Meridian Medica
Library
108 Monographs
Herb Library
Clinical reference monographs — compounds, pathways, biomarkers, protocols.
#001
Alder
Alnus rubra
★★★☆☆
Lymphatic Alterative / Stimulant
Antimicrobial / Astringent (Tannin-Mediated)
#002
American Ginseng
Panax quinquefolius
★★★★☆
HPA Axis Modulation (Calming Adaptogen)
Insulin Sensitivity / Glycemic Regulation
#003
Angelica
Angelica archangelica
★★★★☆
Bitter Reflex / Vagal Digestive Activation
Spasmolytic / Smooth Muscle Relaxation
#004
Anise
Pimpinella anisum
★★★☆☆
Smooth Muscle Relaxation / Antispasmodic
NF-κB / Anti-Inflammatory
#005
Ash
Fraxinus americana
★★★☆☆
Anti-Arthritic / Anti-Inflammatory
Diuretic / Uricosuric
#006
Asian Ginseng
Panax ginseng
★★★★☆
HPA Axis Modulation / Adaptogenic Mechanism
AMPK / Metabolic Activation
#007
Aspen
Populus tremuloides
★★★★☆
Salicylate Anti-Inflammatory / COX Inhibition
Antipyretic / Fever Management
#008
Barberry
Berberis vulgaris
★★★★★
AMPK Activation / Metabolic Regulation
PCSK9 Inhibition / LDL Reduction
#009
Bearberry / Kinnikinnick
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
★★★★☆
Arbutin / Hydroquinone Urinary Antiseptic
Tannin-Mediated Mucosal Astringency
#010
Bee Balm
Monarda spp.
★★★★☆
Thymol / Carvacrol Antimicrobial Disruption
Rosmarinic Acid Anti-Inflammatory
#011
Beech
Fagus sylvatica
★★★☆☆
GI Astringent / Tight Junction Support
Antimicrobial (Tannin-Mediated)
#012
Beet
Beta vulgaris
★★★★★
Nitric Oxide (NO) / Endothelial Function
One-Carbon Methylation (Betaine + Folate)
#013
Birch
Betula pendula
★★★★☆
Renal Diuretic / Urinary Tract Support
Anti-Inflammatory (Systemic)
#014
Black Pepper
Piper nigrum
★★★★★
Bioavailability Enhancement (UDP-glucuronosyltransferase Inhibition)
NF-κB / Inflammatory Cytokine Axis
#015
Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
★★★★☆
Immune Modulation (Alkylamide-Mediated)
NF-κB Anti-Inflammatory (Sesquiterpene Lactones)
#016
Burdock
Arctium lappa
★★★★☆
Prebiotic / Microbiome Modulation
NF-κB / Anti-Inflammatory Axis
#017
Calendula
Calendula officinalis
★★★★☆
12-LOX / Topical Inflammation
NF-κB / Inflammatory Cytokine Axis
#018
Carrot
Daucus carota
★★★★☆
Vitamin A / Retinoic Acid Receptor Signaling
Immune Differentiation (Vitamin A / RAR)
#019
Catnip
Nepeta cataria
★★★★☆
GABAA Potentiation / Sedative-Anxiolytic
Digestive Antispasmodic
#020
Cayenne Pepper
Capsicum annuum
★★★★★
TRPV1 / Thermogenic Activation
NF-κB / Inflammatory Cytokine Axis
#021
Celery
Apium graveolens
★★★☆☆
Vascular Smooth Muscle Relaxation / Antihypertensive
NF-κB / Anti-Inflammatory
#022
Chaga
Inonotus obliquus
★★★★☆
Innate Immune Training (Beta-Glucan / Dectin-1)
Antioxidant Defense (Melanin + SOD + Polyphenols)
#023
Chaste Tree
Vitex agnus-castus
★★★★☆
Dopamine D2 / Prolactin Axis
Progesterone / Luteal Phase Support
#024
Chicory
Cichorium intybus
★★★★★
Prebiotic Microbiome Restoration (Inulin/FOS)
Bitter Tonic / Hepatobiliary Stimulation
#025
Cinnamon
Cinnamomum verum
★★★★☆
Insulin Receptor Potentiation / GLUT4 Translocation
