The FDA considers garlic safe. But it can increase your risk of bleeding. It should not be used with warfarin or other medicines that thin the blood. It may cause too much bleeding. Ginger is most known for easing nausea and motion sickness. Research suggests it may help the nausea from pregnancy and chemotherapy.

Ginger is in research for use in surgery and as an anticancer agent. It has strong anti-inflammatory effects. It is also a strong antioxidant. Side effects may include bloating, gas, heartburn, and nausea.

Ginkgo leaf extract is used for asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus. It is used to improve memory and to help prevent dementia. Some studies have shown it may work slightly. But how gingko works isn't fully known. Only extract from leaves should be used.

Seeds have ginkgo toxin. This toxin can cause seizures. In large amounts, it can lead to death. Ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding.

Do not use it with NSAID medicines or other medicines that thin the blood. Do not use it with anticonvulsant medicines, or tricyclic antidepressants. Ginseng is thought to boost energy, sex drive, and balance the body. Research is still unsure about its benefits. Side effects can include high blood pressure and fast heart rate.

It's safe according to the FDA, but avoid it with certain medicines. People with diabetes should not use ginseng. Goldenseal can help with diarrhea.

It can help with eye and skin irritation. It can act as an antiseptic. Use it carefully. Too much can cause irritation of the skin, mouth, and stomach. Always follow a healthcare provider's instructions. Goldenseal can be poisonous in high doses.

Milk thistle is used for liver problems and high cholesterol. It is also used to reduce the growth of cancer cells. Study results are not clear about its real benefits for liver disease. Saint John's wort can help with mild to moderate depression. Results for severe depression are not clear.

It can make your skin sensitive to light in high doses. It can interact with other medicines in dangerous ways. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before using this herb. Saw palmetto is used to treat urine problems from an enlarged prostate.

But recent studies have found it not to work for this. It can cause mild upset stomach or headaches. Valerian is used to treat sleep problems and to reduce anxiety.

Research shows it may work as a sleep aid, but the results are mixed. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking it. Before you use any herb as medicine, talk with your healthcare provider. Tell them all medicines and vitamins you take. They will need to make sure the herbal medicine is safe.

Some herbs are unsafe to take with other medicines. Ask them how much is safe for you to take. Follow their instructions. Tell them if you have any side effects.

Search Encyclopedia. A Guide to Common Medicinal Herbs For thousands of years, people have used herbs as medicine all over the world.

Chamomile Flower Chamomile is often used in the U. They consist of herbs or compounds that come from herbs. They can also contain fungi or algae. Herbal products come in a variety of formats, including :.

Historically, herbs were one of the main ways people treated disease. Today, they are still part of many types of complementary medicine, such as herbalism, naturopathy, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine. Learn more about alternative, complementary, and integrative medicine.

There are some key differences between herbal remedies and prescription or over-the-counter OTC medications. It is important to be aware of these differences before using them. In the United States, the FDA regulates many herbal remedies as dietary supplements. This means that the FDA does not test them for their efficacy or safety before companies put them on the market.

Companies are responsible for ensuring the labels of their products do not contain inaccurate or misleading information. They can also choose to ask a third party to test their products for quality, but this is not compulsory.

By contrast, medical products have to meet strict standards before a company can sell them in the U. Many people believe natural products are safer or gentler than prescription drugs.

But as with any drug, herbs can be toxic at the wrong doses. They can also cause side effects, interactions, and allergic reactions. Herbal products are only reviewed for safety and efficacy by the FDA if consumers or medical professionals report problems with them.

In some cases, the FDA has banned herbal products after discovering that they contained illegal substances, unlisted ingredients, or poisons. The evidence showing that herbal remedies work can vary a lot.

While some do have strong evidence showing they can benefit certain conditions, others have none. Additionally, the studies that look at herbal remedies are not always high quality, and may involve:.

This makes it difficult to know if a herbal remedy will work reliably across a large group of people, what the long-term effects are, or whether it is more effective than a placebo.

There may also be a lack of information about the impact on pregnant people and children. Be aware that people with pollen or plant allergies may also be allergic to herbs such as butterbur.

