Herb Library

Aloe barbadensis miller

A succulent plant widely used topically for skin support and internally as a digestive aid. The gel and latex have different properties and safety profiles.

Aloe barbadensis (inner gel)

The inner gel only (no latex/aloin). Used internally for digestive soothing and externally for burns. Different safety profile from whole-leaf aloe.

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.

Harpagophytum procumbens

A South African herb used traditionally to support joint comfort and mobility, with research supporting its use for musculoskeletal discomfort.

Protease + Lipase + Amylase + plant enzymes

Broad-spectrum plant-based digestive enzymes — breaks down protein, fat, carbs, fiber, and dairy. Take with meals. Not an herb but essential in digestive protocols.

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.

Tanacetum parthenium

A traditional European herb primarily used for head comfort and migraine support, with a long history of use.

Schisandra chinensis

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

Lavandula angustifolia

A beloved aromatic herb used for relaxation, sleep support, and mood balance. One of the safest and most versatile essential oils.

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.

Schisandra chinensis

The "five flavor berry" of TCM — sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent. An adaptogenic liver protector used for stress, mental clarity, and endurance.

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.

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.

Passiflora incarnata

The whole aerial parts — a gentle nervine for sleep, anxiety, and nervous tension. One of the most popular and safest sleep herbs.

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.

Stevia rebaudiana

A Paraguayan herb 200-300x sweeter than sugar, used as a natural zero-calorie sweetener. Also has mild blood pressure and blood sugar-lowering effects.

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.

Ammi visnaga

Powerful antispasmodic for bronchial muscles, coronary arteries, and urinary tubules. Traditional Egyptian remedy for kidney stones and effective for asthma prevention.

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.