Herb Library

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.

Carica papaya

Tropical fruit with digestive enzyme papain that aids protein digestion. Seeds expel intestinal worms. Leaves traditionally used to treat malaria and dengue fever. Fruit applied to wounds and skin conditions.

Carica papaya

Papaya leaves contain papain enzyme and unique alkaloids. Used for digestive support, platelet support, and immune health. Popular in tropical folk medicine.

Petroselinum crispum

A common culinary herb with medicinal properties including diuretic, nutritive, and breath-freshening effects. Seed preparations are stronger.

Bergenia ligulata

Ayurvedic litholytic herb traditionally used for kidney and bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and dysentery. Name literally means 'stone breaker'.

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

A South American bark tea traditionally used for immune support. Contains lapachol and beta-lapachone.

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.

Geissospermum vellosii

A Brazilian tree bark studied for immune-modulating and antimicrobial properties. Contains flavopereirine. Preliminary research promising.

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.

Myrcia sphaerocarpa

Brazilian traditional diabetes remedy whose leaves contain myrciaphenone compounds that inhibit alpha-glucosidase. Used in Amazonian folk medicine for blood sugar control. Name means 'alum stone tea' referring to the astringent taste.

Ficus religiosa

Siddha astringent bark for diarrhea, diabetes, and skin diseases; sacred tree in multiple traditions; bark gargle for tooth pain.

Peperomia pellucida

Pan-tropical herb used in Filipino (ulasimang bato), Brazilian, and Indonesian folk medicine for gout, kidney problems, and hypertension. Whole plant eaten as salad in Philippines. Contains dillapiole, beta-caryophyllene, and peperomins with analgesic properties.

Tasmannia lanceolata

Aboriginal analgesic and antimicrobial plant. Berries and leaves used for toothache, stomach pain, and skin complaints. Contains polygodial with anti-inflammatory activity.

Linum perenne

Similar to common flax (linseed), the seeds provide essential fatty acids and are used as a bulking laxative for constipation. The aerial parts are used in infusions for colds and the oil for eczema and rheumatoid arthritis.

Perilla frutescens

A dual-use herb (culinary and medicinal) used in Korean, Japanese, and Chinese traditions for allergies, respiratory support, and digestive comfort.

Pinellia ternata

A key TCM herb for drying dampness and transforming phlegm. MUST be properly prepared (processed) — raw form is toxic. Used in many classic formulas.

Piper longum

An Ayurvedic bioenhancer (yogavahi) that increases the bioavailability of other herbs and nutrients. Also used for respiratory and digestive support.

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).

Polygala tenuifolia

A TCM herb for calming the spirit and improving memory. Used for anxiety, insomnia, and cognitive support. Studied for neuroprotective properties.

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.

Wolfiporia extensa

A medicinal mushroom/fungus used in TCM for draining dampness, strengthening the Spleen, and calming the spirit. One of the most commonly used TCM herbs.

Zingiber cassumunar

Thai traditional medicine staple for musculoskeletal pain, sprains, inflammation, and asthma. Contains compound D (DMPBD) with strong anti-inflammatory activity. Applied as hot compress (luk prakob) in Thai massage.

Zanthoxylum americanum

Circulatory stimulant and toothache remedy — chewing bark numbs mouth pain (contains xanthoxylum). For poor circulation, cold hands/feet, arthritis, and digestive weakness. Sichuan pepper (Z. bungeanum) is the culinary cousin.

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.

Boerhavia diffusa

Meaning "that which renews the body," used in Ayurveda for kidney support, edema, urinary health, and as a rejuvenative tonic.

Inula racemosa

Ayurvedic cardiorespiratory herb used for angina, asthma, and chest pain. Contains alantolactone with anti-ischemic and bronchodilator properties.

Notopterygium incisum

TCM wind-damp herb for the UPPER body — partner of Du Huo (lower body). For neck/shoulder stiffness, occipital headache, and upper body joint pain from wind-cold-damp. Very warming and aromatic. Key herb in Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang.

Quassia amara

One of the most bitter substances in nature — used as digestive bitter, antimalarial, and insecticide. For loss of appetite, dyspepsia, and intestinal parasites. Contains quassin (appetite stimulant). Used in brewing as hops substitute.

Combretum indicum

Southeast Asian vine used in Filipino, Thai, and Ayurvedic medicine for intestinal roundworms — seeds are the primary anthelmintic. Flowers change color white-pink-red over 3 days. Contains quisqualic acid (AMPA receptor agonist). For parasites and fever.

Rauvolfia caffra

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

Trifolium pratense

A nutritive herb rich in isoflavones, traditionally used for skin health and menopausal support.

Trifolium pratense

A nutritive flower rich in isoflavones used for menopausal support, skin health, and respiratory comfort. Traditionally a blood purifier.

Lepidium meyenii (red)

The red variety of maca — associated with prostate health, bone density, and female hormonal balance. Mildest flavor of the maca varieties.

Rubus idaeus

A traditional pregnancy and women's health tonic, rich in minerals and used to tone uterine muscles.

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.

Rehmannia glutinosa

A foundational TCM blood tonic. Raw form clears heat; prepared (cooked) form nourishes blood and yin. Used in many classic TCM formulas.

Ganoderma lucidum (spore oil)

Oil extracted from cracked Reishi spores — the most concentrated form of ganoderic acids (triterpenes). 70x more potent than the fruiting body for certain compounds.

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.

Rhodiola sacra

A Tibetan species of Rhodiola used similarly to R. rosea for altitude adaptation, stress resilience, and cognitive support. Sacred in Tibetan medicine.

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.

Prunus amygdalus

Unani medicine oil used for brain health, skin nourishment, and constipation. Sweet almond oil is a major carrier oil in Central Asian and Unani massage preparations.

Aspalathus linearis

A caffeine-free South African herbal tea rich in antioxidants, enjoyed for its pleasant taste and general wellness support.

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.