Herb Library

Humulus lupulus

Beyond its use in brewing, hops is a traditional sedative herb used to support sleep and relaxation.

Marrubium vulgare

Traditional cough herb — horehound candy was once as common as cough drops. Contains marrubiin (expectorant and bitter). For dry, hacking coughs, bronchitis, and digestive upset. Very bitter taste.

Epimedium grandiflorum

A TCM herb for kidney yang deficiency — used for bone health, libido, and energy. Contains icariin which inhibits PDE5 (similar mechanism to certain ED drugs).

Armoracia rusticana

A pungent root used medicinally as a natural decongestant, digestive stimulant, and antimicrobial. Key ingredient in fire cider.

Armoracia rusticana (fresh root)

Fresh grated horseradish — a powerful sinus opener and circulatory stimulant. Key ingredient in fire cider. Allyl isothiocyanate provides the nasal-clearing punch.

Equisetum arvense

A silica-rich herb used traditionally for hair, skin, nail, and bone health, as well as urinary support.

Equisetum arvense (440mg)

Standard horsetail capsule — for hair, skin, nail, and bone health via bioavailable silica. Take with thiamine (B1) supplement as horsetail depletes it.

Equisetum arvense (extract)

Standardized extract of horsetail — provides bioavailable silica for bone, hair, nail, and connective tissue support. More concentrated than tea form.

Houttuynia cordata

A Japanese/Chinese herb used for respiratory infections, urinary infections, and as a detoxifying herb. Strong fishy smell when fresh. Popular in Asian cuisine.

Helichrysum italicum

Mediterranean anti-aging and wound herb — essential oil is prized in skincare for scar reduction, bruise healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Contains arzanol (anti-inflammatory). Expensive essential oil.

Coffee + Lion's Mane + Chaga

Coffee blended with Lion's Mane (focus) and Chaga (immune). Half the caffeine of regular coffee. The functional beverage category leader.

Cruciferous vegetable extract

A compound from cruciferous vegetables that converts to DIM in the body. Supports estrogen metabolism and hormonal balance. Studied for breast health.

Chondrus crispus

A red seaweed trending as a superfood — rich in 92 of 102 minerals the body needs. Used for thyroid support, gut health, and skin. Traditionally used in Ireland/Jamaica.

Lonicera japonica

One of the most important TCM heat-clearing and detoxifying herbs. The flower buds are used for respiratory infections, fever, and inflammation.

Reynoutria japonica

An invasive plant that is also one of the richest natural sources of resveratrol. Used in TCM for blood circulation, inflammation, and Lyme disease protocols.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum

A Chinese adaptogenic vine containing gypenosides similar to ginsenosides, used for longevity, stress resilience, and cardiovascular support.

Simmondsia chinensis

Technically a liquid wax, not oil. The closest plant substance to human sebum. Used for skin moisturizing, hair care, and as a carrier oil for essential oils.

Cola nitida

Original Coca-Cola ingredient — contains caffeine and theobromine. West African stimulant and social bonding ritual. For fatigue, headaches, and depression. Key ingredient in original cola recipes. Sacred in Yoruba and Igbo cultures.

Macrotyloma uniflorum

Siddha lithotriptic pulse for kidney stones, obesity, and menstrual disorders; seed decoction is a traditional stone-dissolving remedy.

SCOBY fermented tea

Fermented sweet tea containing probiotics, organic acids, and B vitamins. Used for gut health, immune support, and energy. Not technically an herb.

Symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast

The living SCOBY culture for making kombucha at home. A symbiotic colony of Acetobacter, Gluconobacter, and yeasts. Home brewing requires careful hygiene.

SCOBY fermented tea (commercial)

Commercially brewed kombucha — safer than home-brew due to quality control. Contains probiotics, organic acids, B vitamins, and trace alcohol (<0.5% typically).

Larix occidentalis

A prebiotic fiber from larch tree bark. Supports immune function and gut microbiome. Well-tolerated source of soluble fiber. Also used in children.

Bryophyllum pinnatum

Caribbean and Central American remedy for kidney stones, hypertension, respiratory infections, and wound healing.

Cymbopogon citratus

A tropical grass with citrusy flavor used for digestive support, fever reduction, and as a calming tea. Also a potent insect repellent.

