Herbs and Mushrooms Ordered by Symmetry (Categorized by Primary Use)

The list is grouped into six categories based on traditional and modern applications, aiming for a balanced distribution of herbs and mushrooms by function. The categories are:

1. Culinary and Warming Herbs (6 herbs): Spices and herbs for cooking or stimulating digestion/circulation.
2. Women’s Health and Hormonal Support (6 herbs): Herbs for reproductive, menstrual, or hormonal balance.
3. Nervines and Mood Support (7 herbs): Herbs for calming, uplifting, or supporting the nervous system.
4. Energy and Cognitive Support (4 herbs): Herbs for mental clarity, stamina, and adaptogenic effects.
5. Immune and Respiratory Support (9 herbs/mushrooms): Herbs and mushrooms for immunity, respiratory health, or vitality (includes Turkey Tail and Reishi).
6. Digestive and Detox Support (8 herbs): Herbs for digestion, liver support, and detoxification.

Categorized List

1. Culinary and Warming Herbs:
   • Basil
   • Cayenne (Ground)
   • Fennel Seed (Whole, Dried)
   • Ginger Root
   • Peppermint Leaf
   • Turmeric Root (Powder)
2. Women’s Health and Hormonal Support:
   • Dong Quai Root (Powder)
   • Maca Root (Powder)
   • Mugwort Herb (Powder)
   • Red Clover Tops
   • Shatavari (Powder)
   • Yarrow Flower
3. Nervines and Mood Support:
   • Chamomile (Whole)
   • Feverfew Herb (Powder)
   • Lavender Flower
   • Lemon Balm
   • Linden Leaf and Flower (Powder)
   • Motherwort Herb
   • St. John’s Wort
4. Energy and Cognitive Support:
   • Ashwagandha Root
   • Ginkgo Leaf
   • Gotu Kola
   • Guarana Seed
5. Immune and Respiratory Support:
   • Astragalus Root
   • Elderberry (Whole)
   • Hawthorn Berry (Whole)
   • Mullein Leaf
   • Nettle Leaf
   • Nettle Root
   • Reishi Mushroom
   • Turkey Tail Mushroom
   • Yarrow Flower (also in Women’s Health; included for immune support)
6. Digestive and Detox Support:
   • Burdock Root
   • Dandelion Root
   • Fenugreek Seed (Whole and Powder)
   • Licorice Root
   • Marshmallow Root
   • Milk Thistle Seed (Whole and Powder)

Informative List of Herbs and Mushrooms

Below is a concise description of each herb and mushroom, organized by category, with details on description, uses, benefits, and precautions.

1. Culinary and Warming Herbs

• Basil
  • Description: Ocimum basilicum, aromatic dried leaves.
  • Uses: Seasoning for soups, sauces, pesto.
  • Benefits: Antioxidant; may aid digestion and stress relief.
  • Note: Holy basil (tulsi) used in Ayurveda for calming.
• Cayenne (Ground)
  • Description: Capsicum annuum chili peppers, fiery powder.
  • Uses: Adds heat to dishes; circulatory tonic.
  • Benefits: Capsaicin may boost metabolism and ease pain.
  • Note: Avoid overuse; may irritate stomach.
• Fennel Seed (Whole, Dried)
  • Description: Foeniculum vulgare seeds, licorice-like.
  • Uses: Spice for cooking; tea for digestion.
  • Benefits: May relieve bloating and gas.
  • Note: Chew seeds or steep for digestive aid.
• Ginger Root
  • Description: Zingiber officinale rhizome, spicy-warm.
  • Uses: Spice in recipes; tea for nausea.
  • Benefits: Anti-inflammatory; may ease nausea and arthritis.
  • Note: Powder for baking; fresh more potent.
• Peppermint Leaf
  • Description: Mentha piperita, cooling mint herb.
  • Uses: Tea for digestion; dessert flavoring.
  • Benefits: May soothe IBS, nausea, and headaches.
  • Note: Avoid with acid reflux in large doses.
• Turmeric Root (Powder)
  • Description: Curcuma longa rhizome, bright yellow.
  • Uses: Curry spice; golden milk for inflammation.
  • Benefits: Curcumin may reduce inflammation, boost immunity.
  • Note: Pair with black pepper for absorption.

