Herb Library

Andrographis paniculata (tablet)

Standard andrographis tablet — typically 400mg extract. Take at FIRST sign of upper respiratory symptoms for best results. 5-7 day courses.

Bacopa monnieri (300mg)

Standard Bacopa capsule — 300mg standardized to 55% bacosides. Take WITH food to reduce GI upset. Needs 8-12 weeks for memory effects. The nootropic benchmark.

Bacopa monnieri (BacoMind/Synapsa)

Standardized bacopa extracts — multiple patented forms exist. BacoMind (9 bioactives), Synapsa/CDRI-08 (55% bacosides). Clinical evidence for memory in 8-12 weeks.

Vitamin B Complex (B1-B12)

All 8 B vitamins together — thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, B5, B6, biotin, folate, B12. For energy, nervous system, mood, and methylation. Look for methylated forms (methylfolate, methylcobalamin) for MTHFR gene variants. Turns urine bright yellow (riboflavin — harmless).

Beta vulgaris

Rich in nitrates that convert to nitric oxide — supports blood pressure, athletic endurance, and circulation. One of the most studied performance foods.

Berberis vulgaris

A bioactive compound found in several plants, studied extensively for metabolic health support including blood sugar and cholesterol.

Berberis vulgaris (500mg HCl)

Standard berberine HCl capsule — 500mg 2-3x daily with meals. The clinical dose that matches metformin in some blood sugar studies. The #1 natural metabolic supplement.

Berberis vulgaris (standardized)

Standardized berberine hydrochloride — the most studied form. 500mg 2-3x daily is the clinical dose for blood sugar and cholesterol support.

Berberine + Cinnamon + Gymnema

Triple metabolic formula — Berberine for insulin sensitivity, Ceylon Cinnamon for glucose transport, Gymnema to reduce sugar cravings.

Berberine hydrochloride (500mg)

Isolated alkaloid from multiple plants (Goldenseal, Oregon Grape, Barberry, Coptis). 500mg 2-3x daily matches metformin for blood sugar in some studies. Also antimicrobial and cholesterol-lowering. The "natural metformin."

Berberine HCl (timed-release)

Sustained-release berberine — reduces GI side effects and maintains blood levels. Dihydroberberine (GlucoVantage) is 5x more bioavailable than standard.

Various fungal/yeast sources

Polysaccharides from mushrooms, yeast, or oats that modulate immune function. The most studied immune-modulating compounds from medicinal mushrooms.

Actaea racemosa (540mg)

Standard Black Cohosh capsule — for menopausal hot flashes. 540mg (or 40mg standardized extract) daily. Takes 4-8 weeks for effect. Monitor liver function.

Actaea racemosa (extract)

Standardized extract — the most studied form for menopausal hot flashes, night sweats, and mood support. Remifemin is the best-known brand.

Nigella sativa

Prophet Muhammad said it cures everything except death. Contains thymoquinone — anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial. One of the most researched traditional herbs with 1000+ studies.

Sambucus nigra (65:1 extract)

High-concentration elderberry extract (65:1 ratio). More potent than syrup form. Standardized for anthocyanins. Popular in clinical research.

Sambucus nigra (commercial syrup)

Commercially produced elderberry syrup — standardized, safe, and consistent. The most popular immune supplement in America. 1 tbsp daily for prevention, every 2-3 hours acute.

Piper nigrum (BioPerine)

Standardized 95% piperine extract — the universal bioenhancer. 5-10mg increases absorption of curcumin by 2000%, CoQ10, vitamins, and many supplements.

Nigella sativa (cold-pressed oil)

Cold-pressed Nigella sativa seed oil — the premium form delivering thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and thymol. 1-3 tsp daily. For inflammation, blood sugar, cholesterol, and immune support. Peppery/bitter taste. "The remedy for everything except death."

Camellia sinensis (fully oxidized)

Fully oxidized tea — highest caffeine of true teas. Contains theaflavins (unique to black tea). Studied for cardiovascular, gut, and cognitive health.

Boswellia serrata (30% AKBA)

High-potency boswellia extract standardized to 30% AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid) — the most potent 5-LOX inhibitor. For osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma. ApresFlex/Aflapin brands have best bioavailability.

Boswellia serrata (400mg)

Standard Boswellia extract capsule — 400mg standardized to 65% boswellic acids. For joint comfort and inflammation. 400mg 3x daily. Takes 2-4 weeks for full effect.

Boswellia serrata (ApresFlex)

ApresFlex — 20% AKBA standardization with enhanced bioavailability. 100mg dose shown to be as effective as 250mg regular boswellia in clinical trials.

Bacopa monnieri

Ayurvedic brain tonic — one of two herbs called "Brahmi" (the other is Gotu Kola). Clinical evidence for memory, learning, and anxiety. Takes 8-12 weeks for full cognitive benefits. Bitter taste.

