Herb Library

Griffonia simplicifolia

West African climbing plant whose seeds are the natural source of 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), a serotonin precursor used for mood and sleep support.

Tinospora cordifolia (standardized)

Standardized Guduchi/Giloy extract — typically to 2.5% bitter principles. Ayurvedic immunomodulator for allergies, autoimmune conditions, and fever. Recently controversial in India due to liver toxicity reports (possibly from adulteration or Tinospora crispa contamination).

Commiphora wightii

An Ayurvedic resin traditionally used for joint health, cholesterol support, and thyroid function.

Matricaria chamomilla

Central Asian Unani calming herb for anxiety, digestive spasm, and skin inflammation. One of the most widely used herbs globally for relaxation and digestive comfort.

Gymnema sylvestre

An Ayurvedic herb known as the "sugar destroyer" — it temporarily blocks sweet taste receptors and is studied for blood sugar support.

Gymnema sylvestre (400mg)

Standard Gymnema capsule — 400mg standardized to 25% gymnemic acids. Blocks sweet taste for 1-2 hours. Take before meals for blood sugar and craving support.

Gymnema sylvestre (extract)

Standardized extract (25-75% gymnemic acids). Blocks sweet taste receptors for 1-2 hours. The most studied form for blood sugar support.

Camellia sinensis (shade-grown leaf)

The highest grade of Japanese green tea — shade-grown for 20+ days. Extremely high in L-theanine for relaxation and umami flavor.

Harungana madagascariensis

African relative of St. John's wort used across tropical Africa and Madagascar for liver complaints, digestive disorders, and malaria. Contains hypericin-type compounds and anthraquinones. European phytomedicine (Haronga extract) approved in Germany for dyspepsia.

Crataegus monogyna (berry tea)

Traditional hawthorn berry tea — simmer dried berries 15-20 minutes. The gentlest way to support cardiovascular health daily. Pleasant mild fruity taste.

Cannabis sativa (protein)

Protein powder from hemp seeds — 50% protein, complete amino acids, plus fiber and omega-3. The most nutritionally complete plant protein. No THC/CBD.

Cannabis sativa (seed oil)

Cold-pressed hemp seed oil — ideal 3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Contains NO THC or CBD (seeds don't contain cannabinoids). Rich in GLA. Food-grade nutrition.

Hibiscus sabdariffa

A tart, ruby-red flower tea enjoyed worldwide, studied for blood pressure and cardiovascular support.

Ocimum tenuiflorum

A sacred Ayurvedic adaptogen known as "The Queen of Herbs," used to support stress resilience, mental clarity, and respiratory health.

Ocimum tenuiflorum (500mg)

Standard Tulsi capsule — 500mg extract. The convenient daily adaptogen format for those who don't want tea. 1-2 capsules daily.

Ocimum tenuiflorum (extract)

Standardized Tulsi extract — concentrated ursolic acid and eugenol. The most studied form for stress resilience, blood sugar, and cognitive support.

Ocimum tenuiflorum (tea)

India's most sacred herb as a daily tea — three varieties (Krishna, Rama, Vana) each with slightly different flavor and properties. The gentlest adaptogen delivery.

Ocimum tenuiflorum (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted Tulsi — concentrated adaptogen drops. 30-60 drops 2-3x daily. Faster acting than capsules for acute stress. The portable adaptogen format.

Rhodiola crenulata

Tibetan/Chinese Rhodiola species — grows at 11,000-18,000 feet. For altitude sickness, fatigue, and immune support. Contains salidroside (shared with R. rosea) but different rosavin profile. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia species. Used by Tibetan herders and Sherpas.

Astragalus membranaceus (extract)

Standardized astragalus extract — concentrated polysaccharides and astragalosides for deep immune tonic and energy support. Take as a tonic, not during acute illness.

Bacterial fermentation (Streptococcus)

A naturally occurring polysaccharide in joints, skin, and eyes. Oral HA supplements support joint cushioning, skin hydration, and eye comfort.

5 Mushroom dual-extract tincture

Five medicinal mushrooms dual-extracted in one tincture — Reishi, Turkey Tail, Chaga, Cordyceps, Lion's Mane. The broadest-spectrum immune mushroom format.

Ginger + Turmeric + Lemon + Cayenne + Honey

Concentrated 1-2 oz wellness shot — the café immunity staple. Combines five evidence-based ingredients. Intense but effective. Daily during cold season.

Carapichea ipecacuanha

Historical emetic — syrup of ipecac was once in every first aid kit for poisoning (NO LONGER RECOMMENDED). Contains emetine (cardiotoxic with chronic use). Still used in very low homeopathic doses for nausea.