2. Women’s Health and Hormonal Support

• Dong Quai Root (Powder)
  • Description: Angelica sinensis, Chinese tonic herb.
  • Uses: Tea or tincture for menstrual health.
  • Benefits: May regulate cycles, ease cramps.
  • Note: Avoid in pregnancy or bleeding disorders.
• Maca Root (Powder)
  • Description: Lepidium meyenii, Peruvian superfood.
  • Uses: Smoothie booster for energy, libido.
  • Benefits: May balance hormones, enhance stamina.
  • Note: Start small to assess tolerance.
• Mugwort Herb (Powder)
  • Description: Artemisia vulgaris, bitter aromatic herb.
  • Uses: Tea for dreams, menstrual support.
  • Benefits: May aid digestion, stimulate cycles.
  • Note: Avoid in pregnancy; may cause allergies.
• Red Clover Tops
  • Description: Trifolium pratense, sweet flowers.
  • Uses: Tea for menopause, skin health.
  • Benefits: Isoflavones may balance hormones.
  • Note: Consult if on blood thinners.
• Shatavari (Powder)
  • Description: Asparagus racemosus, Ayurvedic female tonic.
  • Uses: Powder in milk for reproductive health.
  • Benefits: May support fertility, lactation.
  • Note: Avoid if allergic to asparagus.
• Yarrow Flower
  • Description: Achillea millefolium, feathery flowers.
  • Uses: Tea for cramps, fevers.
  • Benefits: May reduce bleeding, inflammation.
  • Note: Avoid in pregnancy; may cause allergies.

3. Nervines and Mood Support

• Chamomile (Whole)
  • Description: Matricaria chamomilla, apple-scented flowers.
  • Uses: Tea for relaxation, digestion.
  • Benefits: May ease anxiety, insomnia, cramps.
  • Note: May cause allergies in ragweed-sensitive people.
• Feverfew Herb (Powder)
  • Description: Tanacetum parthenium, bitter herb.
  • Uses: Capsules or tea for migraines.
  • Benefits: May reduce headache frequency, inflammation.
  • Note: Avoid in pregnancy; may irritate mouth.
• Lavender Flower
  • Description: Lavandula angustifolia, fragrant blooms.
  • Uses: Tea, sachets, baths for relaxation.
  • Benefits: May reduce anxiety, improve sleep.
  • Note: Use sparingly in tea to avoid strong taste.
• Lemon Balm
  • Description: Melissa officinalis, lemony mint herb.
  • Uses: Tea for calm, focus.
  • Benefits: May reduce anxiety, aid sleep.
  • Note: Safe for most; fresh leaves best.
• Linden Leaf and Flower (Powder)
  • Description: Tilia spp., sweet blossoms.
  • Uses: Tea for anxiety, insomnia.
  • Benefits: May reduce stress, soothe colds.
  • Note: Steep for sweet, mild infusion.
• Motherwort Herb
  • Description: Leonurus cardiaca, bitter mint herb.
  • Uses: Tincture for anxiety, heart palpitations.
  • Benefits: May ease menstrual, heart issues.
  • Note: Avoid in pregnancy unless supervised.
• St. John’s Wort
  • Description: Hypericum perforatum, yellow flowers.
  • Uses: Tincture for mild depression.
  • Benefits: May improve mood, nerve pain.
  • Note: Interacts with medications; consult doctor.

4. Energy and Cognitive Support

• Ashwagandha Root
  • Description: Withania somnifera, Ayurvedic adaptogen.
  • Uses: Powder or capsules for stress relief.
  • Benefits: May lower cortisol, boost vitality.
  • Note: Nightshade family; avoid if sensitive.
• Ginkgo Leaf
  • Description: Ginkgo biloba, ancient tree leaves.
  • Uses: Tincture for brain health.
  • Benefits: May enhance memory, circulation.
  • Note: May interact with blood thinners.
• Gotu Kola
  • Description: Centella asiatica, brain herb.
  • Uses: Tea or capsules for mental clarity.
  • Benefits: May improve memory, skin healing.
  • Note: Avoid with sedatives.
• Guarana Seed
  • Description: Paullinia cupana, caffeine-rich seed.
  • Uses: Powder for energy drinks.
  • Benefits: Boosts alertness, metabolism.
  • Note: High caffeine; avoid before bed.

