Botanical Database
Evidence-informed botanicals organized by the body system they support, with traditional preparation methods for educational purposes only. These are optional, supportive tools — not treatments or cures.
All Systems
🔥 Metabolic Support
🩸 Blood Sugar Support
🫁 Liver Support
💧 Kidney & Fluid Balance
🫃 Digestive Support
🧘 Stress & Hormonal Support
✨ Skin Elasticity Support
🛡️ Immune Support
❤️ Cardiovascular Support
🦴 Joint & Bone Support
🩻 Thyroid Support
🎯 Metabolic Syndrome Support
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Traditional Use:
Hydration, general wellness, blood pressure and blood glucose management
Explored For:
Early research on metabolic markers
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Steep 1–2 tsp dried hibiscus flowers in warm or very warm water (not boiling — boiling destroys some compounds) for 5–10 minutes. Drink 2–3 cups daily. Excellent iced. Can add honey.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
May lower blood pressure — monitor if already on antihypertensives. Mildly acidic; may affect tooth enamel over time. Avoid in pregnancy due to potential emmenagogue effects.
Notes:
Tart flavor; do not use boiling water
Traditional Use:
Amino acid derivative that transports fatty acids into mitochondria for burning
Explored For:
L-Carnitine studied for enhancing fat oxidation during exercise, reducing muscle damage, and improving recovery. Most effective in individuals with lower baseline carnitine levels (vegetarians, older adults). Meta-analyses show modest fat loss and improved exercise capacity
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Take 1,000–2,000 mg L-Carnitine L-Tartrate or Acetyl-L-Carnitine daily, ideally 30–60 minutes before movement/exercise for fat-burning benefit. Take with carbohydrates for better muscle uptake.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Very well tolerated at recommended doses. High doses (>3 g) may cause fishy body odour, nausea, or diarrhoea. TMAO concerns at very high chronic doses — stay within 2 g/day.
Notes:
Particularly effective during CP days when the body is already in fat-burning mode. Pairs well with walking protocols
Traditional Use:
Energy, digestion, and metabolic balance
Explored For:
Polyphenols and caffeine studied for fat oxidation and metabolic rate
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Steep 1–2 tsp loose leaf oolong in 195°F (90°C) water for 3–5 minutes. Can re-steep 3–5 times. Drink 2–3 cups daily.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Contains caffeine (30–50 mg per cup). Same precautions as other caffeinated teas.
Notes:
Semi-oxidized tea between green and black
Traditional Use:
General wellness and digestive support
Explored For:
Curcumin studied for metabolic and inflammatory pathways
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Stir ½–1 tsp turmeric powder into warm milk or water ('golden milk'). Add a pinch of black pepper (piperine) and a small amount of fat (coconut oil or ghee) to enhance absorption. Can also be used in cooking.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Curcumin has low bioavailability without piperine. High doses may cause GI discomfort. Avoid high-dose supplements if on blood thinners or bile duct obstruction medications.
Notes:
Often paired with black pepper for absorption
Traditional Use:
Starch blocker that inhibits alpha-amylase enzyme
Explored For:
Phaseolus vulgaris extract studied for blocking starch digestion and absorption by inhibiting alpha-amylase. Multiple clinical trials show reduced carbohydrate absorption and modest weight loss. Most effective with starchy meals
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Take 500–1,000 mg standardised extract immediately before meals containing starch or carbohydrates. Must be taken with the meal to work — it blocks the enzyme during digestion.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Well-tolerated but may cause gas, bloating, or diarrhoea due to undigested starch reaching the colon. Not recommended for people with bean allergies.
Notes:
Most useful during FP rotation days when carbohydrate intake is higher — helps moderate glycaemic impact
Traditional Use:
Gentle energy and antioxidant support
Explored For:
High polyphenol content studied for metabolic and antioxidant pathways; minimal processing preserves catechins
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Steep 2 tsp loose leaf or 1 tea bag in 160–185°F (70–85°C) water for 4–5 minutes. Very delicate — do not use boiling water. Drink 2–3 cups daily.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Low caffeine (15–30 mg per cup). Generally very well tolerated.
Notes:
Least processed of all teas
Traditional Use:
Energy and alertness
Explored For:
Early research on appetite and metabolic rate
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Place 2–3 tbsp dried leaves in a gourd or cup. Add warm water (150–170°F / 65–75°C) — never boiling. Sip through a filtered straw (bombilla). Can be re-steeped many times. Also available as tea bags.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Contains caffeine (about 85 mg per cup). Avoid very hot consumption (associated with esophageal irritation). May interact with stimulant medications.
Notes:
Traditionally consumed in South America
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Botanicals are not drugs and are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- People with medical conditions should consult their healthcare provider before using any botanical.
- Many botanicals interact with prescription medications — always check with your pharmacist.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid most botanicals unless specifically cleared by their provider.
- Quality and sourcing matter — look for third-party tested products (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab).
- Start with low doses and listen to your body.
- "Traditional use" does not equal proven efficacy — it means historical usage, not clinical evidence.
— Dr. George Ekema, The Plateau-proof Diet™