Bacopa monnieri (extract)

Standardized Bacopa extract (45-55% bacosides). The most clinically studied form for memory, learning, and cognitive function. Takes 8-12 weeks for full effect.

Lion's Mane + Bacopa + Ginkgo

Triple cognitive formula — Lion's Mane for NGF, Bacopa for memory consolidation, Ginkgo for cerebral circulation. Different mechanisms for synergistic support.

Ruscus aculeatus

A European herb with clinical evidence for chronic venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, and orthostatic hypotension. Contains ruscogenins.

Petasites hybridus (75mg PA-free)

PA-FREE butterbur extract — 75mg. For migraine prevention: 75mg 2x daily for 3+ months. ONLY use certified PA-free products (PAs are hepatotoxic and carcinogenic).

Petasites hybridus (PA-free extract)

Patented PA-free butterbur extract — MUST be certified pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free. Clinical evidence for migraine prevention (75mg 2x daily) and hay fever (Ze 339 extract). One of the best-studied herbal migraine preventives. German standard.

Petasites hybridus (root)

PA-free root extract — strongest evidence for migraine prevention and seasonal allergy support. ONLY use certified PA-free products.

Ubiquinol (reduced CoQ10)

Pre-reduced form of CoQ10 — 8x better absorbed than ubiquinone (oxidized form). Essential for mitochondrial energy. For heart health, statin side effects (muscle pain), migraines, and fertility. Everyone over 40 should consider it (natural production declines with age).

Vaccinium macrocarpon (500mg)

Standard cranberry concentrate capsule. For UTI prevention, look for products standardized to 36mg PACs (proanthocyanidins). Take daily for prevention.

Vaccinium macrocarpon + D-Mannose

The two most evidence-based UTI prevention ingredients combined. Cranberry PACs prevent adhesion + D-Mannose flushes E. coli. Daily for recurrent UTI prevention.

Vaccinium macrocarpon (extract)

Standardized cranberry extract for proanthocyanidins (PACs). More convenient than juice for UTI prevention. 36mg PAC daily is the studied dose.

Vaccinium macrocarpon (powder)

Freeze-dried whole cranberry powder — retains PACs, fiber, and vitamin C. No added sugar unlike juice. The most versatile cranberry supplement form.

Vaccinium macrocarpon (36mg PACs)

Standardized cranberry with 36mg proanthocyanidins (PACs) per dose — the clinical dose for UTI prevention. PACs prevent E. coli from adhering to bladder wall. Takes daily use for prevention (not treatment). 36mg PACs = 10 oz pure cranberry juice.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (DGL chewable)

Chewable DGL licorice — must be chewed/dissolved in mouth before swallowing for best effect. Mix with saliva activates the protective mechanism. For heartburn and ulcers.

Sambucus nigra

Valuable antiviral remedy for flu, colds, and chest conditions. Flowers reduce fever and stimulate sweating, while berries speed recovery from upper respiratory infections and enhance immune function.

Sambucus nigra (capsule)

Standard elderberry capsule format — typically 500mg equivalent. Convenient travel-friendly form of the most popular immune berry.

Sambucus nigra (extract)

Standardized elderberry extract — the most popular immune supplement worldwide. Clinical evidence for reducing duration and severity of seasonal illness.

Sambucus nigra (200mg extract)

Concentrated elderberry extract capsule — 200mg equivalent to 2000mg fresh berries. The most potent capsule form. Standardized for anthocyanins.

Sambucus nigra (adult gummy)

Adult-dose elderberry gummies — typically 100-150mg elderberry per gummy. The most popular immune supplement format in the US. Pleasant berry flavor.

Sambucus nigra (gummy)

Elderberry in child-friendly gummy form — the most popular children's immune supplement. Usually combined with vitamin C and zinc.

Sambucus + Vitamin C + Zinc + Echinacea

Four evidence-based immune ingredients together. Each addresses different immune pathways. The most comprehensive OTC immune formula.

Sambucus nigra (lozenge)

Elderberry in lozenge/throat drop form — provides local throat soothing plus systemic immune anthocyanins. Often with zinc and vitamin C for triple immune action.

Sambucus nigra + Ascorbic acid

Classic immune combination — elderberry anthocyanins with vitamin C. The two most popular evidence-based immune support ingredients together.

Sambucus nigra (freeze-dried powder)

Freeze-dried elderberry powder — versatile format for smoothies, baking, and DIY gummies. Retains anthocyanins better than heat-dried. No added sugar.

Sambucus nigra (Sambucol brand)

The original clinically studied elderberry extract brand. Standardized for anthocyanins. Multiple RCTs for influenza and common cold.