5. Immune and Respiratory Support

• Astragalus Root
  • Description: Astragalus membranaceus, immune tonic.
  • Uses: Broth or tea for colds.
  • Benefits: May boost immunity, energy.
  • Note: Best for prevention, not acute infections.
• Elderberry (Whole)
  • Description: Sambucus nigra, dark berries.
  • Uses: Syrup for colds, flu.
  • Benefits: Antiviral; may shorten flu duration.
  • Note: Cook berries; raw seeds toxic.
• Hawthorn Berry (Whole)
  • Description: Crataegus spp., red heart berries.
  • Uses: Tea or tincture for circulation.
  • Benefits: May support heart, blood pressure.
  • Note: Consult for heart medications.
• Mullein Leaf
  • Description: Verbascum thapsus, fuzzy lung herb.
  • Uses: Tea for respiratory issues.
  • Benefits: May soothe coughs, asthma.
  • Note: Strain tea to remove hairs.
• Nettle Leaf
  • Description: Urtica dioica, nutrient-rich leaves.
  • Uses: Tea for allergies, nutrition.
  • Benefits: Anti-inflammatory; supports kidneys.
  • Note: Gloves for fresh leaves to avoid sting.
• Nettle Root
  • Description: Urtica dioica root, distinct from leaves.
  • Uses: Tincture for prostate, hair health.
  • Benefits: May reduce inflammation, urinary issues.
  • Note: Consult for prostate concerns.
• Reishi Mushroom
  • Description: Ganoderma lucidum, woody medicinal fungus.
  • Uses: Tea, powder, or capsules for immunity.
  • Benefits: May boost immune function, reduce stress; contains beta-glucans.
  • Note: Bitter; long-term use generally safe but consult for liver conditions.
• Turkey Tail Mushroom
  • Description: Trametes versicolor, colorful shelf fungus.
  • Uses: Tea, powder, or capsules for immune support.
  • Benefits: Polysaccharides may enhance immunity, support gut health.
  • Note: Simmer for tea; consult if on immunosuppressants.
• Yarrow Flower
  • Description: Achillea millefolium, feathery flowers.
  • Uses: Tea for fevers, wounds.
  • Benefits: May reduce inflammation, stop bleeding.
  • Note: Avoid in pregnancy; may cause allergies.

6. Digestive and Detox Support

• Burdock Root
  • Description: Arctium lappa, detoxifying root.
  • Uses: Tea or broth for skin, liver health.
  • Benefits: May purify blood, reduce acne.
  • Note: Slow-acting; pairs with dandelion.
• Dandelion Root
  • Description: Taraxacum officinale, bitter root.
  • Uses: Tea for liver, digestion.
  • Benefits: May support liver, kidney function.
  • Note: Roasted root mimics coffee.
• Fenugreek Seed (Whole and Powder)
  • Description: Trigonella foenum-graecum, maple-scented seeds.
  • Uses: Spice or tea for digestion, lactation.
  • Benefits: May lower blood sugar, boost milk supply.
  • Note: Monitor with diabetes; may cause odor.
• Licorice Root
  • Description: Glycyrrhiza glabra, sweet root.
  • Uses: Tea for sore throat, digestion.
  • Benefits: May soothe stomach, adrenals.
  • Note: Avoid long-term use; raises blood pressure.
• Marshmallow Root
  • Description: Althaea officinalis, mucilaginous root.
  • Uses: Tea for sore throat, gut health.
  • Benefits: Soothes mucous membranes.
  • Note: Cold infusion maximizes mucilage.
• Milk Thistle Seed (Whole and Powder)
  • Description: Silybum marianum, liver herb.
  • Uses: Capsules or tea for detox.
  • Benefits: Silymarin supports liver regeneration.
  • Note: Grind seeds for better absorption.

General Notes

• Preparation: Herbs and mushrooms can be used as teas (1 tsp per cup, steep 5-15 minutes; mushrooms may need longer simmering), tinctures, capsules, or powders in food. Reishi and Turkey Tail often require extended boiling for tea.
• Safety: Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, or on medications. St. John’s Wort, licorice, and some mushrooms may interact with drugs.
• Storage: Store in airtight containers, away from light/heat, to preserve potency.
• Yarrow Placement: Yarrow is listed in both Women’s Health and Immune Support due to its versatile roles, with full details in both.