Herbs Hub

Every herb, honestly rated.

An encyclopedia of 455 herbs, roots, mushrooms, sea vegetables, vitamins and foods from 12 healing traditions. Each of its 1,119 claims is rated, from strong proof to busted, with what not to mix.

Herbs & Roots 262, Mushrooms 10, Sea Moss & Algae 8, Spices 31, Fruits 38, Vegetables 21, Seeds & Grains 16, Resins & Pitch 7, Bee Medicine 4, Vitamins 13, Minerals 12, Supplements 33

Western & European, Native American, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, African, Caribbean, Latin American & Amazon, Middle Eastern & Unani, Pacific & Southeast Asia, Dr. Sebi's list, Modern nutrition, Folk & home remedies

Often looked up: Sea moss, Ashwagandha, Burdock, Goldenseal, Elderberry, Lion's mane

Each run is a health need, strongest proof first. Point at a run to read it; tap a plate to open it.

Herbs are real medicine. That is exactly why they deserve honesty.

Every remedy here carries the same five-step proof scale, whether it comes from a Chinese classic, an Ayurvedic text, a Caribbean bush tea or Dr. Sebi's list. Strong means many good human trials agree. Not supported means it was tested and failed, or never had evidence.

Tradition is respected and labelled as tradition. Thousands of years of use is knowledge; it is not yet proof.

Natural is not automatically safe. Your liver handles herbs the way it handles medicine, which is how a tea can make a prescription stronger or weaker. So every remedy also says what not to mix.

Nothing here replaces your doctor or pharmacist. Bring them your whole list, teas and vitamins included. How we rate the proof

What do you need help with?

Mind and sleep

Digestion

Colds and breathing

Heart and metabolism

Hormones

Pain and movement

Skin and senses

The body atlas

Turn the body with your finger or mouse. Tap an organ, or pick a system like nerves, blood or bones, to see every remedy studied for it.

Organs

Whole-body systems

Drag to turn it, tap an organ to choose it

Brain & mind

Thinking, memory, mood, stress and sleep all start here.

Twelve healing traditions

Every culture built its own medicine cabinet. Here they sit side by side on one honest scale. Pick one to see its remedies.

Sorted the old ways

What it does

Herbal actions describe what a plant does in the body, the oldest way herbalists sort them.

Part of the plant

Root, leaf, flower, bark or seed: the part used changes what a plant does.

Ayurveda

India's system sorts herbs by the three doshas they calm and by six tastes.

Chinese medicine

Chinese medicine sorts herbs from cold to hot, and by what they treat.

Herbalists have sorted plants for thousands of years: by what they do, by the doshas they balance, by whether they run hot or cold. Point at a name to read about it; choose one to see those remedies.

The apothecary

All 455 remedies in one index. Filter by group, tradition, health need or proof, then choose one for its full story.

455 of 455 shown

How herbscombine

Classical formulas and folk blends from every tradition, with an honest note on each. Any name opens its plate; any blend can go to the mixing table for a safety check.