Migraine is a neurological condition that typically causes painful headaches , as well as other symptoms such as nausea and light sensitivity. Some herbal remedies people use for migraine include:. For other types of headache, peppermint oil may help. Peppermint contains menthol, which can have a cooling effect on the skin.

People can apply it by diluting in a safe quantity of carrier oil and massaging onto the skin. Menthol is not safe for children , so do not use this oil around them. A number of OTC products for coughs contain compounds that come from plants.

For example, cough lozenges often contain menthol to soothe a sore throat. There are many ancient cures for stress and anxiety. Some examples of herbal products that may help reduce stress and anxiety include:. It is worth noting that some herbal remedies for anxiety, including lemon balm and chamomile, appear to work by affecting GABA.

GABA is a neurotransmitter that impacts mood and sleep. As with antianxiety medications that work by changing GABA levels, these substances may cause side effects.

Learn more about effective treatments for anxiety. If people wish to try a herbal remedy, there are steps they can take to ensure they use them safely.

Always consult a qualified medical professional before using herbal remedies. This is especially important for people who are:. If a herbal remedy is safe to use, follow the instructions on the label or the instructions of a doctor.

If symptoms develop or get worse, or a person takes too much, stop using the product and seek medical attention. When looking for herbal remedies, choose brands that use third-party testing to ensure their facilities and products are high quality and contain no contaminants.

In the U. These qualities indicate a product has no hidden ingredients or harmful levels of a substance. But they do not guarantee a product will be safe or effective, so it is still important to speak with a healthcare professional about using them. As with medications, it is important not to give herbal products to others.

What helps one person may harm another, so it is essential that others seek their own medical advice when it comes to treating conditions.

Never give herbal remedies to children unless instructed to do so by a doctor. Many herbal remedies may not be tested on children, and even those that seem harmless may impact child development. Herbal remedies are a type of traditional medicine that use plant-based ingredients to treat illnesses.

Phosphatidylcholine is known to boost cognition, but its potential benefits don't stop there. Here's what you should know about this herbal remedy. Research suggests rhodiola and ashwagandha work well together, but you may want to take them at different times of day.

While research is still evolving, ashwagandha shows potential in addressing various aspects of fertility, including libido, hormone levels, and sexual…. Rhodiola is best known for its benefits with physical performance and endurance, less so for weight loss.

Rhodiola rosea may provide some early benefits within the first couple of weeks of use. Many studies show that taking ashwagandha daily can increase testosterone, but there isn't a clinical agreement on dosage. Let's look deeper.

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Homegrown Herbal Remedies. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Calendula Cilantro Lemon balm Peppermint Rosemary Mullein Thyme Lavender German chamomile Herbal garden allies Homegrown herbal remedies.

Calendula Calendula officinalis. Share on Pinterest. Cilantro Coriandrum sativum. Lemon balm Melissa officinalis. Peppermint Mentha x piperita. Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis.

Mullein Verbascum thapsus. Thyme Thymus vulgaris. Lavender Lavandula. German chamomile Matricaria recutita. Plants as Medicine. Herbal garden allies. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Sep 18, Written By The Healthline Editorial Team. Herbal products come in a variety of formats, including :.

Historically, herbs were one of the main ways people treated disease. Today, they are still part of many types of complementary medicine, such as herbalism, naturopathy, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine. Learn more about alternative, complementary, and integrative medicine.

There are some key differences between herbal remedies and prescription or over-the-counter OTC medications. It is important to be aware of these differences before using them. In the United States, the FDA regulates many herbal remedies as dietary supplements.

This means that the FDA does not test them for their efficacy or safety before companies put them on the market.

Companies are responsible for ensuring the labels of their products do not contain inaccurate or misleading information. They can also choose to ask a third party to test their products for quality, but this is not compulsory.

By contrast, medical products have to meet strict standards before a company can sell them in the U. Many people believe natural products are safer or gentler than prescription drugs. But as with any drug, herbs can be toxic at the wrong doses.

