Herb Library

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.

Trametes versicolor

A medicinal mushroom with extensive research for immune system modulation, particularly PSK and PSP polysaccharides.

Trametes versicolor (tea)

Turkey Tail simmered 1-2 hours as tea. The traditional preparation extracts water-soluble PSK/PSP polysaccharides for immune modulation.

Curcuma longa + fat + pepper

Homemade paste combining turmeric powder + coconut oil + black pepper — the traditional bioavailability-enhanced format. Popular in the "Doug English" protocol.

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.

Curcuma longa (paste)

Fresh turmeric root ground into paste with coconut oil and black pepper. The highest-absorption DIY preparation. Store in fridge, use within 2 weeks.

Valeriana officinalis

One of the most well-known and studied sleep support herbs, used for centuries to promote relaxation and restful sleep.

Valeriana officinalis (450mg)

Standard valerian root capsule — 450mg is the common dose. Take 30-60 minutes before bed. May take 2-4 weeks for full effect. Strong smell even in capsules.

Valeriana officinalis (extract)

Standardized valerian extract — 0.8% valerenic acid typical. The most studied form for insomnia and sleep quality improvement.

Valeriana officinalis (tea)

Traditional valerian root tea — milder than extract but still effective for sleep. Strong, distinctive smell. Often combined with hops, lemon balm, or passionflower.

Valeriana officinalis (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted valerian — the strongest smelling herbal tincture. 30-60 drops before bed. More fast-acting than capsules. The smell is notoriously awful.

Ammi visnaga

Powerful antispasmodic for bronchial muscles, coronary arteries, and urinary tubules. Traditional Egyptian remedy for kidney stones and effective for asthma prevention.

Vitex agnus-castus (extract)

Standardized extract of chasteberry — the most studied form for PMS, menstrual irregularity, and cyclical breast pain. Takes 3+ months for full effect.

Vitex agnus-castus

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

Vitex agnus-castus (tincture)

Vitex berry tincture — many herbalists prefer this over capsules. 60-90 drops each morning on empty stomach. Takes 3-6 months for full cycle-regulating effect.

Vitex trifolia

Pan-tropical and Pacific Island shrub — Filipino DOH-approved phytomedicine (Lagundi) for cough and asthma. Hawaiian use (pohinahina) for headache and body aches. Contains vitexin and casticin. One of the most studied Philippine herbal medicines.

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.

Vaccinium angustifolium

Wild lowbush blueberries have 2x the antioxidant content of cultivated varieties. Rich in pterostilbene and anthocyanins for brain, eye, and cardiovascular health.

Hibiscus sabdariffa

Used in Australian Aboriginal and global traditions for hypertension, UTIs, and as a cooling beverage. The calyces are rich in anthocyanins and organic acids.

Gaultheria procumbens

Natural source of methyl salicylate (98% of essential oil) — topical pain reliever. Wintergreen oil in liniments for muscle and joint pain. ESSENTIAL OIL IS TOXIC if ingested (5ml can be lethal to a child). Leaf tea is safe in moderation.

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.

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.