Everything on this page is something we would buy again. It is a short list on purpose. If a category is missing, it is because nothing in it has earned a place yet.
How this page works. Product links on this page are affiliate links. You pay the same price, the retailer pays us a small commission, and that commission is what keeps the reviews free to read. It does not change what gets recommended. Full disclosure.
Our current picks
Every product we link to across the site, each paired with the guide that explains the evidence and who should skip it.
Hawaii Pharm liquid extracts
Alcohol-free glycerites and tinctures, identity-tested and made in Hawaii.
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Valerian Root Liquid Extract
Valerian root as a liquid tincture, an easy way to find your dose drop by drop. Our pick in the valerian sleep guide.
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Haritaki Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract
Terminalia chebula in an alcohol-free glycerite, the easy-to-dose form we would choose for trying haritaki.
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Ashwagandha Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract
Ashwagandha root in an alcohol-free glycerite, for anyone who would rather not swallow capsules. Not standardized, so it cannot be matched to study doses.
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Vitex Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract
Chasteberry in an alcohol-free glycerite, our pick for a three-cycle trial for PMS mood and breast tenderness.
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Black Elderberry Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract
Dried black elderberry in an alcohol-free glycerite, a start-it-early remedy for cold and flu season.
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Ginger Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract
Dried ginger root in an alcohol-free glycerite, an easy daily habit for the muscle-soreness research.
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Turmeric Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract
Whole turmeric root in an alcohol-free glycerite. A pleasant daily addition, not a concentrated curcumin extract.
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Liver Support Alcohol-Free Drops
Milk thistle, dandelion, turmeric, schisandra, Oregon grape and licorice in an alcohol-free blend. Check with your doctor first if you take medication.
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Lion's Mane Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract
Lion's mane mushroom as an alcohol-free liquid extract. Our pick in the lion's mane focus and memory guide.
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Holy Basil (Tulsi) Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract
Holy basil (tulsi) leaf as an alcohol-free liquid extract. Our pick in the holy basil stress guide.
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Dandelion Root Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract
Dandelion root as an alcohol-free liquid extract. Our pick in the dandelion root digestion guide.
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Hawthorn Berry Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract
Hawthorn berry as an alcohol-free liquid extract. Our pick in the hawthorn heart health guide.
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Chamomile Alcohol-Free Liquid Extract
Chamomile flower as an alcohol-free liquid extract. Our pick in the chamomile sleep and anxiety guide.
WishGarden Herbs tinctures
Small-batch herbal formulas from Boulder, Colorado.
WishGarden Herbs
WishGarden Herbs Elderberry Tincture
A single-herb organic elderberry tincture from a small-batch Colorado herbal company, for when you feel something coming on.
WishGarden Herbs
WishGarden Herbs Hormone Support Collection
Cycle and hormone tinctures including P.M.S. Emotional and Cramp Release. Check each label: some contain St. John's wort or black cohosh.
WishGarden Herbs
WishGarden Herbs Kids Wellness Essentials Bundle
Four kid-sized herbal formulas in one bundle: Elderberry Syrup for daily support, Kick-It Immune for first signs, Kick-It Cough and Congestion Rescue for comfort.
Ashwagandha capsules and softgels
Our picks from the ashwagandha guide, matched to the studied extracts.
Jarrow Formulas
Jarrow Formulas Ashwagandha (KSM-66)
KSM-66 root extract, 300 mg twice a day: the studied extract at the studied dose.
Thorne
Thorne Ashwagandha (Shoden)
Concentrated Shoden extract, one 120 mg capsule a day, listed as NSF Contents Certified.
NOW Foods
NOW Foods Ashwagandha 450 mg
Standardized root-and-leaf extract (min. 2.4% withanolides), usually the cheapest per day.
Sports Research
Sports Research Ashwagandha Softgels
Shoden extract plus root powder in a plant-based softgel with coconut MCT oil.
Organic superfoods
Everyday foods from the recipes and guides on this site.
Navitas Organics
Navitas Organics Cacao Powder
USDA organic, Fairtrade, non-alkalized cacao powder that keeps more of its natural flavanols.
Navitas Organics
Navitas Organics Chia Seeds
USDA organic whole chia seeds: protein, fiber and plant omega-3s for recovery meals.
Bob's Red Mill
Bob's Red Mill Organic Golden Flaxseed Meal
Pre-ground organic golden flaxseed. Mixed with water it makes the flax egg that binds our vegan chickpea dessert bars.
Health tech
Wearables, light therapy and filtration we have checked against the research.
Dr. Dennis Gross
Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
FDA-cleared red and blue LED mask from a dermatologist-founded brand. Three-minute sessions, so it is the one you will actually keep using.
CurrentBody
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask: Series 2
Flexible silicone mask with 236 LEDs across red (633 nm), near-infrared (830 nm) and deep near-infrared (1072 nm).
CurrentBody
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask: Series 1
The original flexible CurrentBody mask: 132 LEDs at the two best-studied wavelengths, 633 nm red and 830 nm near-infrared.
