The Wellness Library

Good for

What to check for when using

• Dual-extracted (water + alcohol) for bioavailability
• Fruiting body, not just mycelium grown on grain
• Beta-glucan / hericenone content stated on the label
• Speak to a practitioner if on blood-thinning medication

Good for

What to check for when using

• Dual extract — the tough chitin wall needs it
• Triterpene and beta-glucan content on the label
• Start low; can cause dry mouth or mild upset in some
• Avoid with immunosuppressants without advice

Good for

What to check for when using

• C. militaris (cultivated) is the sustainable choice vs wild C. sinensis
• Cordycepin content stated
• Caution with autoimmune or bleeding-condition meds
• Not for pregnancy or breastfeeding without guidance

Good for

What to check for when using

• PSK / PSP polysaccharopeptide content
• Fruiting-body extract, tested for contaminants
• Discuss with your oncologist if undergoing treatment
• Choose third-party-tested, traceable product

Good for

What to check for when using

• Must be extracted — raw chaga is not digestible on its own
• Wild-harvested from birch with sustainable sourcing
• Avoid long-term high doses (oxalate concern)
• Heavy-metal tested — chaga can accumulate contaminants

Good for

What to check for when using

• Whole flower or clearly labelled extract
• Aporphine alkaloid content varies — start low
• Can cause drowsiness; avoid driving until you know your response
• Avoid with sedatives or in pregnancy without advice

Good for

What to check for when using

• Clean leaf, no fillers or synthetic additives
• Effects are subtle — low dose first
• Avoid combining with other sedatives
• Not for pregnancy without professional advice

Good for

What to check for when using

• Fine leaf, low harsh-stem content
• Strain teas well — fine leaf hairs can irritate the throat
• Use as a tea or gentle herbal smoke per tradition
• See a doctor for a persistent or chesty cough

Good for

What to check for when using

• Lactucarium content (from fresh plant) indicates potency
• Use sparingly — potent in higher doses
• Avoid with sedatives or prescription sleep medication
• Not for pregnancy or children

Good for

What to check for when using

• Moist, grey, unrefined "sel gris" — not bleached or kiln-dried
• Third-party heavy-metal testing
• Still sodium — use in moderation, especially with blood-pressure concerns
• Not a medical treatment

Good for

What to check for when using

• Chelated or well-absorbed forms (e.g. magnesium glycinate)
• Tested for purity and heavy metals
• Don't over-supplement — follow labelled doses
• Check interactions with your medication

Good for

What to check for when using

• Balanced Na / K / Mg ratio, not sodium-heavy
• No excessive added sugar
• Use when sweating or in hot conditions
• Kidney conditions — seek professional advice first

Good for

What to check for when using

• Tested for heavy metals — sea vegetables accumulate them
• Sourced from clean waters
• Iodine content can affect the thyroid — do not overdo it
• Avoid with thyroid medication without advice

Good for

What to check for when using

• Purified and third-party tested for heavy metals
• Authentic resin, not cut with fillers
• Start low — it is potent
• Avoid with gout or high uric acid without advice

Good for

What to check for when using

• Standardised withanolide content
• KSM-66 or full-spectrum root extract
• Avoid with thyroid or autoimmune medication without advice
• Not for pregnancy without guidance

Good for

What to check for when using

• Standardised L-DOPA content
• Use low doses and cycle — do not use daily long-term
• Avoid with Parkinson's or antidepressant medication without supervision
• Not for pregnancy or children

Good for

What to check for when using

• Ethically cultivated South African source
• Low dose — can cause headache or nausea if overdone
• Avoid with SSRIs or antidepressants without advice
• Not for pregnancy

Good for

What to check for when using

• Leaf quality, pesticide-free
• Avoid in pregnancy without advice
• May interact with sedatives
• Choose a reputable, tested source

Good for

What to check for when using

• Use under professional guidance — a potent traditional herb
• Avoid in pregnancy
• May interact with medication — consult a practitioner
• Sustainably cultivated South African source

Good for

What to check for when using

• Wild or ethically cultivated South African source
• Avoid in pregnancy and kidney disease without advice
• Use short-term — can irritate the stomach in excess
• Check interactions with medication

Good for

What to check for when using

• Caffeine-free — fine for evenings
• Choose unblended, quality leaves
• Very low risk for most people
• Check blend additives in flavoured versions

Good for

What to check for when using

• Tested for contaminants — source matters
• Start small — can upset digestion initially
• May interact with diabetes medication
• Choose sustainably sourced leaf

Good for

What to check for when using

• Ethically sourced African fruit
• Pure powder — no added sugar
• Generally well tolerated
• Check for additives in blends