Herb Library

Silybum marianum (tea)

Crushed milk thistle seeds steeped as tea — milder than extract but still liver-supportive. Silymarin is poorly water-soluble so tea is less potent than capsules.

Albizia julibrissin

TCM "Collective Happiness Bark" — for grief, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Bark calms the spirit (Shen). Flowers (He Huan Hua) are used for similar purposes. Beautiful ornamental tree. Gentle mood support.

Synsepalum dulcificum

West African taste-modifier — contains miraculin protein that makes sour foods taste sweet for 30-60 minutes. Used to help chemotherapy patients enjoy food (chemo causes taste distortion). For diabetes management (sweetness without sugar).

Tamarindus indica

East African sour fruit for fever, constipation, and malaria; pulp is laxative; bark is astringent for diarrhea.

Glycerol monolaurate (from coconut)

A monoglyceride derived from lauric acid in coconut oil. Used for immune support with antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and viruses.

Morinda officinalis

A TCM kidney yang tonic — different from Noni (M. citrifolia). Used for lower back/knee weakness, impotence, and bone strengthening.

Moringa oleifera

Called the "miracle tree," moringa leaves are one of the most nutrient-dense plants on earth, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Moringa oleifera (capsule)

Moringa leaf powder in capsule form — avoids the grassy taste while providing the full nutritional profile. Typically 500-1000mg per capsule, 2-4 daily.

Moringa oleifera

One of the most nutrient-dense plants on earth — rich in protein, iron, calcium, vitamins A and C. Used worldwide as a nutritive supplement.

Moringa oleifera (powder)

Dried ground moringa leaf — the superfood powder format. 1-2 tsp daily in smoothies. Called "the miracle tree." Provides protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins.

Moringa stenopetala

Ethiopian and Kenyan moringa species distinct from the common M. oleifera. Leaves are staple food in Konso and Gamo cultures of southern Ethiopia. Used for hypertension, diabetes, and water purification. Contains glucosinolates and flavonoids.

Moringa oleifera (leaf tea)

Dried moringa leaf tea — retains most nutrients. Mild, slightly earthy taste. Rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins. Popular in tropical countries as a daily tonic.

Paeonia suffruticosa

The root bark of tree peony — clears heat from blood, invigorates blood, and reduces swelling. Used for menstrual disorders and skin conditions.

Azadirachta indica var. indica

East African variant name for neem used specifically for malaria prevention, typhoid, and skin diseases in Swahili tradition.

Cardiospermum halicacabum

Siddha anti-rheumatic for joint pain, swelling, and stiffness; leaf decoction and poultice are primary preparations in Tamil tradition.

Ptychopetalum olacoides

A Brazilian Amazon herb traditionally used as a nerve tonic and for male vitality. Called "potency wood" for its traditional aphrodisiac use.

Verbascum thapsus (ear oil)

Mullein flowers infused in olive oil — the classic herbal ear drop for ear pain and mild infections. Often combined with garlic. Warm gently before dropping in ear.

Vernonia amygdalina

Pan-African bitter leaf for malaria, diabetes, stomach pain, and as a general health tonic; very widely used across the continent.

Coffee + Lion's Mane + Chaga (original)

The original mushroom coffee that started the functional coffee trend. Half caffeine of regular coffee plus dual-extracted mushroom fruiting bodies.

Cacao + Reishi + Chaga

Hot chocolate enhanced with medicinal mushrooms — Reishi for calm, Chaga for immune support. A comforting evening adaptogen drink. Kid-friendly at low mushroom doses.

Cyperus rotundus

Widely used Ayurvedic digestive herb for diarrhea, dyspepsia, and fever. Also employed for menstrual irregularities and as an analgesic.

Sinapis alba

Traditional counterirritant — mustard plasters for chest congestion and joint pain. Activates TRPA1 pain channels (warming sensation). TCM Bai Jie Zi for phlegm-cold in lungs. Culinary condiment with antimicrobial properties.

Solanum trilobatum

Siddha respiratory herb for asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis; berry and leaf preparations used for chronic cough.

Nauclea latifolia

West African tree and one of the most widely used antimalarial plants in Nigeria and Ghana. Also for toothache, diabetes, and hypertension. Contains naucleamides and strictosamide alkaloids. Fruit is edible (sweet when ripe).

