Herb Library

Poria cocos

TCM dampness-draining fungus — grows on pine roots underground. For edema, urinary difficulty, insomnia, and palpitations. One of the most commonly used herbs in TCM — appears in countless formulas. Bland, neutral, and very safe. Calms the Shen (spirit).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (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.

Cannabis sativa (seed oil)

Cold-pressed hemp seed oil — ideal 3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Contains NO THC or CBD (seeds don't contain cannabinoids). Rich in GLA. Food-grade nutrition.

Ocimum tenuiflorum

A sacred Ayurvedic adaptogen known as "The Queen of Herbs," used to support stress resilience, mental clarity, and respiratory health.

Ocimum tenuiflorum (500mg)

Standard Tulsi capsule — 500mg extract. The convenient daily adaptogen format for those who don't want tea. 1-2 capsules daily.

Ocimum tenuiflorum (extract)

Standardized Tulsi extract — concentrated ursolic acid and eugenol. The most studied form for stress resilience, blood sugar, and cognitive support.

Ocimum tenuiflorum (tea)

India's most sacred herb as a daily tea — three varieties (Krishna, Rama, Vana) each with slightly different flavor and properties. The gentlest adaptogen delivery.

Ocimum tenuiflorum (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted Tulsi — concentrated adaptogen drops. 30-60 drops 2-3x daily. Faster acting than capsules for acute stress. The portable adaptogen format.

Bacterial fermentation (Streptococcus)

A naturally occurring polysaccharide in joints, skin, and eyes. Oral HA supplements support joint cushioning, skin hydration, and eye comfort.

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.

Phyllanthus amarus

Siddha lithotriptic for kidney stones and hepatoprotective for jaundice and hepatitis B; extremely important in Tamil medicine.

Euphausia superba

Omega-3s bound to phospholipids for better absorption than fish oil. Also contains astaxanthin. Used for cardiovascular, joint, and brain health.

Larix occidentalis

The bark of larch produces prebiotics (arabinogalactans) that strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, help reduce tumor cells, and treat middle ear infections in children.

Lavandula angustifolia

A beloved aromatic herb used for relaxation, sleep support, and mood balance. One of the safest and most versatile essential oils.

Lavandula angustifolia (tea)

Dried lavender buds as tea — the gentlest way to consume lavender for anxiety and sleep. Pleasant floral taste. Often blended with chamomile or lemon balm.

Citrus limon

Important preventative medicine with high vitamin C. Antiseptic, antibacterial, and antirheumatic. Strengthens blood vessel walls and is useful for colds, flu, and circulatory problems.

Melissa officinalis

A gentle, lemon-scented herb used for calming, digestive comfort, and cognitive support. Excellent for children.

Melissa officinalis (500mg)

Standard lemon balm capsule — 500mg. For anxiety, sleep, and cognitive support. Non-drowsy at moderate doses. Safe for children. Also supports HSV management.

Melissa officinalis (tea)

One of the most pleasant herbal teas — lemon-scented, calming, and digestive. Safe for children. Best fresh. Combines beautifully with chamomile for bedtime.

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.

Magnolia officinalis

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