Herbs and Ingredients
HERBS ARE OUR EXPERTISE
The Science of Better Ingredients
For more than two decades, Dr. Bill Rawls has studied how herbs and other natural compounds support the body at the cellular level. That research shapes every Vital Plan formula, from the ingredients we select to the forms, amounts, and combinations we use.
We don't add popular herbs to a formula because they're trending. We select each ingredient for a reason, then formulate them to work together.
Not just what's in the bottle. Why it's there.
There's a meaningful difference between putting an herb in a supplement and formulating with it well. Every Vital Plan botanical formula is built around four principles:
Carefully Selected
Every ingredient has a purpose.
Dr. Rawls selects herbs and other natural compounds based on their properties, traditional use, modern research, and how they fit within his cellular wellness approach.
Standardized Extracts
More precision than simple herb powder.
For many of our key botanicals, we use concentrated, standardized extracts designed to deliver defined levels of important plant compounds. Read More
Research-Informed Dosing
Enough of the right ingredient to matter.
An impressive ingredient list means little if the ingredients aren't present in meaningful amounts. Our formulas use purposeful dosages informed by Dr. Rawls' research. Read More
Designed for Synergy
Because herbs don't work in isolation.
Dr. Rawls formulates combinations of complementary herbs and nutrients that support multiple aspects of cellular wellness together. Each ingredient has a role. Read More
A modern approach to herbal wellness
Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years. But our approach isn't about recreating the mortar and pestle. It's about bringing the wisdom of plants together with modern botanical science.
Dr. Rawls' work centers on a simple idea: support the fundamental processes that allow cells to function well, and you support the body's natural ability to maintain resilience and restore balance. That's why you'll find botanicals at the heart of so many Vital Plan formulas.
Dr. Rawls spent decades practicing medicine before his own health crisis led him to a deep study of herbal therapeutics, work that eventually became the foundation of Vital Plan.
From formula to finished product
Choosing the right ingredients is only part of the equation. Every Vital Plan formula is developed under physician oversight, sourced to defined specifications, and independently third-party tested for identity, purity, and potency. We verify incoming ingredients and finished batches so what's on the label is what ends up in the bottle.
Featured ingredients
Explore a few of our featured ingredients pages to learn more about the unique benefits, traditional uses and modern research behind these powerful botanicals.
Explore Our Ingredients
Curious about what's inside your Vital Plan products? Dive into the science, traditional uses, active compounds, benefits, and dosing considerations behind the herbs and nutrients we use.
Explore All Ingredients
Browse every herb and nutrient we use, from A to Z. Each page covers traditional uses, active compounds, research, and how Vital Plan formulates with it.
A
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Andrographis
The “king of bitters,” traditionally used for immune and microbial balance. -
Ashwagandha
An Ayurvedic adaptogen that supports stress resilience and calm energy.
B
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Bacopa
A traditional brain herb studied for memory, focus, and calm. -
Berberine
A bright yellow plant compound that supports microbial and metabolic balance. -
Boswellia
Frankincense resin that supports joint comfort and a healthy inflammatory response. -
Bromelain
A pineapple enzyme that supports digestion and a healthy inflammatory response.
C
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Cardamom
An aromatic spice traditionally used to support digestion. -
Cat’s Claw
A rainforest vine that supports immune function and a healthy inflammatory response. -
Chinese Salvia
A root used in Chinese medicine to support circulation and heart health. -
Chinese Skullcap
A root rich in baicalin that supports cellular wellness and immune balance. -
Cordyceps
A functional mushroom that supports energy, stamina, and healthy lung function. -
Cryptolepis
A West African herb traditionally used to support microbial balance.
D
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Dandelion
A bitter root that supports liver function, bile flow, and gut health.
G
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GABA
A calming neurotransmitter that supports relaxation and restful sleep. -
Garlic
A source of allicin that supports immune, microbial, and heart health. -
Ginkgo Biloba
An ancient tree leaf that supports circulation and cognitive function. -
Glutathione
The body’s master antioxidant, supporting detoxification and cellular protection. -
Gotu Kola
A traditional herb that supports connective tissue, circulation, and calm focus.
H
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Hawthorn
A berry and leaf traditionally used to support heart and circulatory health. -
Hesperidin
A citrus flavonoid that supports healthy blood vessels and circulation. -
Houttuynia
An Asian herb traditionally used to support immune and microbial balance.
J
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Japanese Knotweed
A natural source of resveratrol that supports cellular and immune health.
L
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L-Theanine
A tea amino acid that supports calm focus without drowsiness. -
Lemon Balm
A gentle mint-family herb that supports relaxation and a calm mood. -
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
A functional mushroom studied for nerve health and cognitive support. -
Lutein
A carotenoid that supports eye health and protection from blue light.
M
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Melatonin
A natural hormone that supports healthy sleep-wake cycles. -
Milk Thistle
A source of silymarin that supports liver health and detoxification.
N
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N-acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
A glutathione precursor that supports antioxidant defenses and respiratory health. -
Neem
An Ayurvedic tree traditionally used to support skin, immune, and microbial balance.
P
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Passionflower
A flowering vine that supports relaxation and restful sleep. -
Pine Bark
An antioxidant-rich extract that supports circulation and blood vessel health. -
Prickly Ash
A traditional bark used to support circulation and digestion.
R
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Red Sage
Also called Dan Shen, a root that supports circulation and heart health. -
Reishi Mushroom
The “mushroom of immortality,” supporting immune balance and stress resilience. -
Relora
A botanical blend that supports a healthy stress response and calm mood. -
Resveratrol
A polyphenol that supports cellular health, healthy aging, and circulation. -
Rhodiola
An arctic adaptogen that supports energy, focus, and stress resilience. -
Rutin
A plant flavonoid that supports healthy capillaries and circulation.
S
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Shilajit
A mineral-rich resin that supports energy and mitochondrial function. -
Slippery Elm
An inner bark that soothes and coats the digestive tract.
T
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Trans-Resveratrol
The bioactive form of resveratrol, supporting cellular and heart health. -
Turmeric
A golden root rich in curcumin that supports a healthy inflammatory response.