Herb Library

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.

Mineral salt + citrus + honey blend

Natural electrolyte formula — sea salt, potassium, magnesium, lemon, honey. The herbal alternative to Gatorade. For exercise, illness, and daily hydration.

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.

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.

Curcuma longa (fermented)

Turmeric that has been fermented to increase bioavailability of curcumin without needing piperine. Easier on the digestive system.

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.

Ginkgo biloba (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted ginkgo leaf — faster absorption than capsules. 30-60 drops 2-3x daily. Same benefits and cautions as standardized extract.

Panax quinquefolius

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

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 (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted ginseng — rapid absorption for energy and cognitive support. 20-40 drops in morning. More fast-acting than capsules. Cycle 2-3 months on, 2 weeks off.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Hibiscus sabdariffa

A tart, ruby-red flower tea enjoyed worldwide, studied for blood pressure and cardiovascular support.

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 (tincture)

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

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.

5 Mushroom dual-extract tincture

Five medicinal mushrooms dual-extracted in one tincture — Reishi, Turkey Tail, Chaga, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane. The broadest-spectrum immune mushroom format.

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.

Brassica rapa (fermented)

Korean fermented cabbage — rich in Lactobacillus kimchii and other probiotics. Used for gut health, immune support, and metabolic health. A functional food staple.

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.