Others need to be studied more. Are herbal health products and supplements regulated by the U. Food and Drug Administration FDA? By law, manufacturers of herbal health products and supplements are responsible for making sure their labels are accurate and truthful.

The FDA requires the following information on labels:. Avoid taking or using any herbal health product or supplement that does not list this information. The National Institutes of Health Dietary Supplement Label Database is an online database that gives label information for thousands of dietary supplements.

You can look up supplements by brand name, active ingredient, or manufacturer. However, because supplements and herbal products are not monitored closely by the FDA, many commercial products may not have the exact ingredients or amounts of ingredients listed on the label.

If you do use an herbal health product or supplement, read the directions on the label to learn how much to take and how often to take it. You should never take more than the recommended amount.

If you have any questions about how much to take, ask your doctor. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine NCCAM and the Office of Dietary Supplements are good sources of information about herbal health products and supplements.

Store all herbal health products and supplements up and away, out of reach and sight of young children. Do not store them in a place that is hot and humid for example, a bathroom or bathroom cabinet.

Keeping these products in a cool, dry place will help keep them from becoming less effective before their expiration date. Herbal health products and supplements may not be safe if you have certain health problems, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Children and older adults also may be at increased risk of adverse effects from these products, because their bodies process the ingredients differently. If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor about any herbal health products and supplements you use. These products can cause problems with surgery, including bleeding problems with anesthesia.

You should stop using herbal health products or supplements at least two weeks before surgery, or sooner if your doctor recommends it. Whether you have a health problem or not, it is always best to talk to your family doctor before taking any herbal health product or supplement.

Herbal health products or supplements can affect the way the body processes drugs. When this happens, your medicine may not work the way it should. For example, St. When this happens, the drugs may not be absorbed at high enough levels to help the health conditions for which they are prescribed.

This can cause serious problems. If you take any OTC or prescription medicines, talk to your doctor before taking any type of herbal health product or supplement. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Browse dietary supplements and herbal remedies to learn about their effectiveness, usual dosage, and drug interactions.

Herbs and Supplements. Acai National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Activated Charcoal Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Alfalfa Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Aloe Vera National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Alpha-Lipoic Acid Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database American Ginseng Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Apple Cider Vinegar Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Arnica Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Ashwagandha Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Asian Ginseng National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Astragalus National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

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lactis Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Bilberry National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Biotin Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Bitter Melon Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Bitter Orange National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Black Cohosh National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Black Psyllium Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Black Seed Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Black Tea Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Blessed Thistle Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Blond Psyllium Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Blueberry Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Blue-Green Algae Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Boron Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Butterbur National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

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Fenugreek National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Feverfew National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Folate National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements Folic Acid Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Fucus Vesiculosus Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.

Garlic National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Gelatin Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Ginger National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Ginkgo National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Glucosamine Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Goji Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Goldenseal National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Grape Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Grape Seed Extract National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Grapefruit Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Green Coffee Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Green Tea National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Guarana Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Gymnema Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.

Ginseng is an herbal remedy frequently utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to boost immunity, brain function, and energy levels. However, human studies are lacking. Ginkgo biloba, also known simply as ginkgo, is an herbal medicine derived from the maidenhair tree 8. Native to China, ginkgo has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and remains a top-selling herbal supplement today.

It contains a variety of potent antioxidants that are thought to provide several benefits 8. The seeds and leaves are traditionally used to make teas and tinctures, but most modern applications use leaf extract. 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.

gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, or therapeutic properties.

Herbal medicines are one type of dietary supplement. They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts, and fresh or dried plants. People use herbal medicines to try to maintain or improve their health. Many people believe that products labeled "natural" are always safe and good for them.

This is not necessarily true. Herbal medicines do not have to go through the testing that drugs do. Some herbs, such as comfrey and ephedra, can cause serious harm. Some herbs can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines. If you are thinking about using an herbal medicine, first get information on it from reliable sources.

Make sure to tell your health care provider about any herbal medicines you are taking. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.

Below are common herbal medicines that research has shown to be safe and work when used right. Always tell your healthcare providers if you use any herbs or supplements. They need to know if they may cause problems when combined with other medicines you take.

Chamomile is often used in the U. to help with anxiety and relaxation. In Europe, it's used to heal wounds and reduce inflammation and swelling.

You can drink chamomile tea. Or you can use it as a compress. It's considered safe by the FDA. But it might make you feel more tired if you're taking other medicines. Be careful, as it could affect how some medicines work in your body. Chamomile for the skin may be used to treat skin rash from radiation treatments.

Chamomile in a capsule may be used to ease vomiting from chemotherapy. Echinacea is most often used to treat or prevent colds, flu, and infections, and for wound healing. Many studies have looked at how well it works to prevent or shorten a cold.

The results have not been clear. Some studies do show some benefit of echinacea to help with upper respiratory infections. Studies have shown that long-term use can affect the body's immune system. Because of this, only short-term use is advised. Check with your healthcare provider about any interactions with other medicines that you take.

People allergic to plants in the daisy family may have an allergic reaction to echinacea. The daisy family includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.

Feverfew has been used to treat fevers. Some research has shown that feverfew can prevent migraines. It is also used to treat arthritis. If the leaves are chewed, side effects include mouth ulcers and digestive upset.

Stopping feverfew suddenly may cause migraines to come back. Feverfew should not be used with NSAID medicine. These medicines may change how well feverfew works. Feverfew should not be used with warfarin or other medicines that thin the blood.

Garlic is used in cooking. And it has proven health benefits. Garlic has been shown to fight germs, protect your heart, and reduce inflammation. It may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

But the results are mixed. 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. Collection: Herbal Supplements Look to nature to find your way to well with herbal supplements sourced with respect for the earth.

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