Simples (Single Plant Tinctures) A-C

Simples are tinctures (alcohol and water extracts) that are of one single plant. Many people prefer simples to formulas (which are multiple plant extracts blended in one bottle), as they can help determine which plant works best for you, one plant at a time. 

We at Haven make a lot of different simples in order to make our formulas. We now are offering simples in 1 oz. dropper bottles (the smaller size in the picture) to you of ones we regularly have in stock. (Sorry, no more 4 oz simples are available.)

This listing are for plants with a common name starting with A-C. If it is in stock, you will be able to order a simple of it! 

All information on historical use per plant listed below is for educational purposes only (the FDA makes us state this).

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa): Full of Vitamin K, Copper, Vitamin C, Manganese, and Folate, this is a healthy addition for all! Traditionally used for kidney and bladder issues. Safe for everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding people and kids.

Andrographis: (Andrographis paniculata): Long used in South Asia for colds and flu. This powerful herb is safe for kids, but unsafe fr pregnant or breastfeeding people.

Arjuna (Arjuna terminalia): This Ayurvedic herb is an ancient cardiovascular remedy. It is safe for kids, but unknown safety info exists for pregnant and breastfeeding people.

Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera): Truly an herb for our modern civilization, this adaptogen can reduce anxiety and stress, help fight depression, boost fertility and testosterone in men, and even boost brain function. Helps folks get healthy sleep. 

Astragalus (Astragalus propinquus): aka Milk Vetch or Huang Qi, this is still one of the fifty fundamental herbs used in TCM as a Qi tonic. Tonifying and stimulating, Astragalus is often affectionately called the “young person’s ginseng.” Though it is a relatively new focus in eclectic American herbalism, Astragalus is getting some serious clout as of late for being an adaptogen, an herb that has some normalizing activity, particularly on the immune, nervous, and hormonal systems. Prior to this classification, Astragalus was primarily prized for its immunomodulating, diuretic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. 

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri): This Ayurvedic herb, also known as Brahmi, is well known for its beneficial effects on the central nervous system and brain- helping to organize executive functioning. It is safe for kids, but unknown safety info exists for pregnant and breastfeeding people.

Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis): Long used as a pain reliever. Great for headaches, especially migraine. Bay Laurel should never be used by women who are pregnant, since it may cause spotting and the berries have been used to promote abortion.

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): This herb has been documented since the 1800's to support a healthy inflammatory response, to support bronchial health, to support normal levels of energy, and to support the female reproductive system during the menopausal and perimenopausal years. This herb is for adults who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium): This plant has been used interchangeably with Crampbark (they are cousins) for muscle and menstrual cramps, the pain of afterbirth, and stopping uterine contractions and miscarriage for generations. It is safe for kids, but unknown safety info exists for pregnant and breastfeeding people.

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus): Bladderwrack is a seaweed found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Traditional medicinal practices have used it for centuries to treat an array of conditions, such as iodine deficiency, obesity, joint pain, aging skin, digestive issues, urinary tract infection, and thyroid dysfunction, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and goiter development.

Boswellia/Frankincense (Boswellia serrata): Long used for inflammation, this resin is now being tested for brain function and memory issues. This is safe for kids, but unknown safety info exists for pregnant and breastfeeding people.

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata):  Thomas Easley says Blue Vervain is for “tight-necked, over-achieving, list-makers, who can’t ask for help.” However, this powerful plant should not be overlooked even when the personality type isn't correct. It has been used for nervous system support, mood improvement, and musculoskeletal tension & holding patterns. Safe for children and breastfeeding. Extremely large doses may cause nausea and vomiting. Large doses may stimulate a miscarriage in pregnant people, although traditionally, in normal doses blue vervain was used to protect against miscarriage (Easley.) According to the USDA, Blue Vervain can interfere with blood pressure medication and hormone therapy.

Bupleurum (Bupleurum rotundifolium): Bupleurum, aka Chai Hu or Hare'e Ear, has been a staple of TCM for over 2,000 years. It is used for respiratory infections, including the flu (influenza), swine flu, the common cold, bronchitis, and pneumonia; and symptoms of these infections, including fever and cough. Some people use bupleurum for digestion problems including indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation. Not for use during pregnancy or lactation.

Burdock root (Arctium lappa): A well known tonic/alterative- this root has been used for years for overall health. As a bitter, it helps cleanse the liver and skin, and as a plant high in inulin, it has helped modulate blood sugar levels for generations. Safe for everyone.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis): A plant used for inflammation and skin conditions historically, this plant is safe for everyone.

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica): California poppy is one of the oldest North American remedies for stress-induced maladies including sensitivity to changes in the weather. It is a nervine sedative (meaning it can slow down the nervous system), helping with anxiety, nervous agitation, insomnia, and other nervous system complaints.This is safe for kids, but unknown safety info exists for pregnant and breastfeeding people.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria): Safe for everyone in moderate doses, catnip is known to be a nervine sedative and digestive (helps calm the digestion). 

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa): This South American vine has been used for pain caused by inflammation for generations. It's also fabulous for building a healthy immune system, according to the Ashaninka people, who call it a gift from the gods. This is safe for children, but should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding people.

Cleavers (Galium aparine): Cleavers has often been taken as a diuretic, but it is also known to be effective to soothe skin disorders. It is renown for draining swollen lymph glands and as a general detoxifying agent. Cleavers is used internally and externally to reduce the discomfort of ulcers, festering glands, and fibrocystic breasts. Cleavers is safe for children. Excessive doses can cause internal bleeding and should not be taken if on conventional medication for circulatory problems or during pregnancy or breastfeeding.It should not be taken with anticoagulant medications. Do not use if there are existing kidney problems.

Corn Silk (Zea mays): According to James Duke, PhD, "Extracts if corn silk are potent diuretics, giving rise to their use for all sorts of kidney-related and urinary complaints." Safe for children, breastfeeding, and moderate amounts are fine for pregnant woman (like the amount found in food).

Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula): also known as poor man's Ginseng, has been used to treat HIV infection and to protect cancer patients against side effects of radiation treatment. Safe for children, but unknown safety info exists for pregnant and breastfeeding people.

Crampbark (Viburnum opulus): As the name suggests, Crampbark is used for relieving cramps, including muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, and cramps during pregnancy. Cramp bark is also used as a kidney stimulant for urinary conditions that involve pain or spasms. This is safe for everyone, including children, pregnant and breastfeeding people.