Health A–Z · Herbs & adaptogens
Herbs & adaptogens, A to Z
The herbs that earn their place, and how to take them.
Search by name, another name (Indian ginseng, tulsi, Withania) or a goal (sleep, stress, digestion). Misspellings are fine.
Jump to:AshwagandhaTurmericGingerElderberryMilk thistleRhodiolaLion's maneHoly basilEchinaceaSlippery elm
- 159herbs, spices & mushrooms
- 16health goals
- 4healing traditions
The Vitamin Advisor asks 4–5 questions and ranks your top 5, with a traditional formula when your pattern fits.
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Pick a goal to see the herbs used for it, the best-of list, and your personalized top 5.
37Gut & digestionGinger, Slippery elm, Marshmallow root41ImmunityElderberry, Echinacea, Astragalus32Brain, focus & moodLion's mane, Bacopa, Ginkgo biloba18Sleep & stressAshwagandha, Chamomile, Valerian root13EnergyRhodiola, Eleuthero, Ginseng25Heart & circulationHawthorn, Garlic, Citrus bergamot19Blood sugarCinnamon, Gymnema sylvestre, Fenugreek12Weight & metabolismCayenne pepper, Ginger, Cinnamon21Joints & inflammationTurmeric, Boswellia, Ginger10Muscle, bone & performanceAshwagandha, Fenugreek, Cordyceps21Skin, hair & nailsCalendula, Aloe vera, Gotu kola16Women's hormonesVitex, Black cohosh, Shatavari11Men's healthSaw palmetto, Ashwagandha, Fenugreek2ThyroidAshwagandha, Bladderwrack11Longevity & cell healthReishi mushroom, Turmeric, Ginseng15Detox & liverMilk thistle, Dandelion, Burdock root
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The herbs pages readers open most on DrAxe.com, and the newest ones.
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Culinary herb & spiceGarlicUsed for Heart & circulation · Immunity17 min read
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Adaptogens, from calming to energizing
Adaptogens help your body handle stress, but they don’t all feel the same. Match the herb to how stress shows up for you.
CalmingBalancingEnergizing
Calming
Wired and tired, or restless at night? Start here.
Balancing
In the middle: steady energy without the edge. A good first adaptogen for most people.
Gentle calming herbs for evenings
Best herbs for…
Dr. Axe’s roundups for the questions readers ask most.
GuideTop 50 Healing Herbs & Essential OilsJointsTop anti-inflammatory herbsSleep & stress12 adaptogens to knowImmunityTop antiviral herbsImmunityAdaptogenic mushroomsGuideTop 14 herbs of the BibleGuideTop Chinese herbs & superfoodsGuide101 herbs & spices for healingImmunityMushroom nutrition benefits
Four healing traditions
Many of these herbs have been used for thousands of years. Here’s where each one comes from, so you can go deeper in the tradition that speaks to you.
49 herbsTraditional Chinese Medicine
Herbs chosen by pattern and combined into formulas, often simmered as decoctions.
AstragalusGinsengReishi mushroomCordycepsSchisandraDong quaiLicorice rootRehmanniaClovesLotus rootBurdock rootGingerNutmegGynostemmaCorn silkMagnolia barkCinnamonHawthornArtemisia annuaRed sageAndrographisGalangalSkullcapDandelionGentianWood ear mushroomTurmericUsneaVervainEleutheroBupleurumMugwortKudzuTribulusGotu kolaLion's maneTurkey tailHoneysuckleFenugreekShiitake mushroomSaffronGinkgo bilobaStar aniseHorny goat weedFo-tiBlack pepper12 adaptogens to knowAdaptogenic mushrooms: types & usesTop 15 Chinese herbs & superfoods
38 herbsAyurveda
India’s system of balancing the doshas, with rasayana herbs for strength and longevity.
AshwagandhaTurmericHoly basilTriphalaShatavariBacopaGotu kolaBoswelliaClovesLotus rootGingerSennaNutmegCardamomCuminButterfly pea flowerHaritakiLicorice rootGymnema sylvestreCinnamonCorianderShilajitCeylon cinnamonAndrographisGalangalAsafoetidaAloe veraGiloyForskolinTribulusMucuna pruriensCaralluma fimbriataCurry leavesFenugreekGarcinia cambogiaSaffronBlack pepper12 adaptogens to know
14 herbsHerbs of the Bible
From saffron and frankincense to cumin and mint: the healing plants of Scripture.
