Materia Medica
Herbalism for the
Nutrition Professional
Rooted in tradition, guided by science.
A comprehensive, evidence-based herbal reference. Every monograph is sourced from authoritative pharmacopeias, cross-referenced with peer-reviewed research, and reviewed for clinical accuracy.
115 herbal monographs · by
Aloe barbadensis Mill.
Aloe vera
Cooling, soothing succulent renowned for burn healing, wound care, and digestive support — with a critical...
Panax quinquefolius L.
American Ginseng
Cool, yin-nourishing adaptogen for blood sugar balance, immune defense, and stress recovery
Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees
Andrographis
Premier immune-stimulating bitter herb for upper respiratory infections, fever, and liver protection
Arnica montana L.
Arnica
Premier topical anti-inflammatory for bruises, sprains, and trauma recovery -- EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Helenalin potently...
Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus (L.) Benth.
Artichoke Leaf
Premier hepatobiliary bitter for digestive support, bile flow, and cholesterol management
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal
Ashwagandha
Premier Ayurvedic adaptogen for resilient stress response, calm vitality, and...
Panax ginseng C.A.Mey.
Asian ginseng
Premier adaptogenic tonic for fatigue, cognitive decline, immune support, and...
Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge
Astragalus
Premier qi tonic and immune shield from 2000 years of Chinese herbal tradition
Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.
Bacopa
Ayurveda's brain tonic — neuroscience validates traditional use for memory an...
Berberis vulgaris L.
Barberry
Potent bitter tonic and liver herb rich in berberine for digestive, metabolic, and antimicrobial support
Vaccinium myrtillus L.
Bilberry
Premier European berry for vascular protection, retinal health, and astringent healing of the gut.
Actaea racemosa L.
Black cohosh
Premier women's herb for menopausal symptoms — works via serotonergic, not es...
Nigella sativa L.
Black Seed
Prophetic medicine's universal remedy for metabolic health, immunity, and respiratory support
Verbena hastata L.
Blue vervain
Nervine tonic for the driven, type-A personality who cannot relax — releases ...
Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr.
Boswellia
The anti-inflammatory resin — ancient sacred incense meets modern 5-LOX inhib...
Arctium lappa L.
Burdock
Classic Western alterative for chronic skin conditions, with diuretic, bitter...
Ruscus aculeatus L.
Butcher's Broom
Premier European venotonic for chronic venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, and heavy legs
Calendula officinalis L.
Calendula
Premier vulnerary and lymphagogue herb for wound healing, skin inflammation, ...
Eschscholzia californica Cham.
California poppy
Gentle non-narcotic sedative and analgesic from the poppy family — calms pain...
Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC.
Cat's Claw
Amazonian immunomodulating vine with potent anti-inflammatory and DNA repair-enhancing properties, distinguished by...
Capsicum annuum L.
Cayenne
Powerful circulatory catalyst and evidence-based topical analgesic with a 8,000-year history of human use
Inonotus obliquus (Ach. ex Pers.) Pilat
Chaga
Potent birch-parasitic fungus prized for exceptional antioxidant capacity and...
Cinnamomum verum J.Presl
Cinnamon
Ancient warming spice with modern blood sugar support — always choose Ceylon ...
Galium aparine L.
Cleavers
The quintessential lymphatic herb for healthy drainage, cleansing, and tissue...
Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry
Clove
Time-honored dental analgesic and warming carminative spice, rich in eugenol
Symphytum officinale L.
Comfrey
Potent topical vulnerary and anti-inflammatory for musculoskeletal injuries —...
Cordyceps militaris (L.) Fr.
Cordyceps
Prized medicinal fungus for energy, endurance, immune resilience, and respira...
Viburnum opulus L.
Cramp Bark
Premier antispasmodic bark for menstrual cramps, muscle spasm, and uterine tension with centuries of Eclectic and...
Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton
Cranberry
Evidence-based urinary antiseptic that prevents bacterial adhesion to the bladder wall
Taraxacum officinale F.H.Wigg.
Dandelion
Versatile liver and kidney herb — root supports hepatobiliary function while ...
Harpagophytum procumbens (Burch.) DC. ex Meisn.
Devil's claw
Premier anti-inflammatory bitter for osteoarthritis, low back pain, and loss ...
Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels
Dong Quai
Premier blood tonic and emmenagogue for menstrual disorders and blood deficiency
Sambucus nigra L.
Elder
Well-studied immune-supporting berry and traditional diaphoretic flower for r...
Inula helenium L.
Elecampane
Premier warming respiratory herb for chronic coughs, bronchial catarrh, and d...
Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim.
Eleuthero
Foundational adaptogen that builds resilience to stress, enhances endurance, ...
Lavandula angustifolia Mill.
English lavender
Clinically proven anxiolytic herb with Silexan oil rivaling benzodiazepines f...
Oenothera biennis L.