NF-κB / Anti-Inflammatory Axis
#026
Cleavers
Galium aparine
★★☆☆☆
Lymphatic Drainage / Decongestant
Gentle Diuresis / Renal Support
#027
Comfrey
Symphytum officinale
★★★★★
Cell Proliferation / Tissue Regeneration
COX-2 / 5-LOX Anti-Inflammatory
#028
Cordyceps
Cordyceps sinensis
★★★★☆
Mitochondrial ATP Synthesis Enhancement
Adrenal / HPA Axis Modulation
#029
Coriander
Coriandrum sativum
★★★☆☆
GABA-A / Anxiolytic (Linalool)
Digestive Enzyme Stimulation / Carminative
#030
Cottonwood
Populus deltoides
★★★★☆
Salicylate / COX Inhibition (Inner Bark)
Phenolic Resin Antimicrobial (Broad-Spectrum)
#031
Cranberry
Vaccinium macrocarpon
★★★★☆
Anti-Adhesion (PAC-A / P-fimbriated E. coli)
Urine Acidification (Organic Acids)
#032
Crane's Bill
Geranium maculatum
★★★★☆
Mucosal Astringency / Hemostasis
Anti-Diarrheal (Gut Motility and Secretion Reduction)
#033
Cumin
Cuminum cyminum
★★★★☆
Digestive Enzyme Stimulation
Iron Metabolism / Thyroid Enzyme Support
#034
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
★★★★☆
Bitter Receptor (TAS2R) / Digestive Stimulation
Choleretic / Bile Flow Enhancement
#035
Dill
Anethum graveolens
★★★☆☆
Phase II Detoxification (Glutathione S-Transferase Induction)
Smooth Muscle Relaxation / Carminative
#036
Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea
★★★★☆
Macrophage / Phagocyte Activation
NK Cell / Cytokine Stimulation
#037
Elderberry
Sambucus nigra
★★★★☆
Viral Neuraminidase Inhibition
Interferon Enhancement
#038
Elecampane
Inula helenium
★★★★☆
Alantolactone / Isoalantolactone Antimicrobial
Expectorant / Mucolytic
#039
Elm
Ulmus rubra
★★★★☆
Mucosal Barrier Restoration / Demulcent
Prebiotic Immunomodulation
#040
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
★★★★☆
GI Smooth Muscle Relaxation / Carminative
COX-2 / NF-κB Inhibition
#041
Fenugreek
Trigonella foenum-graecum
★★★★★
Glycemic Regulation / Insulin Sensitization
Lipid Metabolism / Bile Acid Binding
#042
Flaxseed
Linum usitatissimum
★★★★☆
Estrogen Metabolism Modulation (SDG Lignans)
Thyroid Hormone Binding Modulation
#043
Fo-Ti
Polygonum multiflorum
★★★★☆
THSG Antioxidant / Anti-Aging
Melanogenesis / Hair Pigmentation
#044
Frankincense
Boswellia serrata
★★★★☆
5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) Inhibition
NF-kB / Inflammatory Cytokine Axis
#045
Garlic
Allium sativum
★★★★★
NF-kB / Inflammatory Cytokine Axis
Nrf2 / Phase II Detoxification
#046
German Chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
★★★★☆
Apigenin / GABA-A Anxiolytic
Bisabolol / Chamazulene Anti-Inflammatory
#047
Ginger
Zingiber officinale
★★★★★
NF-κB / Inflammatory Cytokine Suppression
COX-2 / 5-LOX Dual Inhibition
#048
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
★★★★☆
Cerebral Microcirculation Enhancement
Neuroprotection / Mitochondrial Support
#049
Goldenseal
Hydrastis canadensis
★★★★★
AMPK / Insulin-Leptin Axis
NF-κB / Inflammatory Cytokine Axis
#050
Grape
Vitis vinifera
★★★★☆
SIRT1 / NAD+ Longevity Axis
NF-κB / Inflammatory Cytokine Axis
#051
Hawthorn
Crataegus spp.
