Herb Library

Nardostachys jatamansi

Ayurvedic brain calmative — Biblical spikenard (Mary Magdalene anointed Jesus feet). For insomnia, anxiety, and epilepsy. Contains jatamansone (sedative). Endangered — use cultivated sources. Related to Valerian.

Syzygium cumini

An Indian fruit whose seeds are one of Ayurveda's top blood sugar support herbs. Contains jamboline. The fruit is also nutritious.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum

A Chinese adaptogenic vine containing gypenosides similar to ginsenosides, used for longevity, stress resilience, and cardiovascular support.

Simmondsia chinensis

Technically a liquid wax, not oil. The closest plant substance to human sebum. Used for skin moisturizing, hair care, and as a carrier oil for essential oils.

Terminalia ferdinandiana

An Australian Aboriginal superfood with the highest recorded vitamin C content of any fruit (100x more than oranges). Used for immune and skin support.

Sceletium tortuosum

A South African succulent traditionally chewed by the San people for mood elevation and stress relief. Contains mesembrine, a natural SSRI-like compound.

Khaya senegalensis

West African mahogany tree whose bitter bark is widely used in Sahelian traditional medicine for malaria, fever, jaundice, and intestinal worms. Contains limonoids with antimalarial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Combretum micranthum

West African daily health tea consumed across Senegal, Mali, and Guinea. Traditional use for malaria, liver protection, digestive support, and weight management. Contains combretin alkaloids.

Cola nitida

Original Coca-Cola ingredient — contains caffeine and theobromine. West African stimulant and social bonding ritual. For fatigue, headaches, and depression. Key ingredient in original cola recipes. Sacred in Yoruba and Igbo cultures.

SCOBY fermented tea

Fermented sweet tea containing probiotics, organic acids, and B vitamins. Used for gut health, immune support, and energy. Not technically an herb.

Symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast

The living SCOBY culture for making kombucha at home. A symbiotic colony of Acetobacter, Gluconobacter, and yeasts. Home brewing requires careful hygiene.

SCOBY fermented tea (commercial)

Commercially brewed kombucha — safer than home-brew due to quality control. Contains probiotics, organic acids, B vitamins, and trace alcohol (<0.5% typically).

Larix occidentalis

A prebiotic fiber from larch tree bark. Supports immune function and gut microbiome. Well-tolerated source of soluble fiber. Also used in children.

Bryophyllum pinnatum

Caribbean and Central American remedy for kidney stones, hypertension, respiratory infections, and wound healing.

Leea indica

Southeast Asian shrub used in Malay, Indonesian, and Indian traditional medicine for skin diseases, cancer sores, and body aches. Contains gallic acid, ursolic acid, and mollic acid glucoside with documented cytotoxic activity.

Cymbopogon citratus

A tropical grass with citrusy flavor used for digestive support, fever reduction, and as a calming tea. Also a potent insect repellent.

Aloysia citrodora

A lemon-scented herb used for digestive comfort, relaxation, and as a pleasant tea. Studied for antioxidant and joint support properties.

Coffee + Hericium erinaceus

Coffee blended with Lion's Mane mushroom extract — caffeine for alertness + Lion's Mane for nerve growth factor. The most popular cognitive functional coffee.

Lobelia inflata

A powerful antispasmodic traditionally used for asthma and bronchospasm. TOXIC in improper doses — professional use only. Very small doses only.

Eriobotrya japonica

TCM cough and lung herb — Pi Pa Ye. Used in the famous Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa (honey loquat cough syrup — the most popular cough remedy in Asia). For dry coughs, nausea, and thirst. Leaf hairs must be removed before use.

Levisticum officinale

European culinary and urinary herb — root is a strong diuretic for UTIs and kidney stones. Tastes like celery with added depth (Maggi seasoning flavor). German Commission E approved for urinary tract inflammation. Pairs well with Bearberry.

Lychnophora ericoides

Brazilian cerrado mountain plant used as substitute for European arnica. For bruises, sprains, inflammation, and muscle pain. Contains lychnopholide sesquiterpene lactones with anti-inflammatory activity. Traditionally soaked in cachaca (sugarcane spirit).

