Herb Library

Rhodiola crenulata

Tibetan/Chinese Rhodiola species — grows at 11,000-18,000 feet. For altitude sickness, fatigue, and immune support. Contains salidroside (shared with R. rosea) but different rosavin profile. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia species. Used by Tibetan herders and Sherpas.

Astragalus membranaceus (extract)

Standardized astragalus extract — concentrated polysaccharides and astragalosides for deep immune tonic and energy support. Take as a tonic, not during acute illness.

5 Mushroom dual-extract tincture

Five medicinal mushrooms dual-extracted in one tincture — Reishi, Turkey Tail, Chaga, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane. The broadest-spectrum immune mushroom format.

Ginger + Turmeric + Lemon + Cayenne + Honey

Concentrated 1-2 oz wellness shot — the café immunity staple. Combines five evidence-based ingredients. Intense but effective. Daily during cold season.

Isatis tinctoria

TCM antiviral powerhouse — Ban Lan Gen is the most commonly used herb in China for sore throats and flu. During SARS and COVID, sales exploded. Contains indirubin (anti-leukemic compound). Also the source of blue woad dye.

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.

Picrorhiza kurroa

A bitter Ayurvedic herb used for liver protection, immune modulation, and respiratory support. Studied for hepatoprotective properties similar to Milk Thistle.

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.

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 (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 (extract)

Dual-extracted (hot water + alcohol) Lion's Mane — captures both beta-glucans and hericenones/erinacines for nerve growth factor support.

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.

Magnesium taurate

Magnesium chelated to taurine — the cardiovascular-specific magnesium. Both magnesium and taurine support heart rhythm and blood pressure. Gentle on GI.

Leptospermum scoparium (lozenge)

Lozenges made with genuine Manuka honey — provides direct MGO antimicrobial action to the throat. Check for UMF/MGO rating on product. Delicious and effective.

Althaea officinalis

Premier demulcent — root is 25-35% mucilage. For GERD, gastritis, sore throats, dry coughs, and UTIs. Original marshmallow candy was made from this root. Cold infusion (overnight soak) extracts maximum mucilage.

Pistacia lentiscus

A Mediterranean resin from Chios, Greece. Studied for H. pylori, peptic ulcers, digestive health, and oral hygiene. EU-protected origin.

Pistacia lentiscus (extract)

Standardized mastic gum extract from Chios, Greece. Clinical evidence for H. pylori, peptic ulcers, and digestive health. EU-protected origin.

Cocos nucifera (medium chain triglycerides)

Concentrated medium-chain triglycerides from coconut — rapidly absorbed for energy. Used for cognitive support, athletic performance, and ketogenic diets.

MSM (organic sulfur)

An organic sulfur compound found in plants. Used for joint comfort, hair/skin/nail health, and exercise recovery. One of the most popular joint supplements.

Mahonia aquifolium

Pacific Northwest berberine source — sustainable alternative to Goldenseal. For psoriasis (topical), liver support, and infections. Contains berberine, berbamine, and oxyacanthine. Oregon state flower.

Bacillus subtilis var. natto (enzyme)

A fibrinolytic enzyme from Japanese fermented soybeans (natto). Studied for cardiovascular health and healthy blood viscosity. Not technically an herb.

Urtica dioica

A highly nutritious herb rich in minerals, used for seasonal respiratory comfort, urinary health (root), and as a nourishing tonic (leaf).

Urtica dioica leaf (435mg)

Nettle leaf capsule — freeze-dried preserves active compounds best. For allergies: 300mg freeze-dried 3x daily at onset. Also a nutritive mineral supplement.

Urtica dioica leaf (435mg)

Standard nettle LEAF capsule — for allergies (freeze-dried) and as a nutritive mineral supplement. 435mg 2-3x daily. Freeze-dried form best for allergy support.

Urtica dioica leaf (tea)

The classic nutritive herbal infusion — steep 1oz in 1 quart water for 4+ hours (Susun Weed method). Rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, silica, and chlorophyll.

Urtica dioica root (250mg)

Standard nettle ROOT capsule — specifically for prostate/BPH support. Different from nettle LEAF (nutritive). 240-480mg daily. Often combined with Saw Palmetto.

Urtica dioica (soup)

Cooked nettle soup — a Northern European spring tradition. Cooking deactivates the stinging hairs. Rich in iron, calcium, and chlorophyll. Tastes like rich spinach soup.

Urtica dioica (tea bag)

Pre-packaged nettle leaf tea bag — convenient daily mineral tonic. For allergy support, use freeze-dried capsules instead (tea is less effective for allergies).

Avena sativa (milk)

Plant milk from oats — naturally sweet, creamy, and rich in beta-glucan fiber. Used as a dairy alternative that supports cholesterol and gut health.

Avena sativa

Nutritive nerve tonic and restorative used for nervous exhaustion, depression, and insomnia. Oat straw is a good source of minerals. Oats help lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar.

Olea europaea (fruit extract)

Concentrated olive polyphenols (hydroxytyrosol) — the most potent natural antioxidant measured by ORAC. Provides olive oil benefits without the calories.

Olea europaea (18-25% oleuropein)

Standardized olive leaf — 18-25% oleuropein. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial for colds, flu, and chronic infections. Also lowers blood pressure and blood sugar. Herxheimer (die-off) reactions common when starting — start low. More potent than eating olives.

Camellia sinensis (partially oxidized)

Partially oxidized tea (between green and black). Contains unique polymerized polyphenols. Studied for weight management, blood sugar, and dental health. Moderate caffeine.

Origanum vulgare (essential oil)

Concentrated antimicrobial essential oil — 60-80% carvacrol. For topical antifungal (nail fungus, athletes foot) and diluted internal use for SIBO/Candida (enteric capsules). NEVER use undiluted. More concentrated than "oil of oregano" supplements.

Mahonia aquifolium (extract)

Standardized for berberine content. Used internally for metabolic health and topically (cream) for psoriasis — clinical evidence for mild-moderate psoriasis.

Avena sativa (soaked)

Oats soaked overnight in milk/yogurt with chia seeds — the most popular functional breakfast. Provides beta-glucan fiber for cholesterol and gut health. No cooking needed.

PEA (endocannabinoid)

An endogenous fatty acid amide the body produces. Supplemental PEA supports the endocannabinoid system for pain, inflammation, and immune modulation.

Passiflora incarnata (tea)

Passionflower steeped as tea — a gentle nighttime tea for anxiety and sleep. Mild grassy flavor. Often blended with chamomile, valerian, or lemon balm.

Passiflora incarnata (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted passionflower — fast-acting for acute anxiety. 30-60 drops as needed. Can be combined with skullcap for stronger calming effect.

Paeonia lactiflora

TCM blood-nourishing herb — Bai Shao (white peony) nourishes blood and softens the liver. Chi Shao (red peony) cools blood and moves stasis. For menstrual pain, muscle cramps, and liver qi stagnation. Key ingredient in Si Wu Tang.

Punica granatum

Rich in punicalagins and ellagic acid — studied for cardiovascular health, prostate support, and anti-aging. The juice and extract have different concentrations.

Apis mellifera propolis (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted propolis — used as a throat spray for sore throat and oral health. Direct antimicrobial action. Also used for cold sores and wound healing.