TraditionFormulaWhat goes inSafety check
AyurvedaTriphala त्रिफला · “three fruits”Ayurveda's most famous formula. A gentle daily bowel tonic and digestive.Honest note: Small trials suggest it helps constipation and gum health. Most other claims are lab-based., , Works well together
Trikatu त्रिकटु · “three pungents”Three hot spices that kindle digestive fire (agni) and help the body absorb other herbs.Honest note: Piperine from the peppers really does boost absorption of some compounds, and some medicines too., , Works well together
Chyawanprash च्यवनप्राश · herbal jamA thick, sweet-sour jam built on amla with dozens of herbs, eaten by the spoonful as a daily rasayana (rejuvenative).Honest note: A rich source of antioxidants and sugar. Good human trials are few., , , , , Use caution
Golden milk हल्दी दूध · haldi doodhWarm milk with turmeric and spices, a bedtime comfort drink across India.Honest note: Black pepper boosts turmeric absorption. A soothing drink, not a strong medicine at food amounts., , , , Use caution
CCF tea cumin · coriander · fennelA simple Ayurvedic digestive tea of equal parts seeds, sipped after meals for gas and bloating.Honest note: Each seed has traditional and early evidence for digestion. Very safe., , Works well together
Masala chai मसाला चायIndia's spiced tea. A warming, digestive everyday blend.Honest note: Pleasant and safe. The sugar often added cancels some of the benefit., , , , Use caution
Chinese MedicineFour Gentlemen 四君子汤 · Sì Jūn Zǐ TāngThe root formula for tonifying Qi: tiredness, weak digestion and poor appetite.Honest note: A foundational formula studied mostly in China. Evidence is promising but limited., , , Works well together
Four Substances 四物汤 · Sì Wù TāngThe classic blood-building formula, used for irregular periods and paleness.Honest note: Widely used for women's health in Asia. Western-style trials are small., , , Works well together
Six Flavor Rehmannia 六味地黄丸 · Liù Wèi Dì Huáng WánThe most famous yin tonic: night sweats, dry mouth, low back weakness, aging.Honest note: Very popular. Modern evidence is mostly small or lab-based., , , , , Works well together
Jade Windscreen 玉屏风散 · Yù Píng Fēng SǎnA “screen” against wind: used to prevent frequent colds and sweating easily.Honest note: Some small trials suggest fewer respiratory infections. Not well tested outside China., , Works well together
Free & Easy Wanderer 逍遥散 · Xiāo Yáo SǎnFor stress, irritability, PMS and digestion that knots up under pressure (“Liver Qi stagnation”).Honest note: One of the most studied Chinese formulas for mood. Trial quality is mixed., , , , , , , Use caution
Honeysuckle & Forsythia 银翘散 · Yín Qiào SǎnTaken at the very start of a cold with sore throat and fever.Honest note: A classic for early colds. Good modern trials are lacking., , , , , Works well together
Restore the Spleen 归脾汤 · Guī Pí TāngFor worry, poor sleep, palpitations and fatigue from overthinking.Honest note: Traditionally trusted. Evidence is mostly small Asian studies., , , , , , , , , Works well together
Sour Jujube Decoction 酸枣仁汤 · Suān Zǎo Rén TāngThe classic Chinese formula for insomnia with restlessness.Honest note: Some small trials are positive. Not a replacement for treating sleep apnea or depression., , , Works well together
Coptis Detox Decoction 黄连解毒汤 · Huáng Lián Jiě Dú TāngFour bitter, cold herbs to “clear heat and toxins”: fevers, infections, inflamed skin.Honest note: Very bitter and very cold. Berberine-rich, so it can interact with medicines., , , Works well together
Pinellia & Magnolia 半夏厚朴汤 · Bàn Xià Hòu Pò TāngFor the “plum pit” feeling of a lump in the throat that comes with anxiety.Honest note: Uses processed pinellia; raw pinellia is toxic. Small studies only., , , , Use caution
Native AmericanEssiac tea Ojibwe-inspired blendFour herbs made famous by Canadian nurse Rene Caisse in the 1920s, who said the recipe came from an Ojibwe healer.Honest note: Promoted for cancer, but no human trial shows it works and lab studies are mixed. Don't use it in place of cancer treatment., , , Works well together
Folk & home remediesFire cider folk tonicA spicy vinegar tonic taken by the spoonful in cold season.Honest note: Each ingredient has a little evidence. As a blend, it's tradition and taste., , , , , , , Works well together
Four Thieves vinegar plague-era legendLegend says thieves used this herbal vinegar to rob plague victims without getting sick.Honest note: The legend is not history, and it won't stop infections. A tasty vinegar., , , , , , Use caution
Western & EuropeanElderberry syrup winter syrupCooked elderberries simmered with spices and honey for cold and flu season.Honest note: Early trials looked good; a bigger 2020 flu trial found no benefit. Never use raw berries., , , , Use caution
Sleepy-time blend bedtime teaThe calming herbs of Europe and the Americas, steeped together at night.Honest note: Gentle and mostly safe. Can add to sleeping pills, and valerian's evidence is mixed., , , , Use caution
Chest & breath tea herbalist's cough blendSoothing and mucus-loosening herbs for a wet or dry cough.Honest note: Thyme and ivy-type cough syrups have some trial support. Strain mullein well; its hairs irritate., , , , Works well together
Digestive bitters Swedish-style bittersA few drops before meals to wake up digestion and appetite.Honest note: Bitter taste does trigger digestive juices. Strong trials are lacking., , , , , Use caution
Dr. Sebi's listSea moss trio Dr. Sebi-style gel blendThe famous blend from Dr. Sebi's tradition, sold as gel or capsules for minerals and energy.Honest note: Sea moss and bladderwrack both carry iodine. Together they can push iodine high enough to upset your thyroid. Look for tested products., , Use caution
CaribbeanJamaican roots tonic roots wine / roots drinkA bitter-sweet brew of island roots, taken for strength, stamina and “cleaning the blood.”Honest note: A beloved tradition with little research. Homemade brews vary a lot in strength., , , , Works well together
Sorrel drink Caribbean Christmas sorrelDeep red hibiscus steeped with spices, a holiday drink across the Caribbean and West Africa (bissap).Honest note: Hibiscus tea really does lower blood pressure a little. Watch the sugar., , , , Use caution
Middle Eastern & UnaniZa'atar زعترA thyme, sumac and sesame mix eaten with olive oil and bread across the Middle East.Honest note: A healthy, antioxidant-rich food tradition. Not a medicine on its own., , Works well together
Modern nutritionBone trio modern nutrient stackVitamin D helps absorb calcium; vitamin K helps direct it into bone.Honest note: D plus calcium is well proven for bones in people who are low. K's role is promising but less certain., , Works well together
Iron boost absorption pairVitamin C helps your body absorb iron, especially from plants.Honest note: Proven pairing. Keep calcium, tea and coffee for another time of day., Works well together
Mushroom coffee modern blendFunctional mushrooms stirred into coffee for focus and stamina.Honest note: Little research on any of them together. Check that products contain real mushroom, not mostly grain., , , Use caution
Adaptogen stack modern blendStress herbs from India, Siberia and the Arctic combined for resilience.Honest note: Each has small positive studies. Nobody has tested the combination., , , Use caution
Cold-season kit modern blendThe most popular things people reach for at the first sniffle.Honest note: Zinc lozenges and honey have the best support. Vitamin C helps a little if taken daily, before you're sick., , , , Works well together
Gut reset fiber + culturesFiber plus live cultures to keep things moving and feed good bacteria.Honest note: Psyllium and kiwi are well supported for constipation. Start slowly to avoid gas., , , No known problem