Oura
Oura Ring 5
The smallest Oura yet, in all-titanium, with sleep, readiness, temperature and cycle insights. Membership required after the first month.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Ring
A titanium smart ring with sleep and fitness tracking and no subscription. Android phones only.
RingConn
RingConn Gen 2 Air
A thin, light smart ring with sleep, heart rate, SpO2 and cycle tracking, no subscription and up to 10 days of battery.
AquaTru
AquaTru Countertop Reverse Osmosis Purifier
No-plumbing countertop reverse osmosis, certified by IAPMO to NSF/ANSI standards including 53, 58, 401 and P473 (PFOA and PFOS).
AquaTru
AquaTru Glass Carafe Countertop RO
The same AquaTru reverse osmosis idea, dispensing into a removable glass carafe. Certified to NSF standards by IAPMO.
Waterdrop
Waterdrop C2SL Countertop RO with Minerals
Compact countertop reverse osmosis for 1 to 2 people, with a mineral stage that adds back calcium and magnesium for taste.
Product links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Supplement statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement. Full disclosure.
Shop by category
Three picks for every topic we cover. Tap a topic to jump straight to it.
Anti-Aging
Skin, cells and longevity habits See the guides
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Gotu Kola Alcohol-Free Extract
Centella asiatica, the plant behind "cica" skincare. Traditionally taken for skin, circulation and memory.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Reishi Mushroom Alcohol-Free Extract
The "mushroom of immortality" in Chinese tradition, studied for immune balance and calm. A long-game tonic, not a quick fix.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Schisandra Berry Alcohol-Free Extract
The five-flavor berry. An adaptogen with liver-protective research, mostly in animals and early human studies.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Detox
What detox can and cannot do See the guides
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Milk Thistle Alcohol-Free Extract
The best-studied liver herb, thanks to silymarin. It supports the organ that does the real detox work. It is not a flush.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Burdock Root Alcohol-Free Extract
A traditional bitter root in detox and skin formulas, and a vegetable (gobo) in Japanese cooking. Evidence is mostly traditional, so expectations should stay modest.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Chlorella Alcohol-Free Extract
Freshwater green algae often added to detox routines. Human studies are small, so treat it as a nutrient-dense extra rather than a cleanse.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Fitness
Training and recovery, realistically See the guides
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Cordyceps Alcohol-Free Extract
A fungus studied for oxygen use and endurance. Small trials, mixed results, most interesting for newer or older exercisers.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Thorne
THORNE Creatine Monohydrate Powder
The most researched sports supplement there is: 5 g of creatine monohydrate and nothing else. Useful for strength, and increasingly studied for brain health too.
- 5 g micronized creatine monohydrate per scoop
- 90 servings, unflavored
- NSF Certified for Sport
Therabody
Theragun Mini 3rd Gen Massage Gun
A pocket-size percussion massager for post-workout tight spots. Small enough for a gym bag, strong enough for calves and quads.
- 3 speeds: 1,750 / 2,100 / 2,400 PPM
- About 150 minutes of battery
- 3 attachments plus travel case
Gut Health
Digestion and the microbiome See the guides
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Slippery Elm Alcohol-Free Extract
Inner-bark mucilage used for centuries to coat and calm an irritated gut. Take it two hours apart from medications, since it can slow their absorption.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Marshmallow Root Alcohol-Free Extract
Another mucilage-rich root, traditionally used for a raw throat and an unsettled stomach. A gentle partner to slippery elm.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Triphala Alcohol-Free Glycerite
The Ayurvedic three-fruit formula of amla, haritaki and bibhitaki, used for regularity. The natural next step after our haritaki guide.
- Amla, haritaki and bibhitaki fruits
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Health Tech
Wearables, apps and devices, tested See the guides
Withings
Withings Body Smart Scale
Weight plus body fat, muscle, water and a visceral fat index, synced over Wi-Fi to Apple Health and 100+ apps. Trends matter more than any single reading.
- Weight accurate to within 50 g
- Recognizes up to 8 users
- About 15-month battery life
Hatch
Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm & Sound Machine
Sunrise alarm, sound machine and reading light in one. Its real job is getting your phone off the nightstand.
- 80+ sleep sounds
- Sunrise alarm and bedside light
- Screen-free controls once set up
Verilux
Verilux HappyLight Luxe Light Therapy Lamp
A 10,000 lux, UV-free light panel for gray winter mornings. Most people use it 20 to 30 minutes early in the day.