★★★★☆
Endothelial NO / Vasodilation
Positive Inotropic / Cardiac Contractility
#052
Hollyhock
Alcea rosea
★★★☆☆
GI Mucosal Protection and Repair (Mucilage)
NF-κB Inhibition (Anthocyanins + Flavonoids)
#053
Hops
Humulus lupulus
★★★★☆
GABA-A Receptor Modulation (Sedative)
Estrogen Receptor Modulation (ERα/ERβ)
#054
Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis
★★★☆☆
Respiratory / Mucolytic / Expectorant
Anti-Inflammatory (COX-2 / LOX / Complement)
#055
Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
★★★★★
GABA-A Modulation / Anxiolytic-Sedative Axis
HPA Axis Normalization
#056
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
★★★★☆
GABA Transaminase Inhibition
TSH Receptor / Thyroid Axis Modulation
#057
Licorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra
★★★★★
11β-HSD2 Inhibition / Cortisol Prolongation
NF-κB / Anti-Inflammatory Axis
#058
Linden / Basswood
Tilia cordata
★★★☆☆
GABA-A Modulation / Anxiolytic
Diaphoretic / Fever Management
#059
Lobelia
Lobelia inflata
★★★☆☆
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (nAChR) Modulation
Respiratory Smooth Muscle Relaxation
#060
Mallow
Malva neglecta
★★★★☆
Mucosal Barrier Restoration / Leaky Gut
Respiratory Mucosal Protection
#061
Marshmallow
Althaea officinalis
★★★☆☆
Mucosal Barrier / Demulcent Protection
Epithelial Cell Proliferation
#062
Milk Thistle
Silybum marianum
★★★★☆
Hepatoprotective / Liver Regeneration
Nrf2 / Antioxidant Defense Induction
#063
Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca
★★★★★
Cardiac Glycoside / Na-K-ATPase (historical/caution context)
Anti-Inflammatory (Flavonoid Pathway)
#064
Mullein
Verbascum thapsus
★★★☆☆
Respiratory Mucosal Defense
NF-κB / Inflammatory Cytokine Axis
#065
Nutritional Yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
★★★★★
Methylation Cycle Support (B12/B6/Folate)
NAD+ / Mitochondrial Energy (Niacin)
#066
Oak
Quercus alba
★★★★☆
Mucosal Astringency / Tannin-Protein Complex Formation
Antimicrobial / Antiviral Surface Action
#067
Oats
Avena sativa
★★★★★
Nervous System Trophorestoration
Beta-Glucan / Bile Acid / Cholesterol Axis
#068
Onion
Allium cepa
★★★★☆
Quercetin / Mast Cell Stabilization
NF-κB / Anti-Inflammatory Axis
#069
Oregano
Origanum vulgare
★★★★☆
Antimicrobial / Gut Pathogen Clearance
NF-κB / COX-2 Anti-Inflammatory Axis
#070
Oregon Grape
Mahonia aquifolium
★★★★☆
AMPK / Metabolic Activation
NF-κB / Inflammatory Cytokine Axis
#071
Osha
Ligusticum porteri
★★★☆☆
Bronchodilatory / Respiratory Smooth Muscle Relaxation
Antiviral / Immune Activation
#072
Parsley
Petroselinum crispum
★★★★★
Vitamin K1 / Coagulation and Bone Metabolism
Apigenin / NF-κB / Anti-Inflammatory
#073
Peanut
Arachis hypogaea
★★★★★
SIRT1 Activation / Metabolic Longevity (Resveratrol)
Niacin / NAD+ Repletion
#074
Peppermint
Mentha ×
★★★★★
Smooth Muscle Relaxation / Calcium Channel Blockade
TRPM8 / Analgesic Pathway
#075
Pine
Pinus strobus
★★★★☆
Antioxidant / OPC Defense
Respiratory Mucosal Defense
#076
Pleurisy Root
Asclepias tuberosa
★★★★★
Diaphoretic / Diaphoretic-Expectorant Synergy
Serous Membrane Anti-Exudative
#077
Prickly Lettuce
Lactuca serriola
★★★☆☆
GABAergic / Sedative
Opioid Receptor (Weak Agonism)
#078
Pumpkin
Cucurbita pepo
★★★★☆
Zinc-Dependent Thyroid Hormone Conversion
Magnesium / HPA Axis Regulation
#079
Purslane
Portulaca oleracea
★★★★★
Omega-3 / Anti-Inflammatory Eicosanoid Balance
Glutathione / Antioxidant Defense
#080
Roman Chamomile
Chamaemelum nobile
★★★☆☆
GABA-A / Anxiolytic-Sedative Axis
NF-κB / Arachidonic Acid Inflammatory Cascade
#081
Rose Hips
Rosa spp.
