Herb Library

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.

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.

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.

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.

Camellia sinensis (white)

The least processed tea — highest in catechins and lowest in caffeine. Delicate sweet flavor. Studied for skin protection, cardiovascular health, and oral health.

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.

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

A widely used astringent herb, primarily topical, for skin toning, hemorrhoids, and minor skin irritation.

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.

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.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

The Ayurvedic preparation of licorice root, used for voice quality, respiratory support, digestive ulcers, and as a harmonizer in formulas.