Isatis tinctoria

TCM antiviral powerhouse — Ban Lan Gen is the most commonly used herb in China for sore throats and flu. During SARS and COVID, sales exploded. Contains indirubin (anti-leukemic compound). Also the source of blue woad dye.

Pilocarpus jaborandi

Source of pilocarpine — prescription drug for glaucoma and dry mouth. Powerful cholinergic that causes sweating and salivation. Used by indigenous Brazilians as diaphoretic. PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (tea)

Daily longevity tea — the Chinese province of Guizhou where jiaogulan is consumed daily has the highest centenarian rate. Sweet, slightly bitter adaptogenic tea. For cholesterol, blood sugar, stress, and longevity. Caffeine-free. Can be re-steeped 3-5 times.

Simmondsia chinensis

Not actually an oil — it is a liquid wax ester, similar to human sebum. Excellent for skin and hair care. Non-comedogenic moisturizer. For acne, eczema, psoriasis, and hair conditioning. EXTERNAL USE ONLY (toxic if ingested).

Phyllanthus amarus

Siddha lithotriptic for kidney stones and hepatoprotective for jaundice and hepatitis B; extremely important in Tamil medicine.

Brassica rapa (fermented)

Korean fermented cabbage — rich in Lactobacillus kimchii and other probiotics. Used for gut health, immune support, and metabolic health. A functional food staple.

Euphausia superba

Omega-3s bound to phospholipids for better absorption than fish oil. Also contains astaxanthin. Used for cardiovascular, joint, and brain health.

Aloe barbadensis

Ayurvedic cooling herb used for skin burns, constipation (latex), liver support, and menstrual regulation. Gel and latex have very different therapeutic profiles.

Picrorhiza kurroa

A bitter Ayurvedic herb used for liver protection, immune modulation, and respiratory support. Studied for hepatoprotective properties similar to Milk Thistle.

Larix occidentalis

The bark of larch produces prebiotics (arabinogalactans) that strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, help reduce tumor cells, and treat middle ear infections in children.

Lavandula angustifolia

A beloved aromatic herb used for relaxation, sleep support, and mood balance. One of the safest and most versatile essential oils.

Lavandula angustifolia (tea)

Dried lavender buds as tea — the gentlest way to consume lavender for anxiety and sleep. Pleasant floral taste. Often blended with chamomile or lemon balm.

Citrus limon

Important preventative medicine with high vitamin C. Antiseptic, antibacterial, and antirheumatic. Strengthens blood vessel walls and is useful for colds, flu, and circulatory problems.

Melissa officinalis

A gentle, lemon-scented herb used for calming, digestive comfort, and cognitive support. Excellent for children.

Melissa officinalis (500mg)

Standard lemon balm capsule — 500mg. For anxiety, sleep, and cognitive support. Non-drowsy at moderate doses. Safe for children. Also supports HSV management.

Melissa officinalis (tea)

One of the most pleasant herbal teas — lemon-scented, calming, and digestive. Safe for children. Best fresh. Combines beautifully with chamomile for bedtime.

Melissa officinalis (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted lemon balm — for acute anxiety, cold sores (topical), and digestive calm. 30-60 drops as needed. One of the gentlest and safest nervine tinctures.

Citrus limon (essential oil)

Cold-pressed lemon peel oil — rich in d-limonene (90-95%). For aromatherapy: mood, focus, and air purification. D-limonene has clinical evidence for GERD (internal capsule form). Photosensitizing — avoid sun exposure on applied skin for 12 hours.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

A widely used herb in both Western and Chinese medicine for digestive, respiratory, and adrenal support. DGL form avoids blood pressure concerns.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (450mg)

Standard licorice root capsule — WHOLE licorice with glycyrrhizin. MAX 4-6 weeks. For adrenal support, sore throat, and digestive ulcers. Use DGL for long-term.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (tea)

Sweet licorice root tea — naturally sweet without sugar. Used for sore throat, adrenal support, and digestive soothing. MAX 4-6 weeks due to glycyrrhizin.

Glycyrrhiza glabra (whole)

Whole licorice root (WITH glycyrrhizin) — powerful but requires careful use. Max 4-6 weeks. Used in many TCM and Western formulas as a harmonizer.

Hericium erinaceus

A medicinal mushroom studied for its unique ability to support nerve health, cognitive function, and brain health.

Hericium erinaceus (500mg)

Standard Lion's Mane capsule — 500mg fruiting body. Look for "fruiting body" not "mycelium on grain." Beta-glucan content matters more than total weight.