Herb Library

Laricifomes officinalis

An ancient medicinal mushroom used since Greek antiquity (Dioscorides). Studied for immune support and antiviral properties. Now rare in the wild.

Frangula alnus

Gentle stimulant laxative — bark must be aged 1+ year before use (fresh bark causes violent vomiting). Used for short-term constipation relief. Less harsh than senna.

Prunus dulcis (milk)

Plant milk from almonds — low calorie, naturally vitamin E rich. Used as a dairy alternative. Choose unsweetened and calcium-fortified for best nutritional value.

Phyllanthus emblica

One of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, used in Ayurveda as a rejuvenative tonic and key ingredient in Triphala.

Phellodendron amurense

A TCM herb for clearing damp-heat, particularly in the lower body — urinary infections, skin conditions, and night sweats. Contains berberine.

Annickia chlorantha

Cameroonian rainforest tree used traditionally for malaria, typhoid fever, and jaundice. Bark is intensely yellow containing berberine-type protoberberine alkaloids with demonstrated antimicrobial activity.

Cynara scolymus (flower bud)

The edible artichoke flower bud — different from leaf extract but also supports liver and digestive function. Contains cynarin and inulin prebiotic fiber.

Saraca asoca (extract)

Standardized extract of the sacred Ayurvedic "sorrowless tree." Used for uterine support, menstrual comfort, and as a women's reproductive tonic.

Wolfiporia cocos

Korean poria mushroom used for edema, urinary difficulty, insomnia, and digestive complaints. Different layers of the fungal body have distinct therapeutic properties.

Psoralea corylifolia

An Ayurvedic/TCM herb for vitiligo and skin pigmentation. Contains psoralen (photosensitizing). Also used for kidney yang and bone health in TCM.

Terminalia bellirica

The second fruit of Triphala. Used in Ayurveda for respiratory health, eye support, and as a rejuvenative for Kapha dosha.

Betula pendula

European birch bark and leaves used for urinary health, joint comfort, and as a mild diuretic. Contains betulin and betulinic acid.

Garcinia kola

West African longevity nut — chewed for respiratory infections, coughs, and as social stimulant. Contains kolaviron (hepatoprotective bioflavonoid). Used in Nigerian traditional medicine for arthritis, infections, and impotence. Bitter but valued.

Ribes nigrum

European shrub whose vitamin-C-rich fruits are used for colds and infections. The leaves are diuretic and antirheumatic, while the seed oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid and used for eczema, arthritis, and menstrual irregularities.

Ribes nigrum

Rich in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) from seed oil, vitamin C from berries, and anti-inflammatory compounds from leaves. A triple-use medicinal fruit.

Ballota nigra

Anti-nausea herb — particularly for motion sickness and nausea of nervous origin. Despite its unpleasant smell, it is an effective antiemetic. Not related to White Horehound despite the name.

Lepidium meyenii (black)

The black variety of maca — considered most potent for male vitality, cognitive function, and mood support. Different phytochemical profile from red/yellow.

Rubus occidentalis

The leaf is used similarly to Red Raspberry for uterine toning. The berries are exceptionally rich in anthocyanins and ellagic acid.

Oryza sativa (black/purple)

Ancient "forbidden rice" — contains more anthocyanins than blueberries per serving. Used for antioxidant support, cardiovascular health, and as a nutritious whole grain.

Nigella sativa + Raw Honey

Traditional Middle Eastern remedy — black seed mixed into raw honey. Combines the immune benefits of both. Popular in Islamic and Ayurvedic medicine.

Sesamum indicum

Black sesame seeds are used in TCM and Ayurveda for hair health, bone strength, kidney/liver yin nourishment, and constipation.

Juglans nigra

Antifungal and antiparasitic — green hull tincture is the traditional worm remedy. Contains juglone with antifungal properties. Used for ringworm, athletes foot, and intestinal parasites.

Fucus vesiculosus

A brown seaweed rich in iodine and fucoidan, traditionally used for thyroid support and metabolic health.

Rubus coreanus

Korean berry used for male reproductive health, kidney tonic, frequent urination, and vision improvement. Traditionally made into bokbunja-ju wine.

