Herb Library

Plantago ovata

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

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.

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.

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.

Kefir grains (fermented milk)

Fermented milk drink with 30-50 strains of bacteria and yeasts. More diverse probiotics than yogurt. Used for gut health, immune support, and bone health.

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.

Citrus limon + Zingiber officinale (tea)

The universal wellness tea — fresh ginger and lemon in hot water with honey. For digestion, nausea, immune support, and daily alkalizing. The simplest effective herbal tea.

L-Glutamine (amino acid)

Most abundant amino acid — fuel for intestinal cells and immune cells. For leaky gut, IBS, post-exercise recovery, and sugar cravings. 5-10g daily for gut repair. Powder dissolves easily. The #1 supplement for intestinal permeability.

Forsythia suspensa

TCM heat-clearing herb — partner of Jin Yin Hua in Yin Qiao San (Silver-Forsythia Powder), Chinas most used cold formula. For early-stage wind-heat: sore throat, fever, and headache. Contains forsythin (antiviral). Take at FIRST sign of cold for best results.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (deglycyrrhizinated)

Licorice with glycyrrhizin removed — eliminates the blood pressure and potassium concerns. Used specifically for digestive ulcers and heartburn. SAFE long-term.

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.

Camellia sinensis (amino acid)

An amino acid unique to tea (especially green tea). Promotes calm, focused alertness without drowsiness. Increases alpha brain waves. Synergizes with caffeine.

Tagetes erecta (extract)

A carotenoid from marigold flowers — concentrated in the macula of the eye. Strong evidence for macular health and blue light protection.

Tagetes erecta (FloraGLO)

Standardized free-form lutein from marigold — the form used in AREDS2 study. 10-20mg daily for macular health and blue light protection.

Lutein/Zeaxanthin (10mg/2mg)

Macular pigment carotenoids — filter blue light and protect against age-related macular degeneration. AREDS2 formula includes 10mg lutein + 2mg zeaxanthin. From marigold (Tagetes) flower extract. Takes 6+ months to build macular pigment density.

Catharanthus roseus

Toxic herb used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, and acute lymphocytic leukemia. Source of vincristine and vinblastine.

Magnesium citrate

Well-absorbed magnesium form — slightly laxative which is beneficial for constipation. The form in "Natural Calm" powder. 200-400mg daily.

Magnesium bisglycinate

The gentlest, most bioavailable form of magnesium — chelated to glycine. Used for sleep, muscle relaxation, anxiety, and migraine prevention. Does not cause diarrhea.

Centella asiatica

Ayurvedic Medhya Rasayana — the Ayurvedic name for Gotu Kola. For meditation support, wound healing, and cognitive enhancement. "Brahmi" in some Ayurvedic texts (naming is confused with Bacopa). Sattvic herb that balances all three doshas.

Leptospermum scoparium

Source of Manuka honey — the most antibacterial honey known (MGO/UMF ratings). For wound healing, MRSA, H. pylori, and sore throats. Essential oil is antimicrobial. New Zealand endemic — unique methylglyoxal activity.

Leptospermum scoparium

Honey from New Zealand Manuka tree flowers — contains methylglyoxal (MGO) with proven antimicrobial properties. Used for wound healing and digestive health.

Leptospermum scoparium (UMF 15+)

UMF 15+ (or MGO 514+) medical-grade Manuka honey. Proven wound-healing properties. FDA-cleared Medihoney used in hospitals. The gold standard of medicinal honeys.

Calendula officinalis

Premier wound-healing herb — for cuts, burns, diaper rash, and radiation dermatitis. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and lymphatic. Calendula cream/salve is a medicine cabinet essential. Internal use for GI inflammation and menstrual cramps.

Camellia sinensis (shade-grown powder)

Shade-grown, stone-ground green tea powder. Higher in L-theanine, EGCG, and caffeine than regular green tea. Provides calm, focused energy.

Camellia sinensis (ceremonial grade)

Ceremonial-grade matcha whisked with warm milk — the modern wellness café staple. Higher L-theanine than culinary grade. Calm, focused energy.

Camellia sinensis (blended)

Matcha blended with banana, spinach, and plant milk — combines L-theanine calm focus with smoothie nutrition. The fitness-friendly matcha format.

Carbo vegetabilis

Highly porous carbon used for acute poisoning (ER use) and digestive gas/bloating. ABSORBS medications — never take with other supplements or drugs.

N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine

Not an herb but a natural hormone the body produces at night. Supplemental melatonin resets circadian rhythm. 0.5-3mg is often more effective than higher doses.

Melatonin (gummy)

Melatonin in gummy format — the most popular sleep supplement form. LESS IS MORE with melatonin (0.5-3mg often better than 5-10mg). Take 30 min before bed.

Melatonin (0.5mg)

Low-dose melatonin — 0.5mg is often MORE effective than 3-10mg. Research shows physiological doses mimic natural production. Less morning grogginess. Start here.

Silybum marianum

The most well-studied liver support herb. Silymarin, its active complex, has demonstrated hepatoprotective properties in numerous studies.

Silybum marianum (175mg capsule)

Standard milk thistle capsule — 175mg extract (140mg silymarin at 80% standardization). Take 3x daily with meals for liver support. The most common supplement format.

Silybum marianum (80% extract)

The gold standard liver herb — 80% silymarin standardization. Used in European hospitals for mushroom poisoning. 140mg 3x daily is the clinical dose.

Silybum marianum (oil)

Cold-pressed oil from milk thistle seeds — provides silymarin in a lipid-soluble form. Used for liver support, skin health, and antioxidant protection.

Silybum marianum (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted milk thistle — silymarin is partially alcohol-soluble. 30-60 drops 3x daily. Ironic that the liver herb is in alcohol, but the dose of alcohol is tiny.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

The "Great Harmonizer" in TCM — appears in more formulas than any other herb. For sore throats, digestive ulcers, adrenal fatigue, and cough. Contains glycyrrhizin (50x sweeter than sugar). DGL form avoids blood pressure effects.

N-Acetyl Cysteine (600mg)

Standard NAC capsule — 600mg 1-2x daily. The glutathione precursor for liver protection, respiratory mucus, and mental health. Take on empty stomach for best absorption.

NAC

A precursor to glutathione — the body's master antioxidant. Used for liver protection, respiratory mucus, mental health, and as an ER antidote for acetaminophen poisoning.

Glycine max (Bacillus subtilis fermented)

Japanese fermented soybeans — the natural source of nattokinase and vitamin K2 (MK-7). Slimy texture and strong smell. One of the world's healthiest foods.

Perna canaliculus

Marine anti-inflammatory — contains unique omega-3s (ETA, OTA) not found in fish oil. Clinical evidence for osteoarthritis and asthma. Lipid extract (Lyprinol/PCSO-524) is the studied form. From pristine New Zealand waters. For joint inflammation and respiratory conditions.

Nigella sativa (cold-pressed oil)

Cold-pressed black seed oil — delivers thymoquinone in bioavailable oil form. 1-3 tsp daily for inflammation, blood sugar, immune support, and allergies. Peppery/bitter taste. 1400+ published studies. Egyptian pharaohs were buried with it.

Olea europaea (oil)

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