★★★★☆
Vitamin C / Collagen Synthesis
Adrenal Function / Cortisol Metabolism
#082
Rue
Ruta graveolens
★★★★★
Rutin / Flavonoid Antioxidant
Furanocoumarin / Phototoxic / Immunomodulatory
#083
Russian Olive
Elaeagnus angustifolia
★★★☆☆
Lycopene / Antioxidant Defense
NF-κB Inhibition (Isorhamnetin + Flavonoids)
#084
Saffron
Crocus sativus
★★★★★
Serotonergic / Antidepressant
NF-kB / Inflammatory Cytokine Axis
#085
Sage
Salvia officinalis
★★★☆☆
Nrf2 / Antioxidant Defense
NF-κB / Inflammatory Cytokine Axis
#086
Sagebrush
Artemisia tridentata
★★★★★
Respiratory / Bronchodilation (1,8-Cineole + Camphor)
Antimicrobial (Volatile Oil Spectrum)
#087
Shepherd's Purse
Capsella bursa-pastoris
★★★☆☆
Hemostatic / Vascular Tone
Uterine Smooth Muscle Modulation
#088
Siberian Ginseng
Eleutherococcus senticosus
★★★★☆
HPA Axis Modulation / Cortisol Regulation
AMPK / Metabolic Energy
#089
Skullcap
Scutellaria lateriflora
★★★☆☆
GABA-A Receptor Modulation
HPA Axis / Stress Response Modulation
#090
Slippery Elm
Ulmus rubra
★★★★☆
Mucosal Barrier Restoration
Reflex Mucus Secretion (Demulcent Reflex)
#091
Sow Thistle
Sonchus oleraceus
★★★★★
Bitter Digestive Stimulation (Sesquiterpene Lactones)
NF-κB / Anti-Inflammatory (Luteolin + Quercetin)
#092
Spinach
Spinacia oleracea
★★★★★
One-Carbon Methylation (Folate / MTHFR)
Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Support via Iron
#093
Spirea
Spiraea alba
★★★★☆
COX-1 and COX-2 Inhibition (Salicylates)
NF-κB Inhibition (Flavonoids + Ellagitannins)
#094
St. John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum
★★★★★
Serotonin / Norepinephrine / Dopamine Reuptake Inhibition
GABA / Anxiolytic Modulation
#095
Stinging Nettle
Urtica dioica
★★★★☆
Mineral Repletion (Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Silica)
Mast Cell Stabilization / Anti-Histamine
#096
Stork's Bill
Erodium cicutarium
★★★★☆
Mucosal Astringency / Hemostasis
Antioxidant Defense
#097
Sweet Wormwood
Artemisia annua
★★★★★
Endoperoxide / ROS Activation (Anti-Plasmodium)
NF-κB / Anti-Inflammatory
#098
Teasel
Dipsacus fullonum
★★★☆☆
Bitter Tonic / Digestive Stimulation
NF-κB / Anti-Inflammatory
#099
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
★★★★☆
Antimicrobial / Membrane Disruption
NF-κB / Inflammatory Cytokine Axis
#100
Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum
★★★★★
Lycopene / Oxidative Stress Defense
NF-κB Inhibition (Lycopene + Quercetin)
#101
Turmeric
Curcuma longa
★★★★★
NF-κB / Inflammatory Cytokine Axis
COX-2 / Prostaglandin Axis
#102
Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
★★★☆☆
GABA-A Receptor Modulation
GABA Transaminase Inhibition
#103
Walnut
Juglans regia
★★★★★
Cardiovascular Protection (ALA + Phytosterols + Polyphenols)
Cognitive Protection (ALA + Polyphenols)
#104
Wild Cherry
Prunus serotina
★★★★☆
Respiratory Sedation / Antitussive
Tannin Astringency / Mucosal Protection
#105
Willow
Salix alba
★★★★☆
COX-2 Inhibition (Salicylate-Mediated)
NF-κB Modulation (Multi-Compound)
#106
Wormwood
Artemisia absinthium
★★★★★
Bitter Receptor / Cephalic Phase Digestion
Choleretic / Hepatobiliary Stimulation
#107
Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
★★★☆☆
NF-κB / Inflammatory Cytokine Axis
Hemostasis / Vascular Tone
#108
Yucca
Yucca filamentosa
★★★☆☆
Cholesterol Absorption Inhibition (Gut Lumen)
Gut Microbiome Modulation (Urease Reduction)