In our fifth installment in this series, we address the facts & fictions about ginkgo, guarana, and maca supplements in commerce! These were #13, 14, and 15 on the top-selling herbs list for 2023 (the most recent data).

This series is all about sharing an herbalist’s understanding of herbs very popular as commercial supplements and other mass-market products. We want to share perspectives of both traditional and contemporary herbal practice, so people can understand these are “good for” more than just what’s on their labels.

It’s too easy for herbs to be boxed in to smaller and smaller ranges of application when they’re commercialized. This is an antidote to that movement!

For practicing herbalists & clinicians, it’s very important to know well those herbs which are most commonly consumed. Your clients will ask you about them, or be taking them before they even visit you – so you’ve got to know what they do! You might be able to give advice about a better remedy, or a compensation for some effect of the plant. This can help your clients just as much as a new recommendation, so don’t neglect it.

If you’re new to herbalism, this can also serve as an inoculation against “herban legends” and misinformation – which is rampant on today’s internet.

13. Ginkgo – Ginkgo biloba

• HHP 139: Six Herbs for Cognitive Decline Prevention
• HHP 047: Tinnitus & Headaches

14. Guarana – Paullinia cupana

• Guarana at Examine.com
• Guarana in King’s American Dispensatory (1898)

15. Maca – Lepidium meyenii

• Maca at Examine.com
• Maca at Herbal Reality

Find the previous episode of this series here:

• (Part 1): Psyllium, Elderberry, Turmeric, Ashwagandha
• (Part 2): Apple Cider Vinegar, Cranberry
• (Part 3): Wheatgrass, Beet Root, & Ginger
• (Part 4): Green Tea, Fenugreek, Ivy Leaf

Whether you’re a brand-new beginner or an herbalist with experience, it’s always helpful to study the herbs in depth! Our comprehensive presentation of herbal allies is in our Holistic Herbalism Materia Medica course. It includes detailed profiles of 100 medicinal herbs!

This self-paced online video course comes with access to twice-weekly live Q&A sessions with us, lifetime access to current & future course material, open discussion threads integrated in each lesson, an active student community, study guides, quizzes & capstone assignments, and more!

Our theme music is “Wings” by Nicolai Heidlas.

Support the show

You can find all of our online herbalism courses at online.commonwealthherbs.com!