Herb Library

Aloe barbadensis

Ayurvedic cooling herb used for skin burns, constipation (latex), liver support, and menstrual regulation. Gel and latex have very different therapeutic profiles.

Picrorhiza kurroa

A bitter Ayurvedic herb used for liver protection, immune modulation, and respiratory support. Studied for hepatoprotective properties similar to Milk Thistle.

Melissa officinalis (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted lemon balm — for acute anxiety, cold sores (topical), and digestive calm. 30-60 drops as needed. One of the gentlest and safest nervine tinctures.

Citrus limon (essential oil)

Cold-pressed lemon peel oil — rich in d-limonene (90-95%). For aromatherapy: mood, focus, and air purification. D-limonene has clinical evidence for GERD (internal capsule form). Photosensitizing — avoid sun exposure on applied skin for 12 hours.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

A widely used herb in both Western and Chinese medicine for digestive, respiratory, and adrenal support. DGL form avoids blood pressure concerns.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (450mg)

Standard licorice root capsule — WHOLE licorice with glycyrrhizin. MAX 4-6 weeks. For adrenal support, sore throat, and digestive ulcers. Use DGL for long-term.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (tea)

Sweet licorice root tea — naturally sweet without sugar. Used for sore throat, adrenal support, and digestive soothing. MAX 4-6 weeks due to glycyrrhizin.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (whole)

Whole licorice root (WITH glycyrrhizin) — powerful but requires careful use. Max 4-6 weeks. Used in many TCM and Western formulas as a harmonizer.

Hericium erinaceus

A medicinal mushroom studied for its unique ability to support nerve health, cognitive function, and brain health.

Hericium erinaceus (500mg)

Standard Lion's Mane capsule — 500mg fruiting body. Look for "fruiting body" not "mycelium on grain." Beta-glucan content matters more than total weight.

Hericium erinaceus (extract)

Dual-extracted (hot water + alcohol) Lion's Mane — captures both beta-glucans and hericenones/erinacines for nerve growth factor support.

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.

Hericium erinaceus (powder)

Whole fruiting body powder — provides beta-glucans when hot-water extracted. Add to coffee, smoothies, or cooking. Different from mycelium-on-grain products.

Hericium erinaceus (tea)

Dried Lion's Mane sliced and simmered 20-30 minutes. Extracts water-soluble polysaccharides for immune support. The traditional Asian preparation.

Hericium erinaceus (tincture)

Dual-extracted Lion's Mane tincture — both hot water and alcohol extraction. Captures polysaccharides AND hericenones/erinacines. The most comprehensive NGF-supporting format.

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.

Cannabis sativa

Ancient medicinal plant with analgesic, antiemetic, and antispasmodic properties. Seeds (Huo Ma Ren) are used in Chinese medicine as a gentle laxative. Subject to extensive legal restrictions.

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.

Cocos nucifera (medium chain triglycerides)

Concentrated medium-chain triglycerides from coconut — rapidly absorbed for energy. Used for cognitive support, athletic performance, and ketogenic diets.

Glycine max (fermented paste)

Japanese fermented soybean paste — rich in probiotics, B vitamins, and isoflavones. Used for gut health, immune support, and as a mineral-rich broth base.

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.

Paeonia suffruticosa

TCM blood-cooling and blood-moving herb — for yin deficiency with heat signs (night sweats, afternoon fever) and blood stasis. Key herb in Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan. For menstrual irregularity and inflammatory skin conditions.

Reishi + Turkey Tail + Chaga + Maitake + Shiitake

Five premier medicinal mushrooms combined. Each provides unique beta-glucans and triterpenoids. Broader immune modulation than any single mushroom.

Bacillus subtilis var. natto (enzyme)

A fibrinolytic enzyme from Japanese fermented soybeans (natto). Studied for cardiovascular health and healthy blood viscosity. Not technically an herb.

Nigella sativa

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

Avena sativa (milk)

Plant milk from oats — naturally sweet, creamy, and rich in beta-glucan fiber. Used as a dairy alternative that supports cholesterol and gut health.

Olea europaea (fruit extract)

Concentrated olive polyphenols (hydroxytyrosol) — the most potent natural antioxidant measured by ORAC. Provides olive oil benefits without the calories.

Olea europaea (18-25% oleuropein)

Standardized olive leaf — 18-25% oleuropein. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial for colds, flu, and chronic infections. Also lowers blood pressure and blood sugar. Herxheimer (die-off) reactions common when starting — start low. More potent than eating olives.

Allium cepa

Medicinal food with antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties. Used for coughs, colds, and bronchial infections. Also helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

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.

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.

PEA (endocannabinoid)

An endogenous fatty acid amide the body produces. Supplemental PEA supports the endocannabinoid system for pain, inflammation, and immune modulation.

Passiflora incarnata

A gentle nervine herb used for sleep support, anxiety relief, and nervous system calming. Often combined with valerian.

Passiflora incarnata (400mg)

Standard passionflower capsule — 400mg extract. For anxiety: take during the day (non-drowsy at moderate doses). For sleep: take 30 min before bed.

Passiflora incarnata (tea)

Passionflower steeped as tea — a gentle nighttime tea for anxiety and sleep. Mild grassy flavor. Often blended with chamomile, valerian, or lemon balm.

Passiflora incarnata (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted passionflower — fast-acting for acute anxiety. 30-60 drops as needed. Can be combined with skullcap for stronger calming effect.

Passiflora incarnata

The whole aerial parts — a gentle nervine for sleep, anxiety, and nervous tension. One of the most popular and safest sleep herbs.

Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora

Tibetan and Chinese medicinal plant — substitute for the endangered P. kurroa. Used for liver protection, fever, and digestive complaints. Contains picroside I-IV with hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity. Sustainable alternative to Indian kutki.

Ananas comosus

Source of bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme with anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting, and digestive properties. Used to treat sports injuries, post-surgical swelling, sinusitis, and digestive insufficiency.

Pinus pinaster

A standardized pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) rich in proanthocyanidins, studied for cardiovascular and skin health.

Apis mellifera (product)

A resinous substance made by bees from tree sap. Used for immune support, wound healing, oral health, and as a natural antimicrobial. Not technically an herb.