Botanicals

One plant at a time: what the research supports, the dose that was actually studied, and who should skip it. Every product we link to on this site is collected below the guides, each paired with the guide that explains it.

  • Ginger

    Ginger

    The best-studied herbal remedy for nausea, with good evidence in pregnancy and mixed results for motion sickness.

  • Peppermint

    Peppermint

    One of the few herbs recommended in a gastroenterology guideline, for IBS.

  • Fennel

    Fennel

    A classic carminative seed for gas and bloating, with promising small trials.

  • Coconut

    Coconut

    Coconut oil raises LDL more than plant oils, MCT oil is a different fat, and virgin coconut oil is a…

  • Brazil Nut

    Brazil Nut

    The richest food source of selenium. Two a day is enough; daily handfuls can be too much.

  • Saw Palmetto

    Saw Palmetto

    The most popular prostate herb in America. In the largest trials, it worked no better than placebo.

  • Ginkgo Biloba

    Ginkgo Biloba

    The best-selling memory herb, and one of the clearest examples of a supplement that failed its biggest trial.

  • Rhodiola

    Rhodiola

    An adaptogen root with small but encouraging trials for stress-related fatigue, and weak evidence for depression.

  • Chia Seed

    Chia Seed

    A fiber and plant omega-3 powerhouse, the running myth it did not live up to, and why it must be…

  • Flaxseed

    Flaxseed

    Blood pressure and cholesterol evidence, why it must be ground, and the hot flash result that disappointed.

Shop the botanicals

Every product we recommend, in one place

Each pick links to the guide that explains the evidence, the dose and who should skip it. Read that first, then buy.

Hawaii Pharm liquid extracts

Alcohol-free glycerites and tinctures, identity-tested and made in Hawaii.

WishGarden Herbs tinctures

Small-batch herbal formulas from Boulder, Colorado.

Ashwagandha capsules and softgels

Our picks from the ashwagandha guide, matched to the studied extracts.

Organic superfoods

Everyday foods from the recipes and guides on this site.

Health tech

Wearables, light therapy and filtration we have checked against the research.

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