Herb Library

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).

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.

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).

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.

Filipendula ulmaria

The herb that inspired aspirin — contains salicylates. Used for digestive comfort, joint support, and as a gentle anti-inflammatory.

Tamarindus indica

East African sour fruit for fever, constipation, and malaria; pulp is laxative; bark is astringent for diarrhea.

Moringa oleifera (powder)

Dried ground moringa leaf — the superfood powder format. 1-2 tsp daily in smoothies. Called "the miracle tree." Provides protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins.

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.

Asimina triloba

North America's largest native fruit — contains acetogenins (like Graviola). The fruit is edible and nutritious. Bark/leaf extracts are studied for bioactivity.

Rauvolfia caffra

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

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.

Chamaenerion angustifolium

Russian and Scandinavian folk tea (Ivan Chai) for prostate health, digestive complaints, and as a calming nervine.

Carthamus tinctorius

A TCM blood-moving herb used for menstrual pain, blood stasis, and cardiovascular support. Also known for safflower oil.

Santalum album

Sacred aromatic — Ayurvedic cooling herb for the mind and skin. For UTIs (urinary antiseptic), acne, anxiety, and meditation. Contains alpha- and beta-santalol. One of the most expensive woods. Endangered — use sustainably sourced.

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.

Ulmus rubra (powder)

Fine ground slippery elm bark — mix with water to form a mucilaginous gruel. The most soothing GI preparation. Can be made into a porridge for convalescents.

Drosera rotundifolia

A carnivorous plant used in European respiratory medicine for dry, spasmodic coughs and bronchitis. Contains plumbagin with antispasmodic properties.

Acorus calamus

Warming digestive tonic used for bloating, gas, colic, and poor digestive function. Important herb in Ayurvedic medicine valued as a rejuvenator for the brain and nervous system.

Viola odorata

One of the leading herbs researched for treatment of breast, lung, and intestinal cancers. Sweet violet reduces glandular swellings, dissolves tumors and nodules, and moistens dry conditions.

Euphorbia hirta

Filipino dengue remedy — used to increase platelet count during dengue fever. Philippine Department of Health acknowledged its traditional use. Also used for asthma, diarrhea, and kidney stones. Contains quercitrin and gallic acid.

Undaria pinnatifida

A Japanese brown seaweed rich in fucoxanthin — studied for metabolic health, thyroid support, and cardiovascular benefits. Common in miso soup.

Warburgia salutaris

Southern African medicinal tree with extremely pungent bark used in Zulu and Shangaan medicine for colds, cough, chest complaints, and malaria. Contains drimane sesquiterpenes (warburganal, polygodial) with potent antimicrobial activity. Critically endangered due to overharvesting.

Eutrema japonicum

Japanese pungent condiment — contains allyl isothiocyanate (antimicrobial). Real wasabi is extremely expensive; most "wasabi" is colored horseradish. For digestive support, food safety, and sinus clearing. Anti-inflammatory and anticancer research.

Tibicos (sugar water ferment)

Dairy-free probiotic ferment — kefir grains fed with sugar water. Rich in beneficial bacteria and yeasts. The vegan alternative to milk kefir.

Triticum aestivum

Young wheat grass juice — rich in chlorophyll, enzymes, and nutrients. Used as a nutritive green supplement. Gluten-free (harvested before grain forms).

Marrubium vulgare

A traditional European cough herb, the flavoring in horehound candy. Used for respiratory support and as a bitter digestive tonic.

Paeonia lactiflora

A TCM blood-nourishing herb used for menstrual regulation, muscle relaxation, and liver support. Key ingredient in many gynecological formulas.

Baptisia tinctoria

A powerful immune-stimulating herb used for acute infections, particularly throat/respiratory infections. Often combined with Echinacea. Small doses only.

Dioscorea villosa

A traditional antispasmodic herb. Note: wild yam does NOT convert to progesterone in the body despite marketing claims.

Withania coagulans

Pakistani and Indian medicinal plant distinct from ashwagandha (W. somnifera). Fruit enzymes coagulate milk (natural rennet). Used in Pakistani folk medicine for diabetes, wound healing, and dyspepsia. Contains withanolides with hypoglycemic activity.

Isatis tinctoria

A TCM antiviral herb — the root (Ban Lan Gen) is one of China's most used herbs during respiratory illness outbreaks. Also a historical blue dye.

Artemisia absinthium

A bitter aromatic herb used for digestive support and traditionally for intestinal health. Contains thujone — use with caution.