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.

Protease + Lipase + Amylase + plant enzymes

Broad-spectrum plant-based digestive enzymes — breaks down protein, fat, carbs, fiber, and dairy. Take with meals. Not an herb but essential in digestive protocols.

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.

Eleutherococcus senticosus

An adaptogenic root used in Traditional Chinese and Russian folk medicine to support stress resilience and stamina.

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 (oil)

Cold-pressed seed oil rich in GLA (8-10%). Used for PMS breast tenderness, skin health, and nerve function. Take 1-3g daily. Better studied than borage oil.

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

An Ayurvedic herb used to support blood sugar balance, lactation, and digestive health.

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.

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.

Tanacetum parthenium

A traditional European herb primarily used for head comfort and migraine support, with a long history of use.

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.

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

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.

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.

Curcuma longa + milk + spices

Traditional Ayurvedic bedtime drink — turmeric, black pepper, ginger, cinnamon in warm milk (dairy or plant). Anti-inflammatory, sleep-promoting, and comforting.

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.

Solidago virgaurea

Premier kidney and urinary herb — German Commission E approved for UTIs and kidney stones. Anti-inflammatory diuretic that flushes without depleting minerals. Unfairly blamed for hay fever (ragweed is the true culprit).

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.