Herb Library

Ganoderma lucidum (extract)

Dual-extracted Reishi — hot water for polysaccharides, alcohol for triterpenes. The most comprehensive extraction for immune modulation and longevity.

Ganoderma lucidum (tea)

Sliced Reishi simmered 2+ hours — the traditional TCM preparation. Bitter taste. Captures water-soluble polysaccharides. Often blended with honey or other herbs.

Ganoderma lucidum (tincture)

Dual-extracted Reishi tincture — captures both water-soluble polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble triterpenes. The most comprehensive extraction in convenient dropper format.

Rhodiola rosea

A powerful adaptogen from Arctic regions, used to support mental performance, physical stamina, and stress resilience.

Rhodiola rosea (500mg)

Standard rhodiola capsule — 500mg root extract. Take in the morning (stimulating — don't take at night). For stress, fatigue, and mental performance. Works fast (days-weeks).

Rhodiola rosea

A powerful Arctic adaptogen studied for mental performance, physical stamina, stress resilience, and mild-moderate depression support.

Rhodiola rosea (tea)

Rhodiola root tea — milder than extract but still effective. Simmer dried root 10-15 minutes. Take in morning (stimulating). Slightly rose-like taste.

Rhodiola rosea (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted Rhodiola — fast-acting adaptogen for acute stress and mental performance. 20-40 drops in morning water. Do NOT take in evening (stimulating).

Rheum palmatum

TCM purgative — "General Rhubarb" clears heat and moves stool. Contains anthraquinones (emodin, rhein). Small doses are astringent/binding; large doses are laxative. Key ingredient in many TCM formulas. NOT the garden rhubarb stalk.

Olea europaea

Unani prophetic medicine oil for constipation, gallstones, skin conditions, and cardiovascular health; also used as a vehicle for other remedies.

Rosa canina (extract)

Standardized rosehip extract — studied for joint comfort (osteoarthritis) and skin health. Contains GOPO (galactolipid) as the active compound.

Rosa canina (tea)

Pleasant fruity tea — one of the richest natural vitamin C sources. Popular in Scandinavian and German traditions. Great hot or iced. Blends well with hibiscus.

Schisandra chinensis

The "five flavor berry" of Chinese medicine — an adaptogenic fruit used for liver support, stress resilience, and mental clarity.

Schisandra chinensis

The adaptogenic "five-flavor berry" — sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent. Liver protector, stress reducer, cognitive enhancer.

Schisandra chinensis (tea)

Dried schisandra berries simmered 15-20 minutes — produces the unique five-flavor experience. Adaptogenic liver support in a pleasant daily tea format.

Scutellaria baicalensis

A major heat-clearing TCM herb containing baicalin. Used for respiratory infections, inflammation, and liver support. Different from American Skullcap.

Dioscorea opposita

TCM Spleen/Lung/Kidney tonic — one of the few herbs that tonifies all three organs. For poor appetite, chronic diarrhea, diabetes, and vaginal discharge. Mild and nourishing. Safe for long-term use. Also eaten as a vegetable (nagaimo in Japanese cuisine).

Lentinula edodes

A popular culinary mushroom that is also a medicinal powerhouse, containing lentinan and other immune-supporting compounds.

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.

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.

Glycine max (Rhizopus fermented)

Indonesian fermented whole soybean — higher protein and easier to digest than tofu. Rich in vitamin B12 (rare in plants), probiotics, and complete protein.

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

A culinary herb with strong respiratory support properties, used for coughs, bronchial comfort, and immune support.

Thymus vulgaris (tea)

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

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.

Curcuma longa + Raw Honey

Turmeric mixed into raw honey — creates a golden paste that's both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Traditional Ayurvedic cold/flu remedy. ½ tsp 3x daily when sick.

Vitex agnus-castus

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

Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao)

TCM blood-nourishing and liver-softening herb — for menstrual cramps, muscle spasms, night sweats, and irritability. Contains paeoniflorin (anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory). Key herb in Xiao Yao San and Si Wu Tang formulas.

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.

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.

Pausinystalia yohimbe

African aphrodisiac — yohimbine is an alpha-2 antagonist (increases norepinephrine). Prescription drug for erectile dysfunction. OTC supplements have inconsistent yohimbine content. DANGEROUS side effects possible. Not for casual use.

Polyporus umbellatus

TCM diuretic mushroom — promotes urination without depleting potassium. For edema, UTIs, and as cancer adjuvant (clinical use in China). Part of Zhu Ling Tang (Polyporus Decoction) for UTI with blood in urine. Immune-modulating polysaccharides.