71 herbsWestern & Native American
European folk herbalism and the North American plant medicine it learned from, like echinacea and goldenseal.
EchinaceaElderberryMilk thistleValerian rootSlippery elmGoldensealBlack cohoshChamomileWormwoodMulleinBurdock rootMarshmallow rootSennaBarberryCayenne pepperOreganoLady's mantleLemon balmVitexCorn silkMintBladderwrackLicorice rootCascara sagradaUva ursiThymeWhite willow barkHawthornHorsetailChickweedCramp barkPassionflowerWild yamSkullcapStinging nettleDandelionJuniper berriesSaw palmettoGentianCarawayCalendulaHorehoundComfreyButcher's broomEnglish ivyRed cloverAloe veraMeadowsweetDillSageUsneaHorse chestnutAnise seedVervainMugwortRhodiolaYarrowEucalyptusSpearmintBilberryRosemaryDevil's clawRose hipsFeverfewGinkgo bilobaButterburGinsengSt. John's wortSarsaparillaRed raspberry leafLovage
How to take herbs
The same herb can work very differently as a tea, a tincture or a capsule. Here’s what each form is best for, and the herbs most often taken that way.
84 herbsTea (infusion)
Steep leaves and flowers in just-boiled water, covered, for 5–10 minutes.
ChamomileGingerMintLemon balmHoly basilStinging nettleWormwoodSlippery elmMulleinClovesBurdock rootAshwagandhaMarshmallow rootOreganoLicorice rootValerian rootElderberryCinnamonHawthornDandelionTurmericMilk thistleReishi mushroomGinsengEchinaceaSennaCardamomMarigoldGynostemmaSchisandraBasilLady's mantleCorn silkButterfly pea flowerUva ursiOlive leafThymeWhite willow barkKavaGymnema sylvestreCorianderPau d'arcoTriphalaHorsetailCeylon cinnamonChickweedArtemisia annuaCramp barkPassionflowerGalangalSkullcapJuniper berriesGentianCarawayCalendulaHorehoundRed cloverMeadowsweetSageChaga mushroomAnise seedVervainEleutheroSummer savoryMugwortYarrowEucalyptusGotu kolaSpearmintRosemaryTurkey tailHoneysuckleFenugreekRose hipsSaffronFeverfewCat's clawSt. John's wortStar aniseSarsaparillaHorny goat weedRed raspberry leafDamianaLovage
8 herbsDecoction
Simmer roots, bark and mushrooms for 20–30 minutes to draw out what a quick steep can’t.
44 herbsTincture
Herbs extracted in alcohol or glycerin. A few drops to a dropperful in water: fast and easy to adjust.
EchinaceaElderberryValerian rootMilk thistleLemon balmWormwoodMulleinBurdock rootHoly basilHawthornDandelionChamomileSaw palmettoBlack cohoshRhodiolaAstragalusGinkgo bilobaBarberryLady's mantleVitexCascara sagradaGoldensealKavaPau d'arcoCramp barkPassionflowerAndrographisWild yamSkullcapGentianHorehoundEnglish ivyMeadowsweetChaga mushroomVervainEleutheroBupleurumMugwortYarrowDevil's clawCat's clawSt. John's wortDong quaiDamiana
99 herbsCapsule or extract
A steady, measured amount, and the form many clinical studies use. Look for a standardized extract.
AshwagandhaTurmericRhodiolaMilk thistleSaw palmettoBoswelliaWormwoodSlippery elmGingerMarshmallow rootBlack seed oilGarlicLemon balmMacaLicorice rootValerian rootElderberryHoly basilCinnamonShilajitHawthornStinging nettleCordycepsBlack cohoshAstragalusLion's maneReishi mushroomGinkgo bilobaGinsengEchinaceaSennaBarberryMarigoldGynostemmaCayenne pepperSchisandraVitexCorn silkBladderwrackHaritakiCascara sagradaUva ursiOlive leafGoldensealWhite willow barkMagnolia barkKavaGymnema sylvestrePine bark extractPau d'arcoTriphalaHorsetailCeylon cinnamonArtemisia annuaRed sagePassionflowerAndrographisWild yamSkullcapAllicinButcher's broomEnglish ivyRed cloverAloe veraCitrus bergamotGreen coffee bean extractHorse chestnutGuaranaEleutheroGiloyBupleurumForskolinShatavariMaitake mushroomKudzuTribulusGotu kolaMucuna pruriensBilberryBacopaTurkey tailRehmanniaCaralluma fimbriataDevil's clawFenugreekGarcinia cambogiaShiitake mushroomSaffronFeverfewPygeumButterburCat's clawSt. John's wortSarsaparillaHorny goat weedRed raspberry leafDong quaiFo-tiDamiana
23 herbsPowder
Stir into smoothies, lattes or oatmeal. An easy way to take adaptogens and mushrooms daily.
