Herb Library

Cyperus rotundus

Widely used Ayurvedic digestive herb for diarrhea, dyspepsia, and fever. Also employed for menstrual irregularities and as an analgesic.

Sinapis alba

Traditional counterirritant — mustard plasters for chest congestion and joint pain. Activates TRPA1 pain channels (warming sensation). TCM Bai Jie Zi for phlegm-cold in lungs. Culinary condiment with antimicrobial properties.

Solanum trilobatum

Siddha respiratory herb for asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis; berry and leaf preparations used for chronic cough.

Nauclea latifolia

West African tree and one of the most widely used antimalarial plants in Nigeria and Ghana. Also for toothache, diabetes, and hypertension. Contains naucleamides and strictosamide alkaloids. Fruit is edible (sweet when ripe).

Myristica fragrans

A warming spice used in small amounts for digestive support, sleep, and brain health. Contains myristicin. TOXIC in large amounts (>2 tablespoons).

Avena sativa

A gentle nervine tonic and nutritive herb used for nervous system nourishment, stress support, and bone health.

Avena sativa (tea)

Dried oat straw long-infused (4+ hours) — a deeply nourishing nervous system tonic rich in calcium, magnesium, and silica. One of the safest daily tonics.

Olea europaea (extract)

Standardized extract of olive leaf containing oleuropein. Used for immune support, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cardiovascular health.

Olea europaea (leaf tea)

Simple olive leaf tea — milder than extract but still provides oleuropein. Pleasant mild bitter-green taste. Traditional Mediterranean remedy for immune and cardiovascular support.

Olea europaea (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted olive leaf — faster absorption than capsules. 30-60 drops 2-3x daily. For immune, cardiovascular, and antimicrobial support.

Origanum vulgare (tea)

Dried oregano steeped as tea — milder than oil but still antimicrobial. Traditional Mediterranean and Mexican cold/flu remedy. Pleasant savory-herbal taste.

Mahonia aquifolium

A berberine-containing herb used for skin conditions (topically for psoriasis), liver support, and digestive health. Sustainable alternative to Goldenseal.

Ligusticum porteri

Rocky Mountain respiratory powerhouse — Native American cold/flu remedy. For upper respiratory infections, sore throats, and altitude sickness. Bears dig it up after hibernation (hence "Bear Root"). Endangered — never wildcrafted.

Otostegia persica

Iranian and Baluchistan medicinal shrub used for diabetes, fever, and headache in traditional Baluchi and Persian medicine. Contains iridoid glycosides and flavonoids with demonstrated hypoglycemic activity. Also used as insect repellent.

Pleurotus ostreatus

A widely cultivated mushroom with natural statin-like compounds (lovastatin). Studied for cholesterol, blood sugar, and immune support.

Passiflora edulis

The fruit of passion vine — rich in antioxidants. The leaves (like P. incarnata) have calming properties. The fruit provides vitamin C and fiber.

Tabebuia impetiginosa (tea)

South American bark tea — simmer 15-20 minutes. Traditional immune and candida support. Slightly bitter, earthy taste. Used throughout South America daily.

Platycodon grandiflorus

A TCM herb that opens and directs other herbs upward to the lungs and throat. Used for coughs, sore throat, and lung abscess. Also a Korean food (doraji).

Polyscias fruticosa

Vietnamese traditional tonic herb called 'Vietnamese ginseng' (Dinh Lang). Used for fatigue, memory, physical endurance, and immune support. Root contains oleanolic acid saponins. Less stimulating than true ginseng. Popular in Vietnamese folk medicine.

Pseuderanthemum palatiferum

Vietnamese traditional medicine plant for hypertension, diabetes, and liver protection. Widely cultivated in Vietnamese home gardens. Called 'miraculous leaf' in Vietnamese folk medicine. Contains kaempferol, beta-sitosterol, and stigmasterol. Growing research interest.

Rauvolfia caffra

East/Southern African relative of R. vomitoria; bark for fever, malaria, and mental illness; contains reserpine-type alkaloids.

Rubus idaeus (tea)

The classic pregnancy tea (2nd-3rd trimester) — tones the uterus. Also used for menstrual support and as a mineral-rich daily tonic. Pleasant, mild taste.

Vitis vinifera (extract)

A polyphenol from grapes, Japanese Knotweed, and berries. Studied for cardiovascular health, longevity, and anti-aging through sirtuin activation.

Polygonum cuspidatum (extract)

Standardized trans-resveratrol from Japanese Knotweed root — the most common commercial source. 150-500mg daily. Studied for cardiovascular and anti-aging effects.