- Up to 10,000 lux, UV-free LED
- 4 brightness levels, 3 color temperatures
- Countdown timer, stand or wall mount
Holistic Nutrition
Whole-food eating for a normal week See the guides
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Moringa Leaf Alcohol-Free Extract
A leaf with a big nutrient reputation. As a glycerite it stirs easily into water or a smoothie.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Stinging Nettle Leaf Alcohol-Free Extract
A mineral-rich spring tonic, also used traditionally for seasonal allergies.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Spirulina Alcohol-Free Extract
Blue-green algae best known as a protein-rich whole food. The extract is a lighter way to work it into your day.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Mental Health
Mood, stress and focus See the guides
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Rhodiola Alcohol-Free Extract
An adaptogen with clinical trials on stress-related fatigue and burnout. Take it in the morning, because it can feel stimulating.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Lemon Balm Alcohol-Free Extract
A mint-family herb with small trials on calm and mood. Gentle enough for daytime, pleasant enough to take in water.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Skullcap Alcohol-Free Extract
American skullcap, a traditional nervine for a busy mind. Buy from an identity-tested source: skullcap has a history of being swapped for other plants.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Natural Remedies
Remedies checked against the research See the guides
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Echinacea Angustifolia Alcohol-Free Extract
The cold-season classic. Studies suggest a modest benefit when you start at the first sign of symptoms.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Mullein Leaf Alcohol-Free Extract
A traditional lung herb for dry, tickly coughs. Soft-leaved, gentle and easy to take.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Astragalus Root Alcohol-Free Extract
A Chinese tonic root used for immune resilience over the long haul. It is traditionally taken between colds, not during one.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Sleep
Falling asleep and staying asleep See the guides
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Passion Flower Alcohol-Free Extract
A classic evening herb with small human trials on sleep quality and pre-procedure nerves. Alcohol-free, so there is no tincture burn at bedtime.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm California Poppy Alcohol-Free Extract
A gentle poppy-family nervine for restless nights. It contains no opiates, and it works best alongside a steady bedtime, not as a knockout.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Wild Lettuce & California Poppy Glycerite
Two traditional bedtime herbs in one bottle, for nights when your body is tired but your brain did not get the memo.
- Wild lettuce + California poppy blend
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Supplements
Labels, doses and honest verdicts See the guides
Thorne
THORNE Vitamin D + K2 Liquid
Vitamin D3 with K2 (MK-4) in metered drops you can dose precisely. Get your vitamin D level tested first, and check with your doctor if you take a blood thinner.
- 1,000 IU D3 + 200 mcg K2 per 2 drops
- 600 servings per 1 oz bottle
- In MCT oil with a metered dispenser
Nordic Naturals
Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 2X
A concentrated omega-3 with EPA and DHA listed separately, in the triglyceride form. For people whose doctor wants them above 2,000 mg a day.
- 2,150 mg omega-3s per 2 softgels
- 1,125 mg EPA + 875 mg DHA
- Wild anchovies and sardines, lemon flavor
Doctor's Best
Doctor's Best High Absorption Magnesium Glycinate Lysinate
Chelated magnesium in the glycinate form we recommend for sleep. Easier on the stomach than oxide or citrate.
- 200 mg magnesium per serving
- 240 tablets
- Chelated glycinate lysinate, vegan
Women's Health
Hormones, cycles and life stages See the guides
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Red Raspberry Leaf Alcohol-Free Extract
The traditional women's herb, best known in the third trimester. Talk to your midwife or OB before using it during pregnancy.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Shatavari Alcohol-Free Extract
Ayurveda's main herb for women, used across the cycle and through menopause.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Hawaii Pharm
Hawaii Pharm Maca Root Alcohol-Free Extract
A Peruvian root with small trials on libido and menopausal symptoms.
- 1156 mg extract per 1 ml serving
- 60 servings per 2 oz bottle
- Alcohol-free glycerite
Product links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Supplement statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or take medication. Full disclosure.
What to look for, category by category
Sleep
Most sleep stacks are melatonin plus filler. What actually moves the needle for most people is magnesium in a form that absorbs, taken consistently, at a sane hour.
- Look for: magnesium glycinate or bisglycinate, elemental amount printed on the label.
- Walk away from: proprietary blends, oxide as the only form, added stimulants.
- Ask for: a current certificate of analysis you can actually open.
Gut health
A probiotic is only as good as the strain on the label. Genus and species are not enough, because the research is strain specific and so is the effect.
- Look for: full strain designation, CFU guaranteed through the expiry date, not at manufacture.
- Walk away from: huge CFU counts with no strains named.
- Ask for: storage instructions that match how it is shipped.
Daily foundations
Boring beats clever. Vitamin D with K2 if your levels are low, an omega-3 that has not gone rancid, and a protein powder with a short ingredient list will outperform most stacks costing four times as much.
- Look for: EPA and DHA listed separately, oxidation testing, third-party identity testing.
- Walk away from: fish oil with no freshness data and a strong smell.
- Ask for: a blood test before you start supplementing vitamin D at a high dose.
Botanicals
Herbs are the category where dose and extract standardization matter most, and where labels are vaguest. Our botanical guides list the studied dose next to what is actually in the bottle.
In the kitchen
The one appliance that earns its counter space. A high-speed blender turns oats into flour, seeds into something you can actually digest, and makes most of the recipes on this site possible in one jug.
The blender we use
Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Blender
The high-speed blender behind our gluten-free banana bread and our smoothies. It mills oats into flour in seconds and blends seeds smooth.
- 2 HP motor with 10 variable speeds
- 64 oz container plus tamper
- Self-cleans with warm water and a drop of soap
- 7-year limited warranty
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure. Image: Vitamix (official press image).