Herb Library

Activated Carbon

Emergency poison treatment — adsorbs toxins in GI tract. Hospital use for drug overdose. Consumer use for gas/bloating (limited evidence). BINDS medications and nutrients — take 2+ hours apart. Black stool is normal. NOT for daily detox.

R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

A mitochondrial antioxidant that regenerates vitamins C and E. Used for diabetic neuropathy, blood sugar support, and liver protection. R-form is most bioactive.

Andrographis paniculata (standardized)

Standardized andrographolide extract — Swedish Kan Jang formula has most clinical evidence for reducing cold duration and severity. Contains 4-6% andrographolides. Take at first sign of symptoms for best results. Scandinavian cold remedy.

Andrographis paniculata (extract)

Standardized andrographolide extract — clinical evidence for reducing duration of upper respiratory infections. One of the strongest evidence-based immune herbs.

Andrographis paniculata (leaf)

Standardized leaf extract of Andrographis — the most studied form for acute respiratory support. Contains andrographolide.

Andrographis + Echinacea + Elderberry

Triple immune formula combining the three most evidence-based acute immune herbs. For use at first sign of seasonal challenges. 7-10 day courses.

Andrographis paniculata (tablet)

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

Withania somnifera (KSM-66)

The most clinically studied ashwagandha extract — full-spectrum root with 5% withanolides. 24+ gold-standard clinical trials for stress, sleep, and performance.

Withania somnifera (Sensoril)

Leaf AND root extract — higher withanolide content (10%) than KSM-66. More calming profile. Both forms are evidence-based but have different effects.

Withania somnifera (gummy)

KSM-66 or Sensoril ashwagandha in gummy form — the fastest-growing supplement format. Tasty and convenient but check the actual extract dose per gummy.

Withania somnifera (KSM-66 extract)

Most clinically studied ashwagandha extract — standardized to 5% withanolides by HPLC. Root-only extract (no leaves). 22+ clinical trials for stress, testosterone, cognition, sleep, and athletic performance. The gold standard ashwagandha product.

Withania somnifera + warm milk

Traditional Ayurvedic nightcap — ashwagandha powder simmered in milk with cardamom and honey. The original adaptogen delivery method. Deeply calming.

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."

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.

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.

Ruscus aculeatus

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

Scutellaria baicalensis

Major TCM anti-inflammatory — contains baicalin and wogonin. Used for heat conditions, respiratory infections, and liver protection. Different species from American Skullcap (S. lateriflora). Anti-viral and anti-bacterial.

Syzygium aromaticum (dental use)

Clove oil specifically for dental pain — eugenol is a natural anesthetic and antiseptic. Apply a tiny amount on cotton to the affected tooth. Temporary relief only.

Curcuma longa (Meriva phytosome)

Curcumin bound to phosphatidylcholine — 29x better absorption than standard curcumin. The most clinically studied bioavailable curcumin form for joint health.

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.

Echinacea purpurea (standardized)

Standardized whole-plant Echinacea extract — the most clinically studied form. Take at FIRST SIGN of symptoms for best results. Short-term use (7-10 days).

Echinacea purpurea (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted Echinacea — the strongest form for acute immune support. 60 drops every 2 hours day 1, then 60 drops 3x daily for 7-10 days. Tongue tingling normal.

Ephedra sinica

Source of ephedrine — BANNED in US dietary supplements since 2004. TCM herb for asthma and nasal congestion. Ma Huang is the Chinese species with ephedrine. Mormon Tea (E. viridis) has NO ephedrine and is safe.

EPA 360mg + DHA 240mg

Standard 1000mg fish oil softgel providing 360mg EPA + 240mg DHA. The world's most taken supplement. For heart, brain, joint, and eye health. 1-3 daily.

EPA 600mg + DHA 400mg (per softgel)

High-concentration fish oil — 1000mg EPA+DHA per softgel (vs 300mg in standard). Fewer pills needed. For therapeutic doses (2-4g) for triglycerides and inflammation.

