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How to Use This Database
This guide will help you get the most out of Bountiful Herbs, whether you are a practitioner building formulas, a student studying botanical medicine, or a patient exploring natural alternatives.
Searching & Filtering
The Search & Filter page is the most powerful way to find herbs. Use the text search to look up herbs by name, action, or indication. Then narrow results using the category filters below it.
You can select multiple values within each filter category. For example, select both “Anti-inflammatory” and “Analgesic” under Actions to find herbs that have both properties. Each additional selection narrows the results further.
Filters work together across categories as well: selecting “Anti-inflammatory” and “Analgesic” in Actions AND “Warming” in Energetics will show only herbs that are anti-inflammatory, analgesic, AND warming. This “AND” logic applies everywhere — both within and across categories — so you can zero in on exactly the right herb for a given combination of actions, symptoms, energetics, tastes, and plant parts.
Understanding Safety Indicators
Each herb card may display safety badges to alert you to important considerations:
⚠ LD (Low Dose): These herbs require very precise dosing. Low-dose herbs can be difficult to obtain and should be used with particular care. Always consult a healthcare practitioner with herbal medicine experience before using low-dose herbs.
⚠ Preg (Pregnancy): Herbs marked with a red “⚠ Preg” badge are known to be not safe during pregnancy. Herbs marked with an amber “? Preg” badge have limited safety data — their contraindications mention pregnancy, but they are not conclusively classified as unsafe. They may carry a “Category B” or “Category C” rating, meaning “use with caution” or “unknown safety.”
⚠ Lact (Lactation): The same three-state logic applies — red for known unsafe, amber for caution/unknown, and no badge for herbs considered safe.
When the “Pregnancy Safe (excludes unknown)” filter is checked, herbs that are known to be unsafe OR whose safety is unknown/cautionary will be excluded. We take a conservative approach to protect vulnerable populations.
Low-Dose Herbs — Special Caution
Low-dose herbs (marked with LD) are potent botanicals that require precise, often very small, dosing. Overdose can cause serious adverse effects.
These herbs are sometimes difficult to source from regular herbal suppliers. If you are interested in working with low-dose herbs, we strongly recommend consulting with a naturopathic physician, clinical herbalist, or other healthcare practitioner who has direct experience with these botanicals.
The Formulation Builder will flag any low-dose herbs you add to a formula with a warning to help you stay safe.
Building Formulas
The Formulation Builder supports four preparation types: tinctures, teas/infusions, powdered herbs/capsules, and essential oil blends. Each tool uses a parts-based system that auto-calculates proportions based on the total volume or weight you specify.
Simply search for herbs and add them to your formula. Adjust the parts for each herb to set the ratio. Safety warnings appear automatically when you add a low-dose herb.
Sourcing Herbs
We recommend sourcing your herbs from reputable suppliers. Visit our Fullscript dispensary for practitioner-grade supplements, or source raw herbs from trusted suppliers like Mountain Rose Herbs and Starwest Botanicals.
Program Download
Important Note
The Bountiful Herbs downloadable desktop program is the original version of this database. It does not contain the same number of herbs or the latest updates available in this web application. The web app you are currently using features 451 herbs with expanded actions, indications, safety data, and formulation tools that are not available in the downloadable program.
However, the downloadable program offers a unique benefit: it is fully customizable. You can add your own herbs, remove entries, edit monographs, and tailor the database to your personal practice or area of study. If you want a database you can make entirely your own, the downloadable program is a great option to complement this web app.
Download the Program
Downloading this software means you agree to the outlined terms and conditions below. Please be aware that we are not providing any support for these programs.
After you click the link below, right click the file you need (Mac or Windows) and click download.
Click here to download the file you need
Watch video tutorial on how to use the herbal database
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the database?
Most database usage questions can be answered by watching the tutorial video above.
What if I am unable to download?
This is a common issue and is often the result of your operating system’s security settings. It can be fairly complicated as it may depend on your internet browser, your antivirus program, and/or your operating system. Below are some easy fixes:
For Mac users: Go to “System Preferences” and click on “Security & Privacy.” Make sure that your settings are set to “Allow apps downloaded from anywhere.” You may have to click the lock icon at the bottom right corner and log in to enable these changes.
For PC users: If a window pops up that reads “Windows protected your PC,” click “More info.” Next click “Run anyway.”
We are not responsible for your being able to download and install the program to your computer. This process is complicated and is dependent on multiple factors which are outside of our control. Our program does work. If you have access to an IT department they can often resolve the concern as well.
How many computers can I download this software on for use?
The free version of this software can be used on as many computers as you would like for personal use.
I just purchased a new computer. Can I transfer the software?
Yes. We recommend you follow the instructions on the tutorial page and transfer your info before deleting the software from your computer.
Where can I make suggestions for future updates?
We are not currently supporting any updates of the downloadable software. For the most current herbal data, use this web application.
Is this database meant for use by medical professionals only?
We have no problems with anyone using the database. However, it should not be considered a replacement for a medical and/or herbal education. Please see our disclaimer and be aware that this program was created by professionals with professionals in mind.
Where did the information within the database originate?
The botanical information contained within the database is a compiled mix of modern Western phytotherapy, Naturopathic botanical medicine, Native American plant medicine, Eclectic/Physio-medicalist traditions, Oriental medicine, and Ayurvedic medicine traditions. It is common for herbalists to have disagreement regarding the specific use of plants as medicine, which is why the downloadable database is completely editable. The core data is simply a starting place for one’s consistent and often lifetime pursuit into the vast world of botanical medicine.
