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:
Skin soothing and moisture retention
Explored For:
Acemannan and polysaccharides studied for wound healing, hydration, and collagen support
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Apply pure aloe vera gel directly to skin as needed. For internal use, see Blood Sugar section. For DIY: slice a fresh leaf, scrape inner gel, and apply.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Topical use is very safe. Some people may be allergic — patch test first. Internal aloe latex is a strong laxative — use only decolorized inner-leaf gel internally.
Notes:
Keep an aloe plant at home for fresh gel
Traditional Use:
One of nature's richest vitamin C sources
Explored For:
Traditionally used for skin appearance and resilience; studied for collagen protection
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Mix 1 tsp amla powder into juice, smoothie, or warm water daily. Fresh amla can be eaten raw. Amla oil is applied topically for hair and skin.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Generally very safe. High doses may cause GI upset.
Notes:
Used in Ayurvedic skin care for millennia
Traditional Use:
Traditionally used for skin appearance and wound healing
Explored For:
Triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside) examined for collagen synthesis and wound repair pathways
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Steep 1–2 tsp dried herb in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink 2–3 cups daily. Also available as capsules (500 mg 2–3x daily) or topical cream.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
May cause headache and GI upset. May increase cholesterol in high doses. Avoid during pregnancy. Cycle use: 2 weeks on, 1 week off.
Notes:
Staple of Ayurvedic and Chinese skin care for centuries
Traditional Use:
Plant compounds for skin support
Explored For:
Proanthocyanidins (OPCs) explored for collagen structure support and antioxidant activity; may help protect collagen from UV-induced degradation
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Take 100–300 mg standardized extract (95% OPCs) daily with food. Not commonly consumed as tea. Can also be applied topically in grape seed oil form.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Generally very safe. May thin blood — caution with anticoagulants. May lower blood pressure.
Notes:
Among the most potent plant-based antioxidants
Traditional Use:
Antioxidant-rich
Explored For:
Catechins studied for antioxidant activity and potential influence on collagen-related enzymes
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Steep 1 tsp in 175°F (80°C) water for 2–3 minutes. Drink 2–3 cups daily for internal support. Cooled green tea can also be applied topically as a toner.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
See Metabolism section for caffeine notes.
Notes:
Widely consumed; dual internal/external use
Traditional Use:
Silica source for connective tissue
Explored For:
High bioavailable silica content studied for collagen cross-linking, hair strength, and nail growth
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Simmer 2 tsp dried horsetail in 2 cups water for 15–20 minutes. Strain and drink 1–2 cups daily. Also available as capsules or silica extract.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Contains thiaminase — do not use long-term without B1 supplementation. Avoid with kidney disease. Not for pregnancy.
Notes:
Richest plant source of silica
Traditional Use:
Vibrant antioxidants
Explored For:
Ellagic acid and punicalagins studied for antioxidant activity and skin protein support
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Eat fresh pomegranate seeds (arils) or drink 4–8 oz 100% pomegranate juice daily. Also available as extract capsules (500–1,000 mg). Pomegranate seed oil can be applied topically.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
May interact with blood thinners and blood pressure medications. High in natural sugars (juice) — choose whole fruit when possible.
Notes:
Used as juice, seeds, or supplement
Traditional Use:
Aromatic herb with antioxidant activity
Explored For:
Rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid studied for antioxidant properties, potential elastin-related activity, and UV protection
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Add fresh rosemary to cooking liberally. For tea: steep 1 tsp dried rosemary in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Rosemary essential oil (diluted in carrier oil) can be applied topically for scalp and skin.
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
Essential oil must always be diluted before skin application. May interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy.
Notes:
Culinary and topical; delicious in cooking
Traditional Use:
Vitamin C and omega-rich oils
Explored For:
Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) studied for skin hydration and barrier support; rich in vitamins C, E, and carotenoids
🍵 How To Use (Educational):
Take 1–2 tsp sea buckthorn oil daily (mix into juice or smoothie). Capsules: 500–1,000 mg daily. Oil can be applied directly to skin (bright orange — may temporarily stain).
⚠️ Safety & Interactions:
May thin blood. Bright color can stain clothing and skin temporarily. Generally well tolerated internally.
Notes:
One of the few plant sources of omega-7
⚠️ 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™