Rhinacanthus nasutus

Thai traditional medicine plant for ringworm, eczema, herpes, and skin fungal infections. Root contains rhinacanthin compounds with antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Applied topically and taken internally.

Rhodiola crenulata

A high-altitude Tibetan Rhodiola species — used for altitude sickness adaptation and as a general adaptogen. Similar but not identical to R. rosea.

Plantago lanceolata

Common European weed used as a relaxing expectorant for catarrhal conditions, a first-aid wound herb for insect bites and cuts, and a soothing remedy for cystitis, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Aspalathus linearis (tea)

South Africa's gift to the world — naturally caffeine-free, rich in aspalathin and SOD-like antioxidants. Safe for all ages including babies. Pleasant vanilla-like taste.

Rosmarinus officinalis (extract)

Standardized extract rich in rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid — studied for cognitive support, antioxidant protection, and anti-inflammatory activity.

Rosmarinus officinalis (tea)

Fresh or dried rosemary steeped as tea — for memory, circulation, digestion. The simplest way to get rosemary's cognitive benefits daily.

Rosa damascena

Rose petals and essential oil used for mood support, skin care, digestive comfort, and menstrual regulation. One of the most prized essential oils.

Saussurea lappa

Tibetan aromatic herb for wind-humor disorders, digestive pain, asthma, and cholera. One of the most important herbs for wind-related conditions in Sowa-Rigpa.

Salvia fruticosa

Mediterranean sage species consumed as daily tea across Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus. Lower thujone content than common sage making it safer for regular consumption. For sore throat, digestive complaints, and menopausal symptoms. Antioxidant and antimicrobial.

Alstonia scholaris

Ayurvedic bitter tonic used for chronic fevers (especially malaria), diarrhea, skin diseases, and respiratory ailments. The bark contains antimalarial alkaloids.

Kigelia africana

African skin remedy — fruit extract for skin firming, anti-aging, and treating skin cancers (traditional). Used in upscale skincare products. Fruit hangs on rope-like stalks (looks like sausages). Bark decoction for rheumatism and snakebite.

Hippophae rhamnoides

A nutrient-dense berry rich in omega-7 fatty acid, used for skin health, mucous membrane support, and cardiovascular wellness.

Hippophae rhamnoides

A Tibetan/Himalayan berry rich in omega-7 (palmitoleic acid). Used for skin, mucous membranes, cardiovascular health, and radiation protection.

Senna italica

North African and Middle Eastern wild senna used in Saharan and Sudanese traditional medicine as laxative, for skin diseases, and fever. Milder than Alexandrian senna. Contains sennosides A and B. Bedouin remedy for constipation and stomach complaints.

Serratia peptidase (enzyme)

A proteolytic enzyme originally from silkworms. Used for inflammation, sinus congestion, and scar tissue. Take on empty stomach for systemic effects.

Asparagus racemosus

A premier women's tonic in Ayurvedic medicine, meaning "she who possesses 100 husbands." Used for reproductive and hormonal support.

Asparagus racemosus (500mg)

Standard Shatavari capsule — Ayurveda's premier women's reproductive tonic. 500mg 2x daily. For fertility, lactation, menopause, and as a yin/cooling adaptogen.

Vitellaria paradoxa

Unrefined shea butter from West Africa — the richest natural skin moisturizer after cocoa butter. Contains triterpenes for anti-inflammatory skin support. Safe for babies.

Asphaltum punjabianum

A mineral-rich resin exuding from Himalayan rocks. Used in Ayurveda as a powerful rejuvenative (rasayana) for energy, cognition, and mineral delivery.

Asphaltum (purified extract)

Purified, standardized Shilajit extract — removes heavy metals and contaminants. Provides fulvic acid and dibenzo-alpha-pyrones for energy and mineral delivery.

Rehmannia glutinosa var. purpurea

Korean steamed (processed) Rehmannia used for blood and yin deficiency, anemia, dizziness, and menstrual irregularity. Processing transforms cooling raw herb into warming blood tonic.

Scutellaria lateriflora (tea)

One of the most calming nervine teas — for nervous tension, anxiety, and sleep. Mild taste. Best from reputable sources (historical germander adulteration).

Scutellaria lateriflora (tincture)

Fresh-tinctured American Skullcap — the FRESH tincture is considered far superior to dried. One of the best fast-acting nervines for tension, anxiety, and nerve pain.

Ulmus rubra (tea)

Mucilaginous bark tea — steep in warm (not boiling) water for maximum mucilage. The most soothing tea for sore throat, heartburn, and GI irritation.