Pregnancy Safety Classification
The pregnancy data given in the database monographs is based upon the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration Classification for Drugs in Pregnancy, as explained below:
Category A
Drugs which have been taken by a large number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age without any proven increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the fetus having been observed.
Category B1
Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have not shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage.
Category B2
Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals are inadequate or may be lacking, but available data show no evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage.
Category B3
Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans.
Category C
Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.
Category D
Drugs which have caused, are suspected to have caused, or may be expected to cause an increased incidence of human fetal malformations or irreversible damage. These drugs may also have adverse pharmacological effects. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.
Category X
Drugs which have such a high risk of causing permanent damage to the fetus that they should not be used in pregnancy or when there is a possibility of pregnancy.
What does this mean? The Australian categorization system differs from the US FDA categorization. The categorization of medicines for use in pregnancy does not follow a hierarchical structure:
- Human data are lacking or inadequate for drugs in the B1, B2, and B3 categories
- Subcategorization of the B category is based on animal data
- The allocation of a B category does not imply greater safety than a C category
- Medicines in category D are not absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy (e.g., anticonvulsants)
Lactation Safety Classification
The lactation data given in the database is based upon the American Academy of Pediatrics published guidelines and classification system for drugs used in lactating women:
- ND: No data available
- C: Compatible with breast-feeding
- CC: Compatible with breast-feeding but use caution
- SD: Strongly discouraged in breast-feeding
- X: Contraindicated in breast-feeding
These classifications are based on controlled studies in animals or humans and on data gathered from using the drugs in pregnant women. Most herbs fall into the category of ND.
Terms and Conditions
By downloading or using the Bountiful Herbs Botanical Medicine Database (“Database”) provided by Hummel Med LLC (“Company”), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, do not use the Database.
License and Use
- The Company grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the Database for personal, non-commercial purposes only.
- You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, publicly perform, republish, download, store, or transmit any of the material in the Database without prior written consent from the Company.
Disclaimer of Warranties
- The Database is provided on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis, without any warranties of any kind, express or implied.
- The Company does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information contained in the Database.
- The Company disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
Limitation of Liability
- In no event shall the Company be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in any way connected with the use of the Database.
- The Company shall not be liable for any loss or damage caused by viruses, distributed denial-of-service attacks, or other technologically harmful material that may infect your computer equipment, computer programs, data, or other proprietary material.
User Responsibilities
- You are solely responsible for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided in the Database.
- You acknowledge that the Database is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Intellectual Property
- The Database and its entire contents, features, and functionality are owned by the Company and are protected by international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property or proprietary rights laws.
Changes to Terms and Database
- The Company reserves the right to modify or discontinue the Database at any time without notice.
- The Company may revise these Terms and Conditions at any time without notice. By using the Database, you agree to be bound by the current version of these Terms and Conditions.
Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction where Hummel Med LLC is registered, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
By downloading or using the Bountiful Herbs Botanical Medicine Database, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
About Bountiful Herbs
Bountiful Herbs is a comprehensive botanical medicine database maintained by Hummel Medical. This tool provides detailed monographs on 451 medicinal herbs, including traditional uses, clinical indications, dosage guidance, safety information, and formulation tools.
This database is provided as an educational resource to support herbalists, naturopathic physicians, integrative practitioners, students of botanical medicine, and patients seeking natural alternatives in their study, clinical practice, and personal health journeys.
Formulation Tools
The built-in Formulation Builder supports four preparation types: tinctures, teas/infusions, powdered herbs/capsules, and essential oil blends. Each tool includes auto-calculation of ratios, safety warnings for low-dose herbs, and export capabilities for clinical use.
Sourcing Quality Herbs
We recommend sourcing your herbs from reputable suppliers. Visit our Fullscript dispensary for practitioner-grade supplements, or source raw herbs from trusted suppliers like Mountain Rose Herbs and Starwest Botanicals.
A Note on Low-Dose Herbs
Some herbs in this database are classified as low-dose botanicals, meaning they require very precise and often small dosing to be used safely. These herbs can be potent and potentially dangerous if used improperly. Additionally, low-dose herbs can be difficult to access through standard herbal suppliers.
If you are considering using a low-dose herb, we strongly recommend consulting with a healthcare practitioner who has direct clinical experience with botanical medicine — such as a naturopathic physician, clinical herbalist, or integrative medicine provider. Do not attempt to self-prescribe low-dose herbs without professional guidance.
The Bountiful Herbs Tradition
The Bountiful Herbs Database draws from a rich tradition of herbal medicine knowledge, compiled and curated with care to support evidence-informed botanical practice. We honor the long lineage of herbalists and healers who have preserved and advanced this knowledge.
Medical Disclaimer
The information in this database is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Herbal medicines can interact with pharmaceutical drugs and may not be appropriate for all individuals.
This database contains an extensive compilation of herbal information drawn from numerous traditional and modern sources. Due to the massive scope of this data—covering over 450 herbs with detailed actions, indications, safety profiles, and dosages—there may be occasional inaccuracies, inconsistencies, or incomplete information. We have made every effort to ensure accuracy and clinical relevance, but no database of this scale can be guaranteed to be error-free.
We strongly encourage all users—herbalists, clinicians, students, and individuals—to independently verify herbal information before making clinical decisions or personal use choices. Cross-reference with trusted pharmacopoeias, peer-reviewed research, and qualified practitioners. This tool is designed to be a comprehensive starting point for herbal formulation and education, not the final authority.
Hummel Medical and the Bountiful Herbs database assume no liability for any adverse effects resulting from the use of information contained herein. By using this database, you acknowledge that herbal medicine carries inherent risks and that ultimate responsibility for safe use lies with the practitioner or individual.