Herb Library

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).

Lycium chinense

A TCM liver and kidney yin tonic used for eye health, longevity, and blood nourishment. Closely related to Goji berry.

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 (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 (tincture)

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

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.

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.

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).

Magnolia liliiflora

Kampo herb specifically for nasal congestion, sinusitis, and rhinitis. The dried flower buds are decocted and the warm vapor is also inhaled for sinus relief.

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.

Azadirachta indica var. indica

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

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.

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.

Commiphora myrrha

An ancient resin used for thousands of years for oral health, digestive support, and as a traditional antimicrobial.

Solanum trilobatum

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

Citrus aurantium (flower)

Essential oil from bitter orange blossoms — one of the most prized for anxiety, insomnia, and skin regeneration. Very expensive. Calming and uplifting.

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.

Olea europaea subsp. africana

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

Olea europaea (extract)

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

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.

Oroxylum indicum

Southeast Asian tree used across Thai, Indian, and Chinese medicine for diarrhea, dysentery, and respiratory conditions. Bark is a key ingredient in Ayurvedic Dasamoola (ten roots) formula. Contains baicalein and chrysin flavonoids.

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.