Herb Library

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.

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.

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.

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.

Perna canaliculus

A New Zealand shellfish extract rich in unique omega-3s (ETA) and GAGs. Clinical evidence for joint comfort and inflammation support.

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).

Commiphora wightii

An Ayurvedic resin traditionally used for joint health, cholesterol support, and thyroid function.

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.

Camellia sinensis (shade-grown leaf)

The highest grade of Japanese green tea — shade-grown for 20+ days. Extremely high in L-theanine for relaxation and umami flavor.

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.

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.

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.

Hericium erinaceus (gummy)

Lion's Mane in gummy form — the trendy format for cognitive support. Check actual mushroom extract dose per gummy (many are underdosed). Look for fruiting body extract.

Magnesium L-threonate (Magtein)

The ONLY form of magnesium shown to cross the blood-brain barrier. Studied for cognitive function, memory, and sleep. Patented as Magtein. 1-2g daily.

Magnesium oxide

The most common but LEAST bioavailable magnesium form (4% absorption). Best used as a laxative/stool softener rather than for magnesium repletion. Very inexpensive.

Magnesium taurate

Magnesium chelated to taurine — the cardiovascular-specific magnesium. Both magnesium and taurine support heart rhythm and blood pressure. Gentle on GI.

Magnolia officinalis

A TCM herb for digestive stagnation and phlegm, now studied for its compounds honokiol and magnolol which support relaxation and sleep.

Schisandra chinensis

The "five flavor berry" of TCM — sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent. An adaptogenic liver protector used for stress, mental clarity, and endurance.

Ophiopogon japonicus

TCM yin-nourishing herb for Lung and Stomach — for dry cough, thirst, constipation from dryness, and palpitations. Moistening and cooling. Key herb in Mai Men Dong Tang (for dry cough) and Sheng Mai San (for qi/yin deficiency). Common ornamental plant.

Leptospermum scoparium (lozenge)

Lozenges made with genuine Manuka honey — provides direct MGO antimicrobial action to the throat. Check for UMF/MGO rating on product. Delicious and effective.

Pistacia lentiscus

A Mediterranean resin from Chios, Greece. Studied for H. pylori, peptic ulcers, digestive health, and oral hygiene. EU-protected origin.

Pistacia lentiscus (extract)

Standardized mastic gum extract from Chios, Greece. Clinical evidence for H. pylori, peptic ulcers, and digestive health. EU-protected origin.

Mahonia aquifolium

Pacific Northwest berberine source — sustainable alternative to Goldenseal. For psoriasis (topical), liver support, and infections. Contains berberine, berbamine, and oxyacanthine. Oregon state flower.

Urtica dioica (tea bag)

Pre-packaged nettle leaf tea bag — convenient daily mineral tonic. For allergy support, use freeze-dried capsules instead (tea is less effective for allergies).

Nigella sativa

An ancient remedy from the Middle East/South Asia referenced in Islamic medicine as "a cure for everything except death." Contains thymoquinone.

Camellia sinensis (partially oxidized)

Partially oxidized tea (between green and black). Contains unique polymerized polyphenols. Studied for weight management, blood sugar, and dental health. Moderate caffeine.

Origanum vulgare (essential oil)

Concentrated antimicrobial essential oil — 60-80% carvacrol. For topical antifungal (nail fungus, athletes foot) and diluted internal use for SIBO/Candida (enteric capsules). NEVER use undiluted. More concentrated than "oil of oregano" supplements.

Origanum vulgare (essential oil)

Potent antimicrobial essential oil — carvacrol and thymol kill bacteria, fungi, and parasites on contact. For SIBO, Candida, colds, and food poisoning. ALWAYS dilute. Enteric-coated capsules protect gut flora. Short-term use only.

Mahonia aquifolium (extract)

Standardized for berberine content. Used internally for metabolic health and topically (cream) for psoriasis — clinical evidence for mild-moderate psoriasis.

Avena sativa (soaked)

Oats soaked overnight in milk/yogurt with chia seeds — the most popular functional breakfast. Provides beta-glucan fiber for cholesterol and gut health. No cooking needed.