Who works with whom

597 pairings between 379 remedies that are traditionally combined or work well together. Point at a dot to trace its partners; tap it to open the plant.

Herbs & RootsMushroomsSea Moss & AlgaeSpicesFruitsVegetablesSeeds & GrainsResins & PitchBee MedicineVitaminsMineralsSupplements

The mixing table

List everything you take: herbs, vitamins, foods and medicines. We flag what works well together and what to be careful with.

  • Turmeric
  • Black pepper
  • Ginkgo
  • Blood thinners medicine

This is an example list. Remove these and add what you actually take.

3 use caution1 works well together

  • Use caution
    and

    Both may slow blood clotting, and together the effect adds up. Stop both about 2 weeks before surgery unless your doctor says otherwise.

  • Use caution
    and Blood thinners

    May add to bleeding risk with blood thinners and aspirin-like drugs.

  • Use caution
    and Blood thinners

    May add to bleeding risk with warfarin, aspirin, and similar drugs. Case reports of bleeding exist.

  • Works well together
    and

    Piperine boosted absorption of curcumin, the active part of turmeric, many times over in a small study of healthy adults.

No known problem on file for: Black pepper and Ginkgo, Black pepper and Blood thinners. Not finding a problem doesn't prove a mix is safe. A pharmacist can check your full list for free.

Dr. Sebi's herbs

47herbs from his lists, rated on the same scale as everything else.herbs listed

1has good proof for at least one use. Most rest on tradition.well proven

4carry serious risks, even though they appear on popular lists.seriously risky

Dr. Sebi (Alfredo Bowman, 1933–2016) was a self-taught Honduran herbalist who taught an “alkaline electric” plant diet. His work still inspires millions, especially in Black and Caribbean communities.

His herbs are listed here with the same honesty as everything else. Many have long traditional use. His claims that herbs could cure AIDS, cancer, lupus or diabetes were never backed by evidence. The ones to know about: , , , .

  • early proof
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • early proof
  • early proof
  • risky
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • risky
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • early proof
  • risky
  • early proof
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • good proof
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • early proof
  • tradition
  • early proof
  • risky
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • early proof
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • early proof
  • early proof
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • tradition
  • early proof
  • tradition
  • early proof
  • tradition
  • tradition

Handle with care: 36

Natural does not mean harmless. These can damage the liver, kidneys or heart, or poison outright. Point at one to see why.

How we rate
the proof

Every claim carries one of five ratings. These are the counts across all 1,119 claims, so you can see how much is proven, promising, traditional or busted.

  1. 15Strong proof

    Many good human studies agree.

  2. 26Good proof

    Several solid human trials show a real benefit.

  3. 263Early proof

    Small, short or mixed human studies. Promising, not proven.

  4. 714Traditional proof

    Long traditional use, but only lab or animal research so far.

  5. 101Not supported

    Tested in people and it failed, or the claim has no evidence.

We show what failed

A claim with no bars filled was tested and didn't hold up, or never had evidence. Hype gets named.

Natural isn't automatically safe

Your liver processes herbs the same way it processes medicine. That's how a tea can make a prescription stronger or weaker.

Supplements aren't pre-approved

In the US, the FDA doesn't test supplements before they're sold. Look for USP Verified or NSF Certified seals.

Tradition is respected, and labelled

Thousands of years of use is real knowledge. We mark it as tradition so you know it hasn't been tested the modern way.

Dose and form matter

A cup of tea and a concentrated extract can act very differently. We note the amounts used where we can.

Pharmacists check for free

Bring your whole list, teas and vitamins included, to any pharmacist. Checking interactions is part of their job.

Our sources: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, NCCIH Herbs at a Glance, Memorial Sloan Kettering's About Herbs and Cochrane reviews.

For learning, not diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting anything new, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, take any medicine, have a health condition, or have surgery coming up. Summaries were researched with care but can contain mistakes.