Evening Primrose
GLA-rich seed oil for inflammation, mastalgia, skin repair, and nerve health via the PGE1 pathway
Euphrasia officinalis L.
Eyebright
Traditional European eye herb with anti-inflammatory and astringent actions for conjunctivitis and catarrh
Foeniculum vulgare Mill.
Fennel
Premier aromatic carminative and antispasmodic for digestive complaints, infa...
Trigonella foenum-graecum L.
Fenugreek
Warming demulcent seed for blood sugar management, appetite stimulation, lact...
Allium sativum L.
Garlic
Potent culinary herb with proven antimicrobial, cardiovascular, and immune-en...
Gentiana lutea L.
Gentian
The quintessential bitter tonic — one of the most intensely bitter plants kno...
Matricaria chamomilla L.
German chamomile
Gentle, versatile herb for digestive comfort, nervous tension, and skin healing
Zingiber officinale Roscoe
Ginger
Premier warming digestive aid and antiemetic remedy with robust evidence for ...
Ginkgo biloba L.
Ginkgo
Living fossil tree and premier cerebral circulatory tonic for cognitive decli...
Hydrastis canadensis L.
Goldenseal
Premier mucous membrane trophorestorative and antimicrobial bitter for catarr...
Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.
Gotu kola
Cooling nervine tonic and cognitive enhancer that strengthens connective tiss...
Vitis vinifera L.
Grapeseed Extract
Potent vascular antioxidant from grape seeds, rich in OPCs for vein health and capillary protection
Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze
Green tea
Antioxidant-rich leaf for liver protection, cardiovascular health, and calm m...
Grindelia robusta Nutt.
Grindelia
Premier Western antispasmodic for bronchial asthma, cough, and respiratory catarrh with Commission E approval
Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Sm.
Gymnema
The 'sugar destroyer' -- Ayurveda's premier herb for blood sugar support, sweet craving reduction, and metabolic balance
Crataegus monogyna Jacq.
Hawthorn
The heart's botanical ally — centuries of traditional use validated by modern...
Ocimum tenuiflorum L.
Holy basil
Sacred Ayurvedic adaptogen for stress resilience, immune vitality, and mental...
Humulus lupulus L.
Hops
Premier sedative nervine and bitter tonic for insomnia, nervous restlessness,...
Aesculus hippocastanum L.
Horse chestnut
Premier venotonic herb for chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and ...
Equisetum arvense L.
Horsetail
Ancient silica-rich pteridophyte for urinary flushing, connective tissue strengthening, and bone support
Piper methysticum G. Forst.
Kava
Pacific Island anxiolytic with potent stress-relieving properties and importa...
Melissa officinalis L.
Lemon balm
Gentle nervine and cognitive enhancer with antiviral properties for cold sore...
Glycyrrhiza glabra L.
Licorice
The great harmonizer of TCM -- widely used, with critical drug interactions e...
Tilia europaea L.
Linden
Beloved European nervine and diaphoretic tree, France's most popular tisane, for calming anxiety, resolving fevers...
Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers.
Lion's Mane
Premier neurotrophic mushroom for cognitive support, nerve regeneration, and brain health through NGF and BDNF...
Lobelia inflata L.
Lobelia
The supreme respiratory antispasmodic of American herbal tradition, cornerstone of Thomsonian medicine, with a...
Lepidium meyenii Walp.
Maca
Andean adaptogenic root for vitality, fertility, sexual function, and menopausal support
Grifola frondosa (Dicks.) Gray
Maitake
Prized edible and medicinal mushroom for immune modulation, blood sugar regulation, and metabolic health support
Althaea officinalis L.
Marshmallow
Premier demulcent herb — soothes and protects irritated mucous membranes of g...
Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim.
Meadowsweet
The original 'herbal aspirin' — a gentle yet powerful gastroprotective anti-inflammatory that soothes the stomach...
Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.
Milk thistle
Premier hepatoprotective herb for liver health, protection, and regeneration
Leonurus cardiaca L.
Motherwort
Premier cardiac-nervine herb for palpitations with anxiety, nervous heart con...
Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.
Mucuna
Dopaminergic nervine and Ayurvedic rejuvenative that enhances neurological fu...
Verbascum thapsus L.
Mullein
The great respiratory demulcent — soothes dry coughs, bronchitis, and irritat...
Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl.
Myrrh
Ancient resinous healer for oral inflammation, wounds, and pain -- 3,000 years of continuous use
Azadirachta indica A. Juss.
Neem
The 'Village Pharmacy' -- Ayurveda's supreme bitter for skin, fever, infection, and blood purification
Avena sativa L.
Oat straw
Premier nervine trophorestorative that deeply nourishes and rebuilds a deplet...
Olea europaea L.
Olive Leaf
Mediterranean cardiovascular tonic with clinically proven antihypertensive and blood sugar-regulating actions
Origanum vulgare L.
