How to read an herb profile.
A quick orientation to the sections in each profile so you can spot uses, forms, and cautions at a glance.
Name and Latin: confirms the exact plant. Common names can overlap; the Latin binomial reduces confusion.
Category or actions: cues like nervine, adaptogen, bitter, or demulcent hint at how the herb is commonly used.
Traditional and modern uses: short notes on why people reach for the herb; these are not diagnoses.
Check how the herb is usually taken: tea, tincture, powder, capsule, or topical. Each form has different strengths, onset times, and serving sizes.
- Tea can be gentler and is often used for aromatic herbs.
- Tinctures are concentrated and easy to blend in small amounts.
- Topical use is limited to skin-safe herbs and specific purposes.
Look for allergy notes, medication interactions, and life-stage cautions (pregnancy, nursing, surgery). If any apply to you, pause and talk to a qualified practitioner.
This library is informational. Pair it with professional advice when making decisions about your health. When in doubt, start small, keep notes, and stop if you notice unwanted effects.