Herb Library

Abelmoschus manihot

Asian ornamental and medicinal plant used in TCM (Huangkui capsule) for chronic kidney disease and proteinuria. Clinical evidence from Chinese hospitals supports nephroprotective effects. Contains hyperoside and isoquercitrin flavonoids. Leaves eaten as vegetable in PNG.

Passionflower + Lemon Balm + L-Theanine

Non-drowsy anxiety formula — Passionflower for GABA, Lemon Balm for calm, L-Theanine for focused relaxation. Daytime-appropriate unlike valerian combinations.

Terminalia arjuna

An Ayurvedic cardiotonic herb with a long history of use for heart health and cardiovascular support.

Terminalia arjuna (extract)

Standardized extract of Arjuna bark — Ayurveda's premier cardiotonic. Clinical trials for angina, heart failure support, and cholesterol.

Terminalia arjuna (tea)

Arjuna bark simmered as tea — the traditional Ayurvedic preparation. Often combined with milk (Arjuna Ksheera Paka). The gentle daily cardiovascular tonic.

Withania somnifera (600mg)

Standard ashwagandha root capsule — 600mg. The basic whole-root format. Less expensive than branded extracts but still effective. Take with food.

Withania somnifera (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted ashwagandha — fast absorption for acute stress. 30-60 drops 1-2x daily. The liquid format allows flexible dosing and faster onset than capsules.

Asparagus racemosus

The "Queen of Herbs" in Ayurveda — premier female reproductive tonic. Supports fertility, lactation, and menopause. Adaptogenic, cooling, and nourishing. Name means "she who has 100 husbands."

Astragalus membranaceus

A foundational herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine used to support immune function, energy, and overall vitality.

Astragalus membranaceus (500mg)

Standard astragalus root capsule — 500mg. Take daily as an immune tonic (NOT during acute illness). 1-3 capsules daily. The convenient format for daily immune building.

Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus

One of the most important Qi tonics in TCM, used for deep immune support, energy, and longevity. Strengthens the Wei Qi (defensive energy).

Astragalus membranaceus (tea)

Dried astragalus root slices simmered in water or added to soups — the traditional Chinese preparation. Mild, slightly sweet taste. Daily immune building tonic.

Astragalus membranaceus (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted astragalus — the portable immune tonic. 30-60 drops 2-3x daily for deep immune building. Take as a TONIC (not during acute illness).

Bacillus coagulans GBI-30

A spore-forming probiotic that survives stomach acid, heat, and antibiotics. Evidence for IBS, digestive comfort, and immune support. Shelf-stable.

Scutellaria baicalensis

Chinese herb with potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activity. Used for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, hepatitis, and to reduce fevers. Rich in flavonoids including baicalin.

Scutellaria baicalensis

The root of Chinese Skullcap — different from American Skullcap (S. lateriflora). Contains baicalin/baicalein for immune and inflammatory support.

Atractylodes macrocephala

TCM Spleen qi tonic — dries dampness and strengthens digestion. One of the most prescribed herbs in Chinese medicine. Key ingredient in Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen). For fatigue, poor appetite, loose stool, and edema. Mild and safe.

Berberine + Silymarin complex

Berberine combined with Milk Thistle (silymarin) — the combination protects the liver while berberine works on metabolism. Addresses berberine's main concern.

Phyllanthus niruri

The Ayurvedic name for Chanca Piedra — "Earth Amla." Used for kidney stones, liver support, and blood sugar balance across Ayurvedic, Brazilian, and African traditions.

Vaccinium myrtillus (160mg extract)

Standard bilberry extract capsule — 160mg standardized to 25% anthocyanins. The clinical dose for eye health. Take twice daily. With or without food.

Actaea racemosa + Vitex combo

Common combination formula — Black Cohosh for hot flashes plus Vitex for hormonal balance. Addresses multiple menopausal symptoms simultaneously.

Nigella sativa (oil)

Cold-pressed oil from black seeds — concentrated thymoquinone. One of the most studied herbal oils for immune, metabolic, and respiratory support.

Nigella sativa (tea)

Crushed black seeds steeped in hot water — the simplest preparation of this powerful immune herb. Add honey for taste. Traditional Middle Eastern/South Asian daily tonic.

Morus nigra

TCM herb for wind-heat (cold/flu) and blood sugar support. Leaf contains DNJ (1-deoxynojirimycin) — a natural alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that slows sugar absorption. Fruit is nutritious.