Oregano
Potent Mediterranean antimicrobial and aromatic carminative for respiratory a...
Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt.
Oregon Grape
Premier Western alterative for chronic skin conditions, liver support, and antimicrobial synergy
Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss
Parsley
Nutrient-dense culinary herb with Commission E-approved diuretic and carminat...
Passiflora incarnata L.
Passionflower
Gentle anxiolytic and sleep support that calms racing thoughts without mornin...
Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos
Pau d'Arco
Amazonian bark renowned for potent antifungal and antimicrobial action, rich in naphthoquinones
Mentha × piperita L.
Peppermint
Cooling digestive herb renowned for IBS relief, headache support, and respira...
Plantago major L.
Plantain
The universal wound herb — cooling demulcent and vulnerary for skin, respirat...
Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench
Purple coneflower
Widely studied immunomodulating herb for prevention and treatment of upper re...
Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman
Pygeum
Clinically proven African bark extract for prostate health and urinary symptom relief in BPH
Trifolium pratense L.
Red Clover
Premier alterative and lymphatic herb with clinically supported phytoestrogenic isoflavones for menopausal relief...
Rubus idaeus L.
Red Raspberry Leaf
Time-honored uterine tonic and nutritive pregnancy tea, with gentle astringent and antispasmodic properties for...
Ceanothus americanus L.
Red Root
The premier Western lymphatic herb, prized by Eclectics as 'the spleen remedy' for congested tissue states
Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst.
Reishi
Revered adaptogenic mushroom for immune modulation, calm sleep, and resilient...
Rhodiola rosea L.
Rhodiola
The Arctic adaptogen — validated by Soviet research and clinical trials.
Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.
Rosemary
Premier circulatory stimulant and cognitive tonic with Commission E approval for dyspepsia, rheumatic complaints...
Crocus sativus L.
Saffron
Premier neurotropic spice with strong clinical evidence for depression, anxie...
Salvia officinalis L.
Sage
Mediterranean aromatic herb for cognitive support, menopausal symptoms, and oropharyngeal health
Serenoa repens (W.Bartram) Small
Saw Palmetto
The premier botanical for prostate and urinary health, from Seminole traditio...
Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill.
Schisandra
Premier adaptogen and liver protectant -- the five-flavor berry of Chinese an...
Senna alexandrina Mill.
Senna
The world's most widely used herbal laxative, standardized in modern pharmaco...
Asparagus racemosus Willd.
Shatavari
The foremost Ayurvedic women's tonic for lactation, reproductive vitality, and deep nourishment
Scutellaria lateriflora L.
Skullcap
Premier nervine tonic that restores depleted nerves while calming anxiety and...
Ulmus rubra Muhl.
Slippery elm
Nature's bandage for the gut — the premier mucilaginous demulcent of North Am...
Mentha spicata L.
Spearmint
Anti-androgenic mint for PCOS, digestive comfort, and cognitive support
Hypericum perforatum L.
St. John's wort
Evidence-based nervine for mild-moderate depression; critical drug interactio...
Urtica dioica L.
Stinging Nettle
A mineral-rich powerhouse—leaf for allergies, root for prostate.
Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel
Tea Tree
Australia's premier topical antiseptic — broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory essential oil
Thymus vulgaris L.
Thyme
Powerful respiratory antimicrobial and expectorant with centuries of traditio...
Tribulus terrestris L.
Tribulus
Urinary tonic and pro-sexual herb for kidney stones, libido, and vitality via NO pathways
Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd
Turkey tail
Potent immune-modulating medicinal mushroom with the strongest clinical evide...
Curcuma longa L.
Turmeric
Potent anti-inflammatory powerhouse and digestive support herb with over 5,00...
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng.
Uva ursi
Premier urinary antiseptic herb for uncomplicated cystitis — requires alkalin...
Valeriana officinalis L.
Valerian
Time-honored nervine sedative for calming the nervous system and promoting re...
Vitex agnus-castus L.
Vitex
Premier botanical for female hormonal balance, backed by European pharmacopei...
Salix alba L.
White willow
Nature's original aspirin — cooling analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyr...
Prunus serotina
Wild Cherry Bark
Cooling respiratory sedative that calms irritative coughs while tonifying digestion during convalescence
Stachys officinalis (L.) Trevis.
Wood betony
The supreme cephalic nervine of European tradition — clears the head, eases t...
Artemisia absinthium L.
Wormwood
Supreme bitter tonic for appetite, digestion, and bile flow -- the legendary herb of absinthe
Achillea millefolium L.
Yarrow
Master of the blood — a versatile wound herb, fever ally, and aromatic bitter...
Rumex crispus L.
Yellow Dock
Classic alterative root for chronic skin conditions, gentle iron-rich laxative, and liver support
Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.
Yerba Mate
South America's legendary stimulant tea — rich in antioxidants, supporting metabolism and mental clarity