49 herbsIn the kitchen
Cooking with herbs and spices every day adds up. Pair turmeric with black pepper and a little fat.
TurmericGingerCinnamonOreganoBlack pepperRosemaryClovesBurdock rootBlack seed oilGarlicStinging nettleDandelionLion's maneLotus rootBarberryNutmegCardamomCayenne pepperBasilAllspiceCuminMintThymeCorianderCeylon cinnamonChickweedGalangalJuniper berriesAllicinAsafoetidaCarawayWood ear mushroomSumacDillSageChervilAnise seedNasturtiumTarragonSummer savoryMaitake mushroomSpearmintBilberryCurry leavesFenugreekShiitake mushroomSaffronStar aniseLovage
Every herb and adaptogen, A to Z
Pick a letter, filter by goal or type, or search the list. Other names are listed too.
168 entries
A
11 entries- AllicinAlso called diallyl thiosulfinate
- AllspiceAlso called Pimenta dioica · Jamaica pepper · pimento
- Aloe veraSafety noteAlso called aloe · Aloe barbadensisAloe latex taken by mouth is a harsh laxative; the FDA removed it from over-the-counter laxatives in 2002.
- AndrographisAlso called Andrographis paniculata · king of bitters · kalmegh · green chiretta
- Anise seedAlso called aniseed · anise · Pimpinella anisum
- Artemisia annuaAlso called sweet wormwood · sweet annie · qinghao
- AsafoetidaAlso called hing · asafetida · Ferula assa-foetida · devil's dung
- AshwagandhaSafety noteAlso called Withania somnifera · Indian ginseng · winter cherryRare liver injury; avoid in pregnancy; can change thyroid levels.DosageAshwagandha tea
- AstragalusAlso called Astragalus membranaceus · huang qi · milkvetch root
B
15 entries- BacopaAlso called Bacopa monnieri · brahmi · water hyssop
- BarberryAlso called Berberis vulgaris · European barberry
- BasilAlso called sweet basil · Ocimum basilicum
- BilberryAlso called Vaccinium myrtillus · European blueberry · whortleberry
- Black cohoshSafety noteAlso called Actaea racemosa · Cimicifuga racemosa · black snakeroot · bugbaneRare liver injury; stop if you notice dark urine or yellowing skin.
- Black pepperAlso called Piper nigrum
- Black seed oilAlso called Nigella sativa · black cumin seed oil · kalonji oil · black caraway
- BladderwrackSafety noteAlso called Fucus vesiculosus · black tang · rockweed · sea wrackVery high in iodine: too much can upset thyroid function, especially with Hashimoto’s. Check with your doctor if you have a thyroid condition.
- BoswelliaAlso called Boswellia serrata · Indian frankincense · salai guggul
- BupleurumAlso called Bupleurum chinense · chai hu · thorowax root
- Burdock rootAlso called burdock · Arctium lappa · gobo
- Butcher's broomAlso called Ruscus aculeatus · box holly · knee holly
- ButterburSafety noteAlso called Petasites hybridus · bog rhubarb · pestilence wortUse only products labeled PA-free; raw butterbur can damage the liver.
- Butterfly pea flowerAlso called Clitoria ternatea · blue pea · blue tea · Asian pigeonwings
C
23 entries- CalendulaAlso called Calendula officinalis · pot marigold
- Caralluma fimbriataAlso called caralluma · Caralluma adscendens
- CarawayAlso called Carum carvi
- CardamomAlso called Elettaria cardamomum · green cardamom · elaichi
- Cascara sagradaSafety noteAlso called Rhamnus purshiana · Frangula purshiana · sacred bark · cascaraA stimulant laxative the FDA removed from over-the-counter laxatives in 2002.