Chamomilla recutita

Gentle anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, and relaxant herb suitable for children. Valuable for digestive problems, colic, gas, and irritable bowel syndrome, and externally for eczema and sore skin.

Zingiber officinale (candy)

Candied/crystallized ginger — the tastiest way to take ginger for nausea. Travel-friendly. Used for motion sickness, morning sickness, and post-surgical nausea.

Zingiber officinale (juice shot)

Concentrated ginger juice (1-2 oz) — the wellness café staple. Intense burning/warming. Often with lemon, cayenne, and turmeric. Powerful digestive and immune kick.

Crataegus monogyna

A premier cardiovascular herb with extensive research supporting its use for heart health and circulation.

Crataegus monogyna

The berry specifically — rich in OPCs and flavonoids. The most studied form of hawthorn for cardiovascular support and blood pressure.

Crataegus monogyna (450mg)

Standard hawthorn berry capsule. The convenient daily cardiovascular tonic format. 450mg 2-3x daily. Safe for long-term use. Works best over months.

Crataegus monogyna (extract)

Standardized hawthorn extract (WS 1442 or LI 132) — 18-20% OPCs. The most clinically studied form for heart failure support and cardiovascular health.

Crataegus monogyna (leaf + flower)

Hawthorn leaves and flowers — different OPC profile than berries. Used as tea in European traditions. The leaf+flower+berry combination provides the broadest cardiovascular support.

Crataegus monogyna (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted hawthorn — whole berry, leaf, and flower combined. 30-60 drops 2-3x daily. The most comprehensive hawthorn preparation for cardiovascular support.

Chamomile + Passionflower + Valerian + Lavender

Classic sleep tea blend — the four most popular sleep herbs combined. Take 30-60 minutes before bed. The ritual of making tea contributes to the calming effect.

Hibiscus sabdariffa (cold brew)

Cold-brewed hibiscus — retains more anthocyanins than hot-brewed. The preferred preparation for blood pressure support (3+ cups daily in studies). Delicious over ice.

Hibiscus sabdariffa (tea)

The ruby-red flower tea enjoyed worldwide — Mexican Agua de Jamaica, West African Bissap, Egyptian Karkade. Clinical evidence for blood pressure support (3 cups/day).

Apis mellifera (raw)

Raw unprocessed honey — contains enzymes, propolis, pollen, and hydrogen peroxide generation. The world's oldest wound dressing. Cough suppressant equal to dextromethorphan.

Aesculus hippocastanum

Seed extract used to support vein health and circulation, particularly for leg comfort. Only standardized extracts are safe.

Aesculus hippocastanum (300mg)

Standard horse chestnut extract capsule — 300mg providing 50mg aescin. For chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Clinical evidence comparable to compression stockings.

Aesculus hippocastanum (extract)

Standardized to 16-20% aescin. Clinical evidence comparable to compression stockings for CVI. The most studied herbal vein supplement.

Magnolia officinalis

TCM qi-moving and phlegm-resolving herb — for abdominal distension, bloating, cough with phlegm, and anxiety. Contains honokiol and magnolol (anxiolytic, GABA-ergic). Part of Relora supplement (with Phellodendron) for cortisol/stress management.

Astragalus membranaceus

Premier TCM immune tonic — builds Wei Qi (defensive energy). For chronic fatigue, frequent colds, and recovery from illness. TONIC herb — take between illnesses, NOT during acute infections. Sliced root simmered in soups.

Astragalus membranaceus (standardized)

Standardized Astragalus extract — typically standardized to astragaloside IV and polysaccharides. The supplement form of Huang Qi. For immune support, telomere health (TA-65 contains cycloastragenol), and cardiovascular protection. Take between illnesses.

Plantago ovata

The husk of psyllium seeds — the most used bulk-forming fiber supplement worldwide. FDA-approved for cholesterol reduction and regularity.

Lonicera japonica

TCM heat-clearing and detoxifying herb — #1 herb for external wind-heat (sore throat, fever, rash). For all hot, toxic conditions: infections, skin rashes, and dysentery. Contains chlorogenic acid. Shuang Huang Lian (with Forsythia) is hugely popular in China.