Herb Library

Cinnamomum cassia

TCM variety of cinnamon — warming kidney yang tonic. Contains MORE coumarin than Ceylon cinnamon. Prefer Ceylon for daily supplementation; Cassia for TCM formulas.

Glycyrrhiza uralensis

The Chinese species of licorice — used in more TCM formulas than any other herb. Called the "great harmonizer" for blending formulas.

Scutellaria baicalensis

Standardized root extract containing baicalin — one of TCM's top anti-inflammatory and antiviral herbs. Used for respiratory, liver, and gut support.

Ligusticum chuanxiong

TCM blood-moving and headache herb — "the herb that reaches the head." For headaches (all types), menstrual pain, and chest pain. Contains ligustrazine (tetramethylpyrazine) — used as IV drug in Chinese hospitals for cardiovascular disease.

Cinchona officinalis

Source of quinine — the original antimalarial drug. Discovery changed world history. Tonic water contains trace quinine. Historical use for fever, malaria, and leg cramps. Largely replaced by synthetic drugs.

Cinnamomum verum

A warming spice with a long history of use for digestive support and blood sugar balance. Ceylon cinnamon preferred over Cassia for supplements.

Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon 500mg)

Ceylon cinnamon capsule — the safe variety for daily use (negligible coumarin). 500mg-1g twice daily with meals for blood sugar support. ALWAYS choose Ceylon over Cassia.

Cinnamomum verum (tea)

Ceylon cinnamon sticks steeped in hot water — the safest daily cinnamon preparation. Sweet, warming flavor. Use Ceylon (not Cassia) for daily drinking.

Cocos nucifera (virgin)

Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil — contains lauric acid (antimicrobial), MCTs for energy, and is used for oil pulling, cooking, skin care, and hair care.

Cocos nucifera (water)

Natural electrolyte drink from young coconuts — rich in potassium. Nature's isotonic sports drink. Used for rehydration and kidney health in tropical traditions.

Pisces (marine source)

Hydrolyzed collagen from fish — type I collagen peptides for skin, hair, joint, and bone support. Not an herb but commonly sold alongside herbs.

Bovine/Marine collagen hydrolysate

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides — broken down for absorption. Used for skin elasticity, joint comfort, bone density, and gut healing. 10-15g daily typical dose.

Bovine colostrum

First milk from cows after calving — rich in immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and growth factors. Used for gut health, immune support, and athletic recovery.

Symphytum officinale (leaf salve)

Comfrey LEAF (not root) salve — for sprains, bruises, joint pain. Apply to INTACT SKIN only. Limit to 4-6 weeks/year. The traditional "bone-knitting" remedy.

Hintonia latiflora

Mexican blood sugar herb — traditional Maya and Aztec remedy for diabetes. Contains neoflavonoids (coutareagenin) that improve insulin sensitivity. German-studied (Sucontil brand). One of the best-studied Latin American anti-diabetic plants.

Coptis chinensis

One of the most important heat-clearing herbs in TCM, containing berberine. Used for digestive infections, inflammation, and damp-heat patterns.

Coptis chinensis

One of the most important heat-clearing TCM herbs containing berberine. Used for GI infections, inflammation, and damp-heat patterns.

Cordyceps militaris

A prized medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine used for energy, athletic performance, and lung and kidney support.

Cordyceps militaris (500mg)

Standard Cordyceps capsule — 500mg fruiting body. For energy, athletic performance, and lung capacity. 1-3g daily. Works best with consistent daily use over weeks.

Cordyceps militaris (extract)

Dual-extracted Cordyceps — hot water for polysaccharides, alcohol for cordycepin. Used for athletic performance, lung capacity, and energy support.

Cordyceps militaris (tincture)

Dual-extracted Cordyceps tincture — for athletic performance, energy, and lung capacity. 30-60 drops 1-2x daily in morning. Pairs well with Lion's Mane for "stack."

Corydalis yanhusuo

One of TCM's strongest pain-relief herbs, containing dl-THP (tetrahydropalmatine). Used for menstrual pain, abdominal pain, and traumatic injury.

Ziziphus jujuba (fruit)

TCM qi and blood tonic — harmonizes formulas and moderates harsh herbs. For fatigue, poor appetite, and emotional instability. The most commonly used "assistant" herb in TCM formulas. Sweet and nourishing. Eaten as a snack throughout China.

Echinacea angustifolia

The root of narrow-leaved echinacea — traditionally preferred by Native Americans and early Eclectic physicians. Different alkaloid profile from E. purpurea.

Echinacea purpurea + Hydrastis canadensis

The classic American herbal immune combination. Echinacea stimulates immune response while Goldenseal (berberine) provides direct antimicrobial action.

Echinacea angustifolia (root tincture)

Fresh-tinctured Echinacea root — produces the classic tongue-tingling sensation from alkylamides. The form preferred by traditional Western herbalists.

Echium amoenum

Iranian traditional flower tea for depression, anxiety, and as a calming agent. Clinical trials support anxiolytic effects. Popular in Iranian bazaars as dried flower tea. Contains rosmarinic acid and flavonoids. CAUTION: May contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids like other Echium species.

Mineral salt + citrus + honey blend

Natural electrolyte formula — sea salt, potassium, magnesium, lemon, honey. The herbal alternative to Gatorade. For exercise, illness, and daily hydration.

Eleutherococcus senticosus

An adaptogenic root used in Traditional Chinese and Russian folk medicine to support stress resilience and stamina.

Magnesium sulfate (bath)

Magnesium sulfate dissolved in warm bath — traditional muscle soak. Provides transdermal magnesium and sulfate. 2 cups per standard bath. 20-minute soaks.

Eucalyptus + Menthol (lozenge)

Eucalyptus and menthol cough drops — the classic sore throat and congestion remedy. Provides cooling relief and mild antimicrobial action. OTC standard.

Eucalyptus globulus (essential oil)

Steam-distilled eucalyptus oil — for inhalation and topical use ONLY. NEVER ingest. Used in steam inhalation for congestion and in chest rubs.

Oenothera biennis (oil)

Cold-pressed seed oil rich in GLA (8-10%). Used for PMS breast tenderness, skin health, and nerve function. Take 1-3g daily. Better studied than borage oil.

Oenothera biennis (1000mg)

Standard EPO softgel — 1000mg providing 90mg GLA. For PMS breast tenderness, eczema, and nerve function. Take 1-3 capsules daily. Works best over 2-3 months.

Schisandra chinensis

Contains all five flavors — sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent. An adaptogen for liver protection, stress resilience, and endurance. Unique among herbs.

Linum usitatissimum (oil)

Cold-pressed flaxseed oil — the richest plant source of ALA omega-3. Must be refrigerated (goes rancid quickly). Used for inflammation, hormones, and brain health.

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

One of the oldest living tree species, widely used to support cognitive function, circulation, and memory.

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.

Ginkgo biloba (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted ginkgo leaf — faster absorption than capsules. 30-60 drops 2-3x daily. Same benefits and cautions as standardized extract.

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.