cross-referenced for searchability.

Vitex trifolia

Pan-tropical and Pacific Island shrub — Filipino DOH-approved phytomedicine (Lagundi) for cough and asthma. Hawaiian use (pohinahina) for headache and body aches. Contains vitexin and casticin. One of the most studied Philippine herbal medicines.

Nasturtium officinale

Nutrient-dense aquatic green — scored #1 on CDC Powerhouse Fruits and Vegetables scale (100/100). Contains PEITC (phenethyl isothiocyanate) — potent anticancer compound. Traditional spring tonic. For respiratory health and detoxification.

Camellia sinensis (white)

The least processed tea — highest in catechins and lowest in caffeine. Delicate sweet flavor. Studied for skin protection, cardiovascular health, and oral health.

Salix alba

The original source of salicin (precursor to aspirin), used traditionally for discomfort, headaches, and joint support.

Salix alba (400mg)

Standard white willow bark capsule — the herbal aspirin alternative. 400mg providing ~60mg salicin. For headaches, back pain, and joint discomfort. Gentler on stomach than aspirin.

Hibiscus sabdariffa

Used in Australian Aboriginal and global traditions for hypertension, UTIs, and as a cooling beverage. The calyces are rich in anthocyanins and organic acids.

Hamamelis virginiana

A widely used astringent herb, primarily topical, for skin toning, hemorrhoids, and minor skin irritation.

Hamamelis virginiana (distillate)

Distilled witch hazel — the classic natural skin toner. Alcohol-free versions (Thayers) are gentler. Used for acne, oily skin, and as a post-shave tonic.

Vitex + DIM + Black Cohosh + Dong Quai

Comprehensive women's hormonal formula — Vitex for cycle regulation, DIM for estrogen metabolism, Black Cohosh for vasomotor symptoms, Dong Quai for blood nourishment.

Wrightia antidysenterica

Indian and Southeast Asian tree — Ayurvedic 'kutaja' specifically for dysentery and amoebic infections. Bark contains conessine alkaloid with anti-amoebic activity validated in clinical studies. For diarrhea, IBS, and hemorrhoids in Ayurveda.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

The Ayurvedic preparation of licorice root, used for voice quality, respiratory support, digestive ulcers, and as a harmonizer in formulas.