Herb Library

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).

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.

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.

Ashwagandha + Rhodiola + Holy Basil + Schisandra

Four-adaptogen formula for comprehensive stress resilience. Each adaptogen works through different HPA axis pathways for synergistic cortisol regulation.

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.

Licorice + Slippery Elm + Marshmallow

The most popular herbal throat tea — triple demulcent formula coating and soothing the throat. Contains licorice (limit intake to 4-6 weeks).

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 (tea)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.