They can also cause side effects, interactions, and allergic reactions. Herbal products are only reviewed for safety and efficacy by the FDA if consumers or medical professionals report problems with them.

In some cases, the FDA has banned herbal products after discovering that they contained illegal substances, unlisted ingredients, or poisons.

The evidence showing that herbal remedies work can vary a lot. While some do have strong evidence showing they can benefit certain conditions, others have none. Additionally, the studies that look at herbal remedies are not always high quality, and may involve:.

This makes it difficult to know if a herbal remedy will work reliably across a large group of people, what the long-term effects are, or whether it is more effective than a placebo.

There may also be a lack of information about the impact on pregnant people and children. Be aware that people with pollen or plant allergies may also be allergic to herbs such as butterbur.

Migraine is a neurological condition that typically causes painful headaches , as well as other symptoms such as nausea and light sensitivity. Some herbal remedies people use for migraine include:.

For other types of headache, peppermint oil may help. Peppermint contains menthol, which can have a cooling effect on the skin. People can apply it by diluting in a safe quantity of carrier oil and massaging onto the skin. Menthol is not safe for children , so do not use this oil around them.

A number of OTC products for coughs contain compounds that come from plants. For example, cough lozenges often contain menthol to soothe a sore throat. There are many ancient cures for stress and anxiety. Some examples of herbal products that may help reduce stress and anxiety include:.

It is worth noting that some herbal remedies for anxiety, including lemon balm and chamomile, appear to work by affecting GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter that impacts mood and sleep. As with antianxiety medications that work by changing GABA levels, these substances may cause side effects.

Some people also enjoy eating the raw fruit and toasted seeds. However, the seeds are mildly toxic and should only be eaten in small quantities, if at all.

Ginkgo is said to treat a wide range of ailments, including heart disease, dementia, mental difficulties, and sexual dysfunction. Yet, studies have not proven it effective for any of these conditions 9. You can shop for ginkgo online or at supplement shops.

Gingko is traditionally used to treat numerous illnesses, including heart disease, dementia, and sexual dysfunction, but modern research has yet to prove its efficacy for any of these purposes.

Elderberry is an ancient herbal medicine typically made from the cooked fruit of the Sambucus nigra plant. It has long been used to relieve headaches, nerve pain, toothaches, colds, viral infections, and constipation Some people prefer to make their own syrup or tea by cooking elderberries with other ingredients, such as honey and ginger.

Test-tube studies demonstrate that its plant compounds have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties, but human research is lacking Short-term use is considered safe, but the unripe or raw fruit is toxic and may cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Elderberry is used to treat cold and flu symptoms, with some research suggesting that it may be at least mildly effective.

Its small, yellow flowers are commonly used to make teas, capsules, or extracts Its use can be traced back to ancient Greece, and SJW is still frequently prescribed by medical professionals in parts of Europe Historically, it was utilized to aid wound healing and alleviate insomnia, depression, and various kidney and lung diseases.

Many studies note that short-term use of SJW is as effective as some conventional antidepressants. SJW has relatively few side effects but may cause allergic reactions, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, and increased light sensitivity It also interferes with numerous medications, including antidepressants, birth control, blood thinners, certain pain medications, and some types of cancer treatments Particular drug interactions could be fatal, so if you take any prescription medications, consult your healthcare provider prior to using SJW.

If you decide to try it out, SJW is available online and in numerous stores. Yet, you may need to practice caution or avoid it because it interferes with several conventional medicines. Turmeric Curcuma longa is an herb that belongs to the ginger family Used for thousands of years in cooking and medicine alike, it has recently garnered attention for its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Curcumin is the major active compound in turmeric. It may treat a host of conditions, including chronic inflammation, pain, metabolic syndrome, and anxiety In particular, multiple studies reveal that supplemental doses of curcumin are as effective for alleviating arthritis pain as some common anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen Both turmeric and curcumin supplements are widely considered safe, but very high doses may lead to diarrhea, headache, or skin irritation.