Azadirachta indica (475mg)

Standard neem leaf capsule — for skin health, blood sugar, and immune support. 475mg 1-3x daily. Very bitter. LEAF capsules only (not seed oil — toxic internally).

Morinda citrifolia (leaf)

Hawaiian and Polynesian use of noni LEAVES (distinct from fruit) for wound healing, inflammation, and as poultice for boils and infections. Leaf tea milder than fruit juice. Contains flavonoid glycosides and scopoletin. No fermented flavor of fruit.

Opuntia ficus-indica

A traditional Mexican remedy used for blood sugar support, hangover relief, and as a nutritious food source.

Avena sativa

A gentle nervine tonic and nutritive herb used for nervous system nourishment, stress support, and bone health.

Avena sativa (tea)

Dried oat straw long-infused (4+ hours) — a deeply nourishing nervous system tonic rich in calcium, magnesium, and silica. One of the safest daily tonics.

Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus

Korean adaptogenic herb for fatigue, joint pain, and immune support. Different species from Siberian ginseng but used similarly in Korean traditional medicine.

Olea europaea subsp. africana

East African olive bark for malaria, sore throat, and eye infections; leaf tea for hypertension and diabetes.

Olea europaea

The leaves of the olive tree contain oleuropein, studied for cardiovascular support, blood sugar balance, and immune function.

Olea europaea (500mg)

Standard olive leaf extract capsule — 500mg standardized to 18-20% oleuropein. For immune, cardiovascular, and blood sugar support. 1-2 capsules twice daily.

Olea europaea (extract)

Standardized extract of olive leaf containing oleuropein. Used for immune support, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cardiovascular health.

Olea europaea (leaf tea)

Simple olive leaf tea — milder than extract but still provides oleuropein. Pleasant mild bitter-green taste. Traditional Mediterranean remedy for immune and cardiovascular support.

Olea europaea (tincture)

Alcohol-extracted olive leaf — faster absorption than capsules. 30-60 drops 2-3x daily. For immune, cardiovascular, and antimicrobial support.

Origanum vulgare

Beyond culinary use, oregano oil is a potent aromatic herb studied for immune support and digestive health.

Origanum vulgare (oil capsule)

Oregano essential oil in capsule — 150mg per capsule. Very potent antimicrobial. Short-term use (10-14 days). Take with food. Follow with probiotics after course.

Origanum vulgare (enteric)

Enteric-coated oregano oil capsules — bypasses stomach to release in intestines. Used for SIBO, candida, and intestinal infections. Stronger than non-enteric.

Origanum vulgare (liquid oil)

Liquid oregano oil in olive oil carrier — 2-4 drops under tongue or in water. EXTREMELY potent. Short-term use only (7-14 days). Follow with probiotics.

Origanum vulgare (tea)

Dried oregano steeped as tea — milder than oil but still antimicrobial. Traditional Mediterranean and Mexican cold/flu remedy. Pleasant savory-herbal taste.

Mahonia aquifolium

A berberine-containing herb used for skin conditions (topically for psoriasis), liver support, and digestive health. Sustainable alternative to Goldenseal.

Ligusticum porteri

Rocky Mountain respiratory powerhouse — Native American cold/flu remedy. For upper respiratory infections, sore throats, and altitude sickness. Bears dig it up after hibernation (hence "Bear Root"). Endangered — never wildcrafted.

Otostegia persica

Iranian and Baluchistan medicinal shrub used for diabetes, fever, and headache in traditional Baluchi and Persian medicine. Contains iridoid glycosides and flavonoids with demonstrated hypoglycemic activity. Also used as insect repellent.

Carica papaya

Tropical fruit with digestive enzyme papain that aids protein digestion. Seeds expel intestinal worms. Leaves traditionally used to treat malaria and dengue fever. Fruit applied to wounds and skin conditions.

Carica papaya

Papaya leaves contain papain enzyme and unique alkaloids. Used for digestive support, platelet support, and immune health. Popular in tropical folk medicine.

Petroselinum crispum

A common culinary herb with medicinal properties including diuretic, nutritive, and breath-freshening effects. Seed preparations are stronger.

Bergenia ligulata

Ayurvedic litholytic herb traditionally used for kidney and bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and dysentery. Name literally means 'stone breaker'.