- Cat's clawAlso called Uncaria tomentosa · una de gato · uña de gato · Uncaria guianensis
- Cayenne pepperAlso called Capsicum annuum · ground red pepper
- Ceylon cinnamonAlso called true cinnamon · Cinnamomum verum · Cinnamomum zeylanicum
- Chaga mushroomAlso called Inonotus obliquus · chaga
- ChamomileAlso called Matricaria chamomilla · German chamomile · camomile
- ChervilAlso called Anthriscus cerefolium · French parsley
- ChickweedAlso called Stellaria media
- CinnamonAlso called cassia · Cinnamomum cassia
- Citrus bergamotAlso called bergamot · bergamot orange · Citrus bergamia
- ClovesAlso called Syzygium aromaticum · clove
- ComfreySafety noteAlso called Symphytum officinale · knitboneDo not take by mouth: it can cause serious liver damage. Skin use only, on unbroken skin.
- CordycepsAlso called Cordyceps sinensis · Cordyceps militaris · Ophiocordyceps sinensis · caterpillar fungus
- CorianderAlso called Coriandrum sativum · dhania
- Corn silkAlso called Stigma maydis · maize silk
- Cramp barkAlso called Viburnum opulus · guelder rose · European cranberrybush
- CuminAlso called Cuminum cyminum · jeera
- Curry leavesAlso called Murraya koenigii · kari patta · sweet neem
D
6 entries- DamianaAlso called Turnera diffusa · Turnera aphrodisiaca
- DandelionAlso called Taraxacum officinale
- Devil's clawAlso called Harpagophytum procumbens · grapple plant · wood spider
- DillAlso called dill weed · Anethum graveolens
- Dong quaiSafety noteAlso called Angelica sinensis · female ginseng · dang gui · tang kueiAdds to blood thinners; avoid in pregnancy.
- Dragon's bloodAlso called Croton lechleri · sangre de grado · Dracaena cinnabari
- DGL → see Licorice root
E
5 entries- EchinaceaAlso called purple coneflower · Echinacea purpurea · Echinacea angustifolia
- ElderberryAlso called black elderberry · Sambucus nigra · sambucus
- EleutheroAlso called Siberian ginseng · Eleutherococcus senticosus · Acanthopanax senticosus
- English ivyAlso called Hedera helix · common ivy
- EucalyptusAlso called Eucalyptus globulus · blue gum
F
4 entries- FenugreekAlso called Trigonella foenum-graecum · methi
- FeverfewAlso called Tanacetum parthenium
- Fo-tiSafety noteAlso called He shou wu · Polygonum multiflorum · Reynoutria multiflora · Chinese knotweedLinked to cases of liver injury.
- ForskolinAlso called Coleus forskohlii · Plectranthus barbatus · coleus
G
14 entries- GalangalAlso called Alpinia galanga · Thai ginger · blue ginger · galanga
- Garcinia cambogiaSafety noteAlso called Garcinia gummi-gutta · Malabar tamarind · hydroxycitric acid · HCALinked to cases of liver injury.
- GarlicAlso called Allium sativum
- GentianAlso called Gentiana lutea · yellow gentian · bitterwort
- GiloyAlso called Tinospora cordifolia · guduchi · amrita · heart-leaved moonseed
- Ginkgo bilobaSafety noteAlso called ginkgo · maidenhair treeRaises bleeding risk with blood thinners; stop before surgery.
- GinsengAlso called Panax ginseng · Korean ginseng · Asian ginseng · American ginseng
- GoldensealSafety noteAlso called Hydrastis canadensis · orange root · yellow rootInteracts with many medicines; avoid in pregnancy and never give to infants.
