Herb Library

Betula pendula (leaf tea)

Young birch leaf tea — a gentle diuretic and urinary tonic from Northern European folk medicine. Pleasant mild green taste. Used for UTI support and fluid retention.

Ammi visnaga

Egyptian medicinal plant — source of khellin, which inspired the development of cromolyn sodium (asthma drug). Traditional use for asthma, kidney stones, and angina. Smooth muscle relaxant.

Garcinia kola

West African longevity nut — chewed for respiratory infections, coughs, and as social stimulant. Contains kolaviron (hepatoprotective bioflavonoid). Used in Nigerian traditional medicine for arthritis, infections, and impotence. Bitter but valued.

Gymnanthemum amygdalinum

West African traditional fever and malaria remedy; also used for diabetes management and as a general digestive bitter.

Citrus aurantium

Contains synephrine — a stimulant used for weight management and nasal congestion. The peel is used in TCM (Zhi Shi) for digestive stagnation.

Oryza sativa (black/purple)

Ancient "forbidden rice" — contains more anthocyanins than blueberries per serving. Used for antioxidant support, cardiovascular health, and as a nutritious whole grain.

Cnicus benedictus

A bitter herb traditionally used for digestive stimulation, lactation support, and as a general tonic. Different from Milk Thistle.

Arthrospira platensis (phycocyanin)

Isolated phycocyanin pigment from spirulina — the brilliant blue color with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. No fishy taste unlike whole spirulina.

Borago officinalis (seed oil)

Cold-pressed borage seed oil — the richest source of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid, 20-26%). PA-free seed oil only. Used for skin health and inflammation.

Bovine thymus gland

Desiccated thymus gland from cows — used in European biological medicine for immune modulation. Contains thymosin peptides. Quality varies widely.

Centella asiatica

Called Brahmi in some Ayurvedic traditions (not to be confused with Bacopa which is also called Brahmi). Used for cognitive support and wound healing.

Bupleurum chinense

The root specifically — one of TCM's most important herbs for Liver Qi stagnation, alternating fever/chills, and emotional imbalance. Key in Xiao Yao San.

Calcium salt of D-glucaric acid

A calcium salt found in fruits/vegetables. Inhibits beta-glucuronidase enzyme, preventing recirculation of toxins and excess hormones (especially estrogen).

Calendula officinalis (infused oil)

Calendula flowers infused in olive/jojoba oil — the #1 topical healing oil for babies, sensitive skin, diaper rash, eczema, and wound care. Extremely gentle.

Calendula officinalis (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted calendula — used both internally for lymphatic/digestive support and externally as a wound wash. Versatile first aid and skin healing remedy.

Eschscholzia californica

A gentle, non-addictive sedative herb native to the American West, used for sleep support and nervous tension. NOT an opiate.

Caloncoba echinata

West African tree whose seed oil (gorli oil) contains chaulmoogric acid — historically important for leprosy treatment. Used in Congolese and Cameroonian traditional medicine for skin diseases and Hansen's disease before modern antibiotics.

Calophyllum brasiliense

South American rainforest tree used in Brazilian and Costa Rican traditional medicine for wound healing, ulcers, and pain. Resin applied to wounds. Bark decoction for rheumatism. Contains calophyllolide and brasiliensic acid with anti-HIV research interest.

Oregano Oil + Caprylic Acid + Berberine

Antifungal combination — Oregano Oil (carvacrol), Caprylic Acid (coconut), Berberine. Multiple mechanisms to address yeast overgrowth. Short-term protocol.

Gardenia jasminoides

A TCM herb for clearing heat, irritability, and jaundice. Contains crocin (same as saffron) and geniposide. Used in many TCM formulas.

Capparis spinosa (root bark)

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern caper plant root bark (distinct from the culinary bud) used in Unani and Ayurvedic medicine for liver conditions, gout, rheumatism, and spleen disorders. Contains stachydrine and rutin. Important in traditional Arab medicine.

Ricinus communis (oil)

Cold-pressed castor oil — used topically for skin/hair or in castor oil packs. Internally as a strong laxative (not recommended regularly). NEVER eat castor beans (ricin).

Uncaria tomentosa (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted Cat's Claw — more concentrated than tea or capsules. 30-60 drops 2-3x daily. The preferred format for Lyme disease protocols.

Orthosiphon aristatus

A Southeast Asian herb widely used for kidney/urinary support. Popular as "kidney tea" in Germany and across Asia. Diuretic and anti-inflammatory.