Centella asiatica

Called Brahmi in some Ayurvedic traditions (not to be confused with Bacopa which is also called Brahmi). Used for cognitive support and wound healing.

Arctium lappa

A traditional blood-cleansing herb used in Western and Japanese traditions to support skin health and detoxification.

Arctium lappa (475mg)

Standard burdock root capsule — the traditional blood-purifying alterative in capsule form. For skin health, liver support, and as a gentle detox herb. 475mg 2-3x daily.

Arctium lappa (tea)

Roasted or raw burdock root tea — a gentle blood-purifying daily tonic. Sweet, earthy flavor. Popular in Japanese cuisine (gobo) and Western herbalism.

Arctium lappa (seed)

Burdock SEEDS (not root) — used in TCM (Niu Bang Zi) for sore throat, skin eruptions, and measles. Different therapeutic profile from the root. Disperses wind-heat.

Uncaria tomentosa (bark)

The inner bark of Cat's Claw vine — standardized for alkaloid content. Used for immune support, inflammation, and digestive health.

Orthosiphon aristatus

A Southeast Asian herb widely used for kidney/urinary support. Popular as "kidney tea" in Germany and across Asia. Diuretic and anti-inflammatory.

Prunus serotina

Traditional cough remedy bark — the base of classic cough syrups. Contains prunasin which converts to HCN in small amounts (antitussive). Do NOT use wilted leaves.

Uncaria rhynchophylla

Kampo herb for hypertension, headache, dizziness, and childhood convulsions. The hook-bearing stems are the medicinal part, used in Yokukansan formula.

Cinnamomum verum (essential oil)

Cinnamon bark essential oil — extremely potent antimicrobial. MUST dilute heavily (0.5-1%). Used for oral health, respiratory support, and immune function.

Plectranthus barbatus

Contains forskolin which activates adenylate cyclase. Studied for asthma, glaucoma, cardiovascular health, and weight management.

Zea mays

Soothing diuretic herb used for urinary tract infections, cystitis, urethritis, and prostatitis. Also helpful for bedwetting in children and for kidney stones. Reduces fluid retention.

Rosa damascena (tea)

Dried rose buds steeped in hot water — the most elegant herbal tea. Used for mood support, skin beauty, menstrual comfort, and as a gentle digestive. Exquisite aroma.

Flammulina velutipes

A culinary mushroom with immune-supporting properties. Contains flammulin and proflamin. Wild enoki looks very different from the cultivated white variety.

Eucommia ulmoides

A TCM kidney yang tonic used for lower back pain, bone strength, and blood pressure support. One of the few TCM herbs studied for hypertension.

Boswellia carterii (essential oil)

Aromatic essential oil for meditation and inflammation — contains alpha-pinene and incensole acetate (anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory). For aromatherapy: anxiety, focus, and spiritual practice. Topical (diluted) for joint pain and skin aging. NOT for ingestion.

Ginger + SCOBY fermented tea

Kombucha secondary-fermented with fresh ginger — combines probiotic benefits with ginger's digestive power. The most popular kombucha flavor worldwide.

Ginkgo biloba (tea)

Dried ginkgo leaf tea — milder than extract. The traditional way to consume ginkgo before standardized extracts. 2-3 cups daily.

Tribulus terrestris

An Ayurvedic herb for urinary health, kidney support, and male vitality. The fruit and root have different therapeutic profiles.

Centella asiatica

An Ayurvedic herb used to support cognitive function, skin health, and wound healing. Sometimes confused with Bacopa (also called Brahmi).

Centella asiatica (400mg)

Standard Gotu Kola capsule — 400mg. For cognitive support, wound healing, and venous health. 400mg 2-3x daily. Takes weeks for cognitive effects.

Centella asiatica (powder)

Whole herb powder form — less concentrated than extract but provides full spectrum of triterpenoids. Traditional form used in Ayurveda for centuries.

Centella asiatica (tea)

Fresh or dried Gotu Kola leaf tea — the traditional form used daily in Sri Lanka and India for cognitive support, longevity, and wound healing.

Terminalia chebula

Called the "King of Medicines" in Tibetan medicine. One of three fruits in Triphala. Used for digestive health, detoxification, and cognitive support.