- Gotu kolaAlso called Centella asiatica · centella · Asiatic pennywort · cica
- Green coffee bean extractAlso called green coffee extract · chlorogenic acid · GCBE
- Gymnema sylvestreAlso called gymnema · gurmar · sugar destroyer · meshashringi
- GynostemmaAlso called jiaogulan · Gynostemma pentaphyllum · southern ginseng · immortality herb
- GCBE → see Green coffee bean extract
H
9 entries- HaritakiAlso called Terminalia chebula · chebulic myrobalan · black myrobalan · harad
- HawthornAlso called Crataegus · Crataegus monogyna · Crataegus laevigata
- Holy basilAlso called tulsi · Ocimum sanctum · Ocimum tenuiflorum · tulasi
- HoneysuckleAlso called Lonicera · Lonicera japonica · Japanese honeysuckle · jin yin hua
- HorehoundAlso called Marrubium vulgare · white horehound · hoarhound
- Horny goat weedAlso called Epimedium · icariin · yin yang huo · barrenwort
- Horse chestnutSafety noteAlso called Aesculus hippocastanumUse standardized seed extract only; the raw seeds, bark and leaves are poisonous.
- HorsetailAlso called Equisetum arvense · field horsetail · shavegrass
- HCA → see Garcinia cambogia
- HCSE → see Horse chestnut
J
1 entries- Juniper berriesAlso called Juniperus communis · juniper
K
3 entriesL
7 entries- Lady's mantleAlso called Alchemilla vulgaris · lion's foot
- Lemon balmAlso called Melissa officinalis · melissa · balm mint
- Licorice rootSafety noteAlso called Glycyrrhiza glabra · liquoriceLong-term use can raise blood pressure and lower potassium (DGL avoids this).
- Lion's maneAlso called Hericium erinaceus · yamabushitake · bearded tooth mushroom · pom pom mushroom
- Lotus rootAlso called lotus · Nelumbo nucifera · renkon
- LovageAlso called Levisticum officinale · love parsley
M
13 entries- MacaAlso called Lepidium meyenii · Peruvian ginseng
- Magnolia barkAlso called Magnolia officinalis · hou po
- Maitake mushroomAlso called Grifola frondosa · hen of the woods · dancing mushroom
- MarigoldAlso called Tagetes · Tagetes erecta · African marigold · French marigold
- Marshmallow rootAlso called Althaea officinalis · marshmallow · althaea root
- MeadowsweetAlso called Filipendula ulmaria · queen of the meadow · Spiraea ulmaria
- Milk thistleAlso called Silybum marianum · St. Mary's thistle
- MintAlso called Mentha
- Mucuna pruriensSafety noteAlso called velvet bean · cowhage · kapikachhuContains L-dopa; do not combine with Parkinson's or psychiatric medicines.
- MugwortAlso called Artemisia vulgaris · common mugwort
- MulleinAlso called Verbascum thapsus · common mullein
N
3 entries- NasturtiumAlso called Tropaeolum majus · Indian cress · garden nasturtium
- NutmegAlso called Myristica fragrans
O
3 entries- Olive leafAlso called olive leaf extract · Olea europaea · oleuropein
- OreganoAlso called Origanum vulgare
- OPCs → see Pine bark extract
P
5 entries- Palo santoAlso called Bursera graveolens · holy wood
- PassionflowerAlso called Passiflora incarnata · passion flower · maypop
- Pau d'arcoSafety noteAlso called Tabebuia impetiginosa · Handroanthus impetiginosus · lapacho · taheeboHigh doses can cause bleeding and nausea; avoid in pregnancy.
- Pine bark extractAlso called French maritime pine bark · Pinus pinaster · OPCs
- PygeumAlso called Pygeum africanum · Prunus africana · African plum · African cherry
- PSK → see Turkey tail
- PSP → see Turkey tail
R
8 entries- Red cloverAlso called Trifolium pratense
- Red raspberry leafAlso called raspberry leaf · Rubus idaeus
- Red sageAlso called Salvia miltiorrhiza · danshen · Chinese sage
- RehmanniaAlso called Rehmannia glutinosa · Chinese foxglove · shu di huang · di huang
- Reishi mushroomAlso called Ganoderma lucidum · lingzhi · mushroom of immortality
- RhodiolaAlso called Rhodiola rosea · golden root · arctic root · roseroot
- Rose hipsAlso called rosehip · Rosa canina · dog rose · rose haw
- RosemaryAlso called Rosmarinus officinalis · Salvia rosmarinus
S
17 entries- SaffronAlso called Crocus sativus
- SageAlso called Salvia officinalis · common sage · garden sage
- SarsaparillaAlso called Smilax · Smilax ornata · Jamaican sarsaparilla
- Saw palmettoAlso called Serenoa repens · Sabal serrulata
- SchisandraAlso called Schisandra chinensis · five-flavor berry · wu wei zi · magnolia vine
- SennaSafety noteAlso called senna tea · senna leaf · Senna alexandrina · Cassia sennaA stimulant laxative for short-term use only.