Instead, consider purchasing supplements online. Turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory benefits and may be especially effective for treating pain associated with arthritis. Ginger is a commonplace ingredient and herbal medicine. You can eat it fresh or dried, though its main medicinal forms are as a tea or capsule.

Much like turmeric, ginger is a rhizome, or stem that grows underground. It contains a variety of beneficial compounds and has long been used in traditional and folk practices to treat colds, nausea, migraines, and high blood pressure 18 , Its best-established modern use is for relieving nausea associated with pregnancy, chemotherapy, and medical operations Furthermore, test-tube and animal research reveals potential benefits for treating and preventing illnesses like heart disease and cancer , although the evidence is mixed Ginger is very well tolerated.

Negative side effects are rare, but large doses may cause a mild case of heartburn or diarrhea You can find ginger supplements at your local supermarket and online. Valerian root may be dried and consumed in capsule form or steeped to make tea. Its use can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was taken to relieve restlessness, tremors, headaches, and heart palpitations.

One review found valerian to be somewhat effective for inducing sleep, but many of the study results were based on subjective reports from participants Valerian is relatively safe, though it may cause mild side effects like headaches and digestive issues.

Do Mother Nature's Treatments Help Hot Flashes? Black Cohosh Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa This herb has received quite a bit of scientific attention for its possible effects on hot flashes. Studies of its effectiveness in reducing hot flashes have produced mixed results.

However, some women report that it has helped them. Recent research suggests that black cohosh does not act like estrogen, as once thought. This reduces concerns about its effect on hormone-sensitive tissue eg, uterus, breast. Black cohosh has had a good safety record over a number of years. There have been reports linking black cohosh to liver problems, and this connection continues to be studied.

Red Clover Trifolium pratense In five controlled studies, no consistent or conclusive evidence was found that red clover leaf extract reduces hot flashes. As with black cohosh, however, some women claim that red clover has helped them.

Studies report few side effects and no serious health problems with use. But studies in animals have raised concerns that red clover might have harmful effects on hormone-sensitive tissue.

Dong Quai Angelica sinensis Dong quai has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat gynecologic conditions for more than 1, years.

Yet only one randomized clinical study of dong quai has been conducted to determine its effects on hot flashes, and this botanical therapy was not found to be useful in reducing them.

Some experts on Chinese medicine point out that the preparation studied was not the same as they use in practice.

Dong quai should never be used by women with fibroids or blood-clotting problems such as hemophilia, or by women taking drugs that affect clotting such as warfarin Coumadin as bleeding complications can result.

Ginseng Panax ginseng or Panax quinquefolius Research has shown that ginseng may help with some menopausal symptoms, such as mood symptoms and sleep disturbances, and with one's overall sense of well-being. However, it has not been found to be helpful for hot flashes. Kava Piper methysticum Kava may decrease anxiety, but there is no evidence that it decreases hot flashes.

It is important to note that kava has been associated with liver disease. The FDA has issued a warning to patients and providers about kava because of its potential to damage the liver.

Because of this concern, Health Canada does not allow kava to be sold in Canada. Evening Primrose Oil Oenothera biennis This botanical is also promoted to relieve hot flashes. However, the only randomized, placebo-controlled study in only 56 women found no benefit over placebo mock medication.

Answer From Brent A. With Brent A. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references Natural medicines in the clinical management of anxiety.

Natural Medicines. Accessed Feb. Passion flower. German chamomile. Lemon balm. FDA issues consumer advisory for dietary supplements containing kava. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

Bystritsky A. Complementary and alternative treatments for anxiety symptoms and disorders: Herbs and medications. Mixing medications and dietary supplements can endanger your health. Food and Drug Administration.

Dietary supplements: What you need to know. Using dietary supplements wisely. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Bauer BA expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. See also Anxiety disorders Cognitive behavioral therapy Anxiety and diet Depression and anxiety: Can I have both?

Fatigue Generalized anxiety disorder Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness Mental health Mental illness in children: Know the signs Mindfulness exercises Muscle pain Psychotherapy Shortness of breath Sleep disorders Stress symptoms Sweating and body odor Tachycardia Test anxiety: Can it be treated?

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