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.

Syzygium aromaticum (essential oil)

Natural dental analgesic — 80-90% eugenol. Drop on cotton for toothache (FDA-approved active ingredient in OTC dental products). Also antimicrobial and antifungal. EXTERNAL USE ONLY (undiluted). Dilute for massage/aromatherapy.

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.

Gadus morhua (oil)

Traditional vitamin A + D + omega-3 supplement — 1 tsp daily was the standard childhood supplement for generations. Rich in EPA/DHA plus fat-soluble vitamins.

Harpagophytum procumbens (480mg)

Standard Devil's Claw capsule — for back pain and osteoarthritis. 960mg 2x daily (1.92g total). Clinical evidence comparable to some NSAIDs for low back pain.

Harpagophytum procumbens (extract)

Standardized to harpagoside content. Clinical evidence for low back pain, osteoarthritis, and musculoskeletal discomfort comparable to some NSAIDs.

Sambucus nigra + Ascorbic acid

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

Tanacetum parthenium (380mg)

Standard feverfew capsule for migraine prevention — 380mg daily with food. Takes 2-3 MONTHS of daily use to reduce migraine frequency. Don't stop abruptly.

Tanacetum parthenium (extract)

Standardized to parthenolide content (0.2-0.7%). The most studied form for migraine prevention. Take daily for 2-3 months for full preventive effect.

Digitalis purpurea

SOURCE OF DIGOXIN — a life-saving heart drug. EXTREMELY TOXIC as an herb — NEVER self-administer. Included for educational awareness only.

Iron bisglycinate + Ascorbic acid

Chelated iron with vitamin C — the gold standard iron supplement. Vitamin C increases iron absorption by 67%. Bisglycinate form minimizes GI upset. Take on empty stomach.

Hedera helix

A European respiratory herb — ivy leaf extract is one of the most well-studied and widely prescribed herbal cough remedies in Germany. Contains hederasaponins.

Hedera helix (extract)

The most prescribed herbal cough remedy in Germany (Prospan/EA 575). Clinical evidence for acute bronchitis, productive cough, and COPD. Safe for children.

Piper methysticum

A Pacific Island herb traditionally used for relaxation and social ceremonies. Effective for stress and tension but with important liver safety concerns.

Piper methysticum (250mg)

Standard kava extract capsule — 250mg standardized to 30% kavalactones. For anxiety support. Use ONLY noble kava root extracts. Monitor liver. Max 3 months continuous.

Piper methysticum (extract)

Standardized to 30-70% kavalactones. Clinical evidence for anxiety comparable to benzodiazepines. Use ONLY noble kava root extract. Monitor liver.

Piper methysticum (traditional prep)

Traditional Pacific Island preparation — root pounded and soaked in water (NOT alcohol extract). The traditional water preparation has 3000+ years of safe use in Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa. Noble cultivars only. Hepatotoxicity linked to non-noble/non-root parts.

Piper methysticum (tea)

Traditional Polynesian kava preparation — root pounded and strained in water. Produces numbness of mouth (normal). Used for social ceremony, anxiety, and relaxation.

Lavandula angustifolia (80mg)

Oral lavender oil capsule (Silexan/CalmAid) — 80mg. Clinical evidence for generalized anxiety comparable to lorazepam. The most studied oral lavender preparation.

Lavandula angustifolia (oil)

The most versatile and safest essential oil. Used for anxiety, sleep, burns, skin healing, and headaches. One of the few oils safe for occasional neat (undiluted) spot use.

Milk Thistle + Dandelion + Artichoke + NAC

Comprehensive liver formula — Silymarin for protection, Dandelion for bile flow, Artichoke for fat metabolism, NAC for glutathione. The most complete liver support.

Olea europaea (oil)

Extra virgin olive oil — contains oleocanthal (anti-inflammatory) and hydroxytyrosol (antioxidant). The foundation of the Mediterranean diet. Medicinal food.

Schizochytrium sp. (algae DHA+EPA)

DHA+EPA from microalgae — the vegan omega-3 source. Where fish get their omega-3 (from eating algae). No ocean contaminants. 250-500mg DHA+EPA daily.

Cranberry + D-Mannose + Uva Ursi

Triple UTI prevention — Cranberry PACs prevent bacterial adhesion, D-Mannose flushes E. coli, Uva Ursi provides urinary antiseptic action. For recurrent UTIs.

Valeriana officinalis + Humulus lupulus

Classic European sleep combination — synergistic sedation. Ze 91019 clinical trials show improved sleep quality comparable to benzodiazepines without morning hangover. Standard dose: 500mg valerian + 120mg hops before bedtime. Non-addictive.

Valeriana + Humulus

The most clinically studied sleep herb combination. Ze 91019 extract shown to improve sleep quality comparable to benzodiazepines without morning hangover.

Horse Chestnut + Butcher's Broom + Gotu Kola + Grape Seed

Comprehensive vein formula — Aescin for vein tone, Ruscogenins for vein strength, Centella for vein wall integrity, OPCs for capillary protection.

B1+B2+B3+B5+B6+B7+B9+B12

Complete B vitamin complex — essential cofactors for energy, mood, nerve function, and methylation. Critical for anyone under stress, vegetarians, and elderly.

Ascorbic acid + Rose Hips + Acerola

Buffered vitamin C powder with whole-food co-factors (rose hips, acerola, bioflavonoids). Mixed into water for daily immune support. 500-2000mg typical daily dose.

Cholecalciferol

Not an herb but critical in herbal protocols. Deficiency is pandemic. Essential for immune function, bone health, mood, and hormonal balance.

Cholecalciferol + Menaquinone-7

D3 and K2 together — K2 directs calcium to bones (not arteries). The optimal combination for bone and cardiovascular health. 2000-5000 IU D3 + 100-200mcg K2 daily.

Menaquinone-7 (MK-7)

The calcium-directing vitamin — activates osteocalcin (puts calcium in bones) and MGP (removes calcium from arteries). Essential partner for D3 supplementation. MK-7 from natto fermentation has longest half-life. For bone and cardiovascular health.

Vitex agnus-castus

Premier female hormone balancer — for PMS, irregular periods, PCOS, and luteal phase defect. Acts on the pituitary (increases LH, decreases prolactin). Takes 3+ months for full effect. Named "Chaste Tree" because monks used it to suppress libido.