Cecropia obtusifolia

Central American blood sugar herb — traditional Maya remedy for diabetes. Contains chlorogenic acid and isoorientin. Anti-diabetic action through alpha-glucosidase inhibition. Used in Mexican traditional medicine. Fast-growing pioneer tree species.

Chelidonium majus

European liver and gallbladder herb — yellow-orange sap used topically for warts. Contains chelidonine and berberine. German Commission E approved for biliary spasm. HEPATOTOXICITY risk — professional use only.

Apium graveolens (juice)

Trending health drink — provides apigenin, luteolin, and phthalides. Used for blood pressure support, anti-inflammatory effects, and digestive health.

Inonotus obliquus (dual-extract tincture)

Dual-extracted Chaga tincture (hot water + alcohol). Captures both water-soluble polysaccharides and alcohol-soluble triterpenoids (betulinic acid, inotodiol).

Chamaemelum nobile

A close relative of German Chamomile with similar calming properties, often preferred in aromatherapy and essential oil form.

Cichorium intybus

Roasted chicory root — the classic coffee substitute/additive (New Orleans style). Rich in inulin prebiotic fiber. Supports gut microbiome and liver function.

Crataegus pinnatifida

The TCM variety of hawthorn — used more for digestive stagnation and meat digestion than the Western cardiovascular use. Also for blood lipids.

Leonurus japonicus

The TCM species of motherwort — used for menstrual irregularity, postpartum recovery, and blood circulation. Contains leonurine.

Ziziphus jujuba (dried)

Dried jujube fruit — staple in TCM formulas and Asian cooking. Nourishes blood, calms spirit, harmonizes other herbs. Often eaten as a snack or in soups.

Passiflora caerulea (flavonoid)

A flavonoid from passionflower and honey — studied for aromatase inhibition (reducing estrogen conversion). Used in men's health and hormonal balance.

Coriandrum sativum (leaf)

Fresh cilantro leaves — used for heavy metal chelation (disputed), digestive support, and as a nutritive herb. Different medicinal profile from coriander seed.

Cinnamomum verum (essential oil)

Cinnamon bark essential oil — extremely potent antimicrobial. MUST dilute heavily (0.5-1%). Used for oral health, respiratory support, and immune function.

Cissus quadrangularis

An Ayurvedic herb called "bone setter" — used for fracture healing, joint comfort, and studied for weight management. Contains ketosteroids.

Cistanche deserticola

A TCM kidney yang tonic from desert regions. Called "ginseng of the desert." Used for energy, libido, bone strength, and constipation in the elderly.

Cistanche deserticola (extract)

Standardized extract of "desert ginseng." Contains echinacoside and acteoside. Used for energy, libido, cognitive function, and constipation.

Cistus incanus

A Mediterranean shrub rich in polyphenols — studied for immune support, Lyme disease protocols, and biofilm disruption. High antioxidant content.

Cistus incanus (tea)

Mediterranean rock rose tea — one of the highest polyphenol teas. Used in Lyme protocols for biofilm disruption. Pleasant mild taste. Reduces iron absorption.

Salvia sclarea (essential oil)

Essential oil for women's health — used in aromatherapy for menstrual cramps, labor support, and emotional balance. Strong estrogen-like effects.

Cleome droserifolia

Egyptian and Sinai desert herb used by Bedouin communities for diabetes management. Contains flavonoids and terpenoids. Clinical studies in Egypt show blood sugar-lowering effects. Traditionally gathered from wild in desert wadis.

Syzygium aromaticum (oil)

Clove bud essential oil — extremely potent antimicrobial. Used for toothache, oral health, and digestive support. MUST dilute heavily.

Cnidium monnieri

A TCM herb used externally for skin conditions and itching, and internally for reproductive support and kidney yang tonification.

Codonopsis pilosula

A gentle Qi tonic in Chinese medicine, used as a milder alternative to ginseng for energy, digestive, and immune support.

Plectranthus barbatus

Contains forskolin which activates adenylate cyclase. Studied for asthma, glaucoma, cardiovascular health, and weight management.

Combretum glutinosum

West African Combretum used in Senegalese and Malian traditional medicine for hepatitis, jaundice, and as diuretic. Leaf tea widely consumed across the Sahel for liver protection. Contains combretin and flavone glycosides with hepatoprotective activity.