- ShatavariAlso called Asparagus racemosus · wild asparagus
- Shiitake mushroomAlso called Lentinula edodes · lentinan
- ShilajitAlso called mumijo · mumie · mineral pitch · Asphaltum punjabianum
- SkullcapSafety noteAlso called Scutellaria lateriflora · American skullcap · Chinese skullcapLinked to rare liver injury, sometimes from contaminated products.
- Slippery elmAlso called Ulmus rubra · Ulmus fulva · red elm · Indian elm
- SpearmintAlso called Mentha spicata · garden mint
- St. John's wortSafety noteAlso called Hypericum perforatum · hypericum · Saint John's wortInteracts with many medicines, including birth control, antidepressants and blood thinners.
- Star aniseAlso called Illicium verum · Chinese star anise · badian
- Stinging nettleAlso called Urtica dioica · nettle
- SumacAlso called Rhus coriaria · sumach
- Summer savoryAlso called Satureja hortensis · summer savoury · savory
T
10 entries- TarragonAlso called Artemisia dracunculus · estragon
- ThymeAlso called Thymus vulgaris
- TribulusAlso called Tribulus terrestris · puncture vine · goathead · caltrop
- Turkey tailAlso called Trametes versicolor · Coriolus versicolor · yun zhi · PSK
- TurmericSafety noteAlso called Curcuma longa · haldiRare liver injury with high-dose extracts; adds to blood thinners.Side effectsDosage for inflammation
U
2 entriesV
3 entries- Valerian rootAlso called valerian · Valeriana officinalis
- VervainAlso called Verbena officinalis · verbena · common vervain
- VitexAlso called chasteberry · chaste tree · Vitex agnus-castus · monk's pepper
W
4 entries- White willow barkSafety noteAlso called Salix alba · willow barkRelated to aspirin: avoid with an aspirin allergy, blood thinners and in children.
- Wild yamAlso called Dioscorea villosa · colic root · Mexican wild yam
- Wood ear mushroomAlso called Auricularia auricula-judae · black fungus · cloud ear fungus · jelly ear
- WormwoodSafety noteAlso called Artemisia absinthium · grand wormwood · absinthe wormwoodContains thujone, which can cause seizures at high doses.
Y
2 entries- YarrowAlso called Achillea millefolium · milfoil
Before you add another herb
Four free tools to choose well and combine safely.
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About the herbs library
How to find the right herb and use it well. Medically reviewed articles carry a review badge and date. How we review.
Dr. Uma Naidoo
Dr. Daniel Amen
Dr. Alejandro Junger
Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy
Dr. Taz BhatiaHow do I find a specific herb?
Type it into the search at the top of this page. Search matches the name, other names (tulsi for holy basil, Withania for ashwagandha), goals like sleep or digestion, and small misspellings. You can also pick a goal or open the A to Z list.
What is an adaptogen?
An herb or mushroom that helps your body handle physical and mental stress and return to balance. Some lean calming (ashwagandha, holy basil, reishi), some lean energizing (rhodiola, eleuthero, ginseng, cordyceps), and some sit in the middle (schisandra, astragalus, shatavari).
Which form of an herb works best?
It depends on the herb and the goal. Teas suit gentle leaves and flowers, decoctions suit roots, bark and mushrooms, tinctures are fast and easy to adjust, and standardized capsules give a steady amount, which is the form many clinical studies use.
Which herbs should I take?
It depends on your goals, your pattern and what you already take. The Vitamin Advisor asks 4–5 questions and ranks your top 5, with a traditional formula when your pattern fits.
Are herbs safe with medications?
Many are, and some interact. Entries with a Safety note in the A to Z flag the common ones, such as St. John’s wort, licorice root and kava. The Interaction & Timing Checker checks your combination. Take your prescriptions as prescribed and talk with your doctor before you add an herb, especially if you’re pregnant or nursing.
Does this library recommend supplement brands?
No. The herbs library covers the herb itself, not brands: the traditional use, the research, the best form, how much and the cautions.