Herb Library

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.

Salvadora persica

Middle Eastern and African tree whose root twigs (miswak) are chewed for oral hygiene — Prophetic medicine and WHO-endorsed for dental health. Contains benzyl isothiocyanate, salvadourea, and fluoride. Clinical evidence supports anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effects.

Salvia miltiorrhiza

A top cardiovascular herb in TCM, used for blood circulation, heart health, and menstrual regulation. Extensively studied for cardiovascular benefits.

Sarcopoterium spinosum

Middle Eastern thorny shrub root used in Palestinian, Israeli, and Bedouin traditional medicine for diabetes. Clinical studies support significant hypoglycemic activity. Contains triterpenes. Root decoction consumed daily for blood sugar management.

Brassica oleracea (fermented)

Traditionally fermented cabbage — rich in Lactobacillus probiotics, vitamin C, and vitamin K2. Must be raw/unpasteurized for probiotic benefits.

Serenoa repens

The whole berry of saw palmetto — standardized extracts (85-95% fatty acids) are the most studied form for prostate and urinary health in men.

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.

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.

Sideritis raeseri

Greek and Balkan mountain herb consumed as daily tea. Clinical research supports cognitive benefits — Professor Pahnke's studies show it may be neuroprotective against Alzheimer's. Contains diterpenes and flavonoids. Different species from Sideritis scardica.

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 (root extract)

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

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.

Prunus cerasus

Tart cherry concentrate — rich in melatonin and anthocyanins. Studied for sleep quality, exercise recovery, joint comfort, and gout support.

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).

Camphor + Menthol + Cajuput + Clove

Iconic Asian topical analgesic — camphor, menthol, cajuput, and clove oils in a petroleum base. For muscle pain, headache (temples), and congestion. Since 1870.

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.

Xysmalobium undulatum

South African anti-diarrheal — German registered medicine (Uzara). Contains uzarin (cardiac glycoside with anti-motility effect). For acute non-specific diarrhea. One of the most successful African traditional medicines commercialized in Europe.

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.

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.

Nasturtium officinale

Nutrient-dense aquatic green — scored #1 on CDC Powerhouse Fruits and Vegetables scale (100/100). Contains PEITC (phenethyl isothiocyanate) — potent anticancer compound. Traditional spring tonic. For respiratory health and detoxification.

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.