Corymbia citriodora

Aboriginal medicinal tree with lemon-scented leaves used for insect repellent, wound treatment, and respiratory conditions. PMD (citriodal) is an effective natural insect repellent.

Aloysia citrodora

A lemon-scented herb used for digestive comfort, relaxation, and as a pleasant tea. Studied for antioxidant and joint support properties.

Tilia cordata

A gentle relaxing nervine and diaphoretic tea, one of the most popular herbal teas in Europe. Used for anxiety, colds, and cardiovascular support.

Coffee + Hericium erinaceus

Coffee blended with Lion's Mane mushroom extract — caffeine for alertness + Lion's Mane for nerve growth factor. The most popular cognitive functional coffee.

Milk Thistle + Dandelion + Beet + Lemon

Functional smoothie combining liver-supporting herbs with beetroot and lemon. Daily liver support in a whole-food format. Much gentler than aggressive "detox" protocols.

Lobelia inflata

A powerful antispasmodic traditionally used for asthma and bronchospasm. TOXIC in improper doses — professional use only. Very small doses only.

Piper longum

Ayurvedic bioavailability enhancer — more potent than black pepper for absorption of other herbs. Contains piperine and piperlongumine. Warming digestive for cold/sluggish digestion. Key Trikatu ingredient with black pepper and ginger.

Eriobotrya japonica

TCM cough and lung herb — Pi Pa Ye. Used in the famous Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa (honey loquat cough syrup — the most popular cough remedy in Asia). For dry coughs, nausea, and thirst. Leaf hairs must be removed before use.

Levisticum officinale

European culinary and urinary herb — root is a strong diuretic for UTIs and kidney stones. Tastes like celery with added depth (Maggi seasoning flavor). German Commission E approved for urinary tract inflammation. Pairs well with Bearberry.

Cervus nippon (velvet antler)

TCM yang tonic — harvested from growing deer antler (before calcification). For kidney yang deficiency: low back pain, impotence, infertility, and fatigue. Contains IGF-1, collagen, and chondroitin. Used by athletes for joint health and recovery. Ethical concerns exist.

Lychnophora ericoides

Brazilian cerrado mountain plant used as substitute for European arnica. For bruises, sprains, inflammation, and muscle pain. Contains lychnopholide sesquiterpene lactones with anti-inflammatory activity. Traditionally soaked in cachaca (sugarcane spirit).

Lepidium meyenii (raw powder)

Raw maca root powder — the traditional Peruvian form. 1-3 tsp daily in smoothies. Malty butterscotch flavor. May cause GI upset in some (gelatinized form is gentler).

Lepidium meyenii (blended)

Maca powder blended into smoothies — the most common way to consume maca. Malty/butterscotch flavor blends well with cacao, banana, and nut butters.

Mangifera indica

Mango leaves are used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine for blood sugar support. Contains mangiferin — studied for metabolic and antioxidant properties.

Garcinia mangostana

A Southeast Asian fruit whose rind contains xanthones with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The whole fruit is a prized tropical delicacy.

Rhaponticum carthamoides

A Siberian adaptogen used by Russian athletes for physical performance. Contains ecdysteroids (20-hydroxyecdysone) studied for muscle and endurance support.

Tithonia diversifolia

Caribbean and Central American bitter leaf for malaria, diabetes, and stomach pain; also a soil-enrichment plant.

Origanum majorana

Mediterranean herb — milder cousin of oregano. Traditional remedy for digestive complaints, headaches, and insomnia. May help regulate menstrual cycles and lower androgen levels in PCOS. Calming nervine.

Althaea officinalis

A soothing mucilaginous herb used to support digestive, respiratory, and urinary tract comfort.

Althaea officinalis (leaf)

The leaf of marshmallow — less mucilaginous than the root but still demulcent. Used for respiratory and urinary comfort, and as a gentle daily tea.

Althaea officinalis (480mg)

Standard marshmallow root capsule — for digestive, respiratory, and urinary soothing. Take 1 hour APART from other medications (delays absorption due to mucilage).

Althaea officinalis (extract)

Concentrated marshmallow root — higher mucilage content than tea form. Used for GI, respiratory, and urinary tract soothing. The most demulcent herb.

Althaea officinalis (cold infusion)

COLD infusion is best for maximum mucilage — steep in room temperature water 4-8 hours (overnight). The most soothing preparation for digestive and urinary comfort.