Lepidium meyenii

A Peruvian root vegetable used to support energy, stamina, hormonal balance, and reproductive health.

Lepidium meyenii (500mg)

Standard maca root capsule — 500mg. For energy, libido, and hormonal balance. 1-3g daily. Take in the morning (stimulating). Gelatinized form easier on stomach.

Lepidium meyenii (6:1 extract)

Concentrated maca extract — 6:1 ratio means 1 capsule equals 6x the raw powder. More potent and convenient than powder form.

Lepidium meyenii (gelatinized)

Pre-cooked (gelatinized) maca — starch removed for easier digestion. Preferred form for those with sensitive stomachs. Same benefits as raw maca.

Lepidium meyenii (raw powder)

Raw maca root powder — the traditional Peruvian form. 1-3 tsp daily in smoothies. Malty butterscotch flavor. May cause GI upset in some (gelatinized form is gentler).

Lepidium meyenii (blended)

Maca powder blended into smoothies — the most common way to consume maca. Malty/butterscotch flavor blends well with cacao, banana, and nut butters.

Lepidium meyenii (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted maca — concentrated format. 30-60 drops 1-2x daily in morning. Avoids the powder bulk. Slightly malty, slightly bitter flavor.

Magnesium chloride hexahydrate

Magnesium chloride flakes dissolved in warm bath — transdermal magnesium absorption. Used for muscle cramps, stress, sleep, and restless legs. Very relaxing.

Grifola frondosa

A culinary and medicinal mushroom used in Japanese medicine for immune support and blood sugar balance.

Tinospora rumphii

Philippine bitter vine for malaria, fever, and as an immunomodulator; stem decoction is a traditional febrifuge.

Mangifera indica

Mango leaves are used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine for blood sugar support. Contains mangiferin — studied for metabolic and antioxidant properties.

Garcinia mangostana

A Southeast Asian fruit whose rind contains xanthones with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The whole fruit is a prized tropical delicacy.

Rubia cordifolia

The premier blood-purifying (rakta shodhak) herb in Ayurveda. Used for skin conditions, lymphatic support, and menstrual regulation.

Aristotelia chilensis

A Chilean berry with extremely high anthocyanin content — studied for blood sugar support, eye health, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Rhaponticum carthamoides

A Siberian adaptogen used by Russian athletes for physical performance. Contains ecdysteroids (20-hydroxyecdysone) studied for muscle and endurance support.

Tithonia diversifolia

Caribbean and Central American bitter leaf for malaria, diabetes, and stomach pain; also a soil-enrichment plant.

Origanum majorana

Mediterranean herb — milder cousin of oregano. Traditional remedy for digestive complaints, headaches, and insomnia. May help regulate menstrual cycles and lower androgen levels in PCOS. Calming nervine.

Althaea officinalis

A soothing mucilaginous herb used to support digestive, respiratory, and urinary tract comfort.

Althaea officinalis (leaf)

The leaf of marshmallow — less mucilaginous than the root but still demulcent. Used for respiratory and urinary comfort, and as a gentle daily tea.

Althaea officinalis (480mg)

Standard marshmallow root capsule — for digestive, respiratory, and urinary soothing. Take 1 hour APART from other medications (delays absorption due to mucilage).

Althaea officinalis (extract)

Concentrated marshmallow root — higher mucilage content than tea form. Used for GI, respiratory, and urinary tract soothing. The most demulcent herb.

Althaea officinalis (cold infusion)

COLD infusion is best for maximum mucilage — steep in room temperature water 4-8 hours (overnight). The most soothing preparation for digestive and urinary comfort.

Filipendula ulmaria

The herb that inspired aspirin — contains salicylates. Used for digestive comfort, joint support, and as a gentle anti-inflammatory.

Phellinus linteus

A medicinal mushroom highly valued in Korean and Japanese traditional medicine for immune modulation. Extensively studied in Asian oncology research.

Avena sativa (milky oat tops)

The fresh milky tops of oats harvested at the "milky" stage — a deep nervous system trophorestorative. Different from dried oat straw. Must be tinctured fresh.

Avena sativa (fresh milky extract)

MUST be tinctured fresh at the "milky" stage — the most prized form of oat medicine. A deep nervous system restorative for burnout, grief, and depletion.