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
Traditional Use:
Digestion and liver support
Explored For:
Cynarin and chlorogenic acid studied for bile production and cholesterol pathways
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Steep 1–2 tsp dried artichoke leaves in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Drink before meals. Also available as standardized extract capsules (300–640 mg, 2–3x daily).
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae family (ragweed, daisies). Do not use with bile duct obstruction or gallstones. May interact with cholesterol medications.
Notes:
Used in Mediterranean traditional medicine
Traditional Use:
General detoxification support
Explored For:
Antioxidant activity; traditionally used to support elimination pathways
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Simmer 1 tbsp dried root in 2 cups water for 15–20 minutes. Strain and drink. Also sliced and sautéed as food (gobo in Japanese cuisine). 2–3 cups tea daily.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae family. May lower blood sugar. Diuretic effect — stay hydrated. Ensure correct identification if foraging (resembles toxic belladonna).
Notes:
Used in teas and Japanese cooking
Traditional Use:
Digestion and liver support
Explored For:
Early research on bile flow and liver enzyme activity
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Simmer 1–2 tsp dried roasted dandelion root in water for 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink. Makes a coffee-like beverage. 2–3 cups daily. Also available as capsules or tincture.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Generally safe. May cause allergic reactions in people allergic to ragweed, daisies, or chrysanthemums. May interact with lithium, diuretics, and some antibiotics.
Notes:
Earthy flavor; makes a good coffee substitute
Traditional Use:
Liver wellness
Explored For:
Silymarin studied for antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effects
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Take 140–200 mg standardized silymarin extract 2–3 times daily with meals. Seed tea: crush 1 tbsp seeds, steep in hot water for 15 minutes (lower potency than extract).
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Generally very well tolerated. May cause mild GI effects. Can lower blood sugar. May interact with certain medications metabolized by the liver (CYP enzymes).
Notes:
One of the most well-studied liver botanicals
Traditional Use:
Liver and general vitality
Explored For:
Lignans studied for liver-related markers and adaptogenic properties
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Simmer 1–2 tsp dried berries in water for 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink. Has all 5 flavors (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent). Also available as tincture or capsules (500 mg 1–2x daily).
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Generally well tolerated. May increase stomach acid. Avoid during pregnancy. May interact with medications metabolized by the liver.
Notes:
Called 'five-flavor berry' in Chinese medicine
Traditional Use:
Liver and digestive wellness
Explored For:
Curcumin studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways in liver tissue
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Stir ½–1 tsp turmeric powder into warm milk with a pinch of black pepper ('golden milk'). Drink daily. Also available as curcumin capsules (500–1,000 mg with piperine).
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
High-dose supplements may cause GI distress. Avoid high doses with blood thinners or bile duct issues.
Notes:
Dual-purpose: metabolic + liver support
Traditional Use:
Traditional bile and digestive support
Explored For:
Anthraquinones studied for gentle laxative and bile-stimulating effects
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Simmer 1 tsp dried root in 2 cups water for 10–15 minutes. Drink 1 cup before meals. Also available as tincture (30–60 drops 2–3x daily).
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Contains oxalates — avoid with kidney stones or oxalate sensitivity. Mild laxative — start with small amounts. Avoid during pregnancy.
Notes:
Also used as a gentle iron tonic
⚠️ 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™
