Herb Library

Olea europaea

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

Rosa canina

Rosehips — one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C. Used for immune support, joint comfort, and skin health. A pleasant fruity tea.

Rosmarinus officinalis (essential oil)

Steam-distilled rosemary oil — studied for hair growth (comparable to minoxidil in one study), memory enhancement (inhalation), and muscle pain relief topically.

Crocus sativus

The world's most expensive spice, studied for mood support, with emerging evidence comparable to fluoxetine for mild-moderate depression.

Serenoa repens (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted saw palmetto berry — an alternative to softgels for men who prefer liquid supplements. 60-90 drops twice daily.

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.

Senegalia senegal

Sahelian tree producing gum arabic — used in Sudanese traditional medicine as demulcent for sore throat, diarrhea, and as nutritional supplement. Prebiotic fiber supporting gut microbiome. Contains arabinogalactan protein. Sudan produces 70% of world supply.

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).

Eleutherococcus senticosus

Powerful adaptogenic tonic that helps the body withstand heat, cold, infection, and radiation. Improves physical and mental stamina, and supports recovery during cancer treatment.

Mentha spicata (tea)

Gentler than peppermint — studied for anti-androgenic effects. Two cups daily reduced free testosterone in PCOS studies. Safe for hormonal acne and hirsutism.

Arthrospira platensis

A blue-green microalgae used as a nutrient-dense superfood rich in protein, B vitamins, iron, and phycocyanin antioxidants.

Arthrospira platensis (powder)

Spirulina in powder form — for smoothies and green drinks. 3-6g daily. Deep green color and mild oceanic taste. The most nutrient-dense food by weight on earth.

Arthrospira platensis (tablet)

Compressed spirulina tablets — convenient format avoiding the taste of powder. 3-6g daily provides complete protein, B12, GLA, and phycocyanin.

Urtica dioica

Cleansing, detoxifying diuretic herb used for hay fever, arthritis, anemia, and skin conditions. Root treats enlarged prostate. Rich in minerals including iron, calcium, and potassium.

Urtica dioica (root extract)

Standardized nettle ROOT extract — specifically for prostate/BPH support. Different from nettle leaf (which is nutritive/antihistamine).

Urtica dioica (leaf)

The LEAF of stinging nettle — a nutritive mineral-rich tonic and antihistamine. Different uses from nettle ROOT. Rich in iron, calcium, and silica.

Urtica dioica (root)

The ROOT of nettle (not leaf) is specifically used for prostate health and BPH support. Has different properties than the leaf.

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.

Phyllanthus niruri

Famous tropical kidney stone herb — used worldwide in folk medicine. Emerging clinical evidence for preventing calcium oxalate stone formation.

Phyllanthus niruri

A tropical herb whose name means "stone breaker" — traditionally used worldwide for kidney stones, gallstones, and liver support. Promising research.

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.

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.

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.

Crataeva nurvula

Traditional Ayurvedic remedy for kidney and bladder stones. Inhibits stone formation, increases bladder tone, and is valuable for urinary tract infections and enlarged prostate.

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 (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.

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.

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 (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.

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.