Nigella sativa (500mg)

Standard black seed capsule — 500mg seed powder or oil. The convenient format for daily immune and metabolic support. 1-2 capsules twice daily typical dose.

Boswellia serrata (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted boswellia resin — provides boswellic acids in liquid form. 30-60 drops 3x daily. The tincture format for those who prefer liquids to capsules.

Bertholletia excelsa

The richest natural source of selenium — 1-2 nuts provide daily requirement. Used for thyroid support, antioxidant protection, and immune health.

Brassica oleracea (sprout)

Concentrated sulforaphane from broccoli sprouts — the most potent natural Nrf2 activator. Supports detoxification, inflammation, and cellular protection.

Ananas comosus (500mg)

Standard bromelain enzyme capsule — take BETWEEN meals for anti-inflammatory/systemic effects, or WITH meals for digestive enzyme support. 500mg 2-3x daily.

Bupleurum chinense (extract)

Standardized Bupleurum extract — key ingredient in Sho-saiko-to (Xiao Chai Hu Tang), the most studied Chinese herbal formula for liver health.

Arctium lappa

Premier blood-cleansing alterative — used worldwide for skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis). Japanese eat the root as gobo (vegetable). Rich in inulin (prebiotic). Traditionally combined with Red Clover.

Petasites hybridus

Used to support seasonal respiratory comfort and head comfort. MUST use PA-free (pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free) preparations only.

Calendula officinalis (cream)

Commercial calendula cream — the most widely used natural skin healing product. For diaper rash, eczema, cuts, dry skin, and nursing nipple care. Safe for all ages.

Myrciaria dubia (standardized)

Standardized Camu Camu extract — typically 20% natural vitamin C. Whole-food vitamin C source with co-occurring bioflavonoids, carotenoids, and amino acids that enhance absorption vs synthetic ascorbic acid. Amazonian rainforest sustainable product.

Capsicum annuum (capsule)

Cayenne in capsule form — avoids the mouth burn. Used for circulation, digestive stimulation, and pain support. Start low (30,000 HU) and increase.

Cannabis sativa (CBD oil)

CBD in MCT oil carrier — sublingual drops for anxiety, pain, sleep, and inflammation. 10-50mg typical starting dose. Hold under tongue 60 seconds before swallowing.

Matricaria chamomilla (capsule)

Standardized chamomile extract capsule — more concentrated apigenin than tea. Used for anxiety, sleep, and GI support when tea isn't convenient.

Matricaria chamomilla (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted chamomile — more concentrated than tea. 30-60 drops in water for anxiety, sleep, and digestive support. The portable chamomile format.

Vitex agnus-castus (400mg)

Standard Vitex capsule — 400mg whole berry or 40mg extract. Take first thing in morning on empty stomach. Takes 3-6 months for full effect on cycle regulation.

Vitex agnus-castus

The fruit/berry of the chaste tree — the most studied part for PMS, menstrual irregularity, and hormonal balance. Standardized extracts preferred.

Salvia hispanica (prepared)

Chia seeds soaked in liquid overnight — forms a gel-like pudding rich in omega-3, fiber, and protein. The safest way to eat chia (pre-hydrated, no choking risk).

Rheum palmatum

Powerful laxative and purgative used in small doses as a bitter digestive tonic. At higher doses, strongly stimulates bowel evacuation. Also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.

Scutellaria baicalensis

Standardized root extract containing baicalin — one of TCM's top anti-inflammatory and antiviral herbs. Used for respiratory, liver, and gut support.

Ligusticum chuanxiong

TCM blood-moving and headache herb — "the herb that reaches the head." For headaches (all types), menstrual pain, and chest pain. Contains ligustrazine (tetramethylpyrazine) — used as IV drug in Chinese hospitals for cardiovascular disease.

Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon 500mg)

Ceylon cinnamon capsule — the safe variety for daily use (negligible coumarin). 500mg-1g twice daily with meals for blood sugar support. ALWAYS choose Ceylon over Cassia.

Cissus quadrangularis (extract)

Standardized Cissus extract — Ayurveda's "bone setter" in concentrated form. Clinical trials for fracture healing, joint health, and body composition.

Cocos nucifera (virgin)

Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil — contains lauric acid (antimicrobial), MCTs for energy, and is used for oil pulling, cooking, skin care, and hair care.

Cocos nucifera (water)

Natural electrolyte drink from young coconuts — rich in potassium. Nature's isotonic sports drink. Used for rehydration and kidney health in tropical traditions.