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NatMed
Betel Nut
Betel nut is the nut that comes from a plant called Areca. It is sometimes used to make medicine. Betel nut is chewed alone or in the form of quids, a mixture of tobacco, powdered or sliced betel nut, and other ingredients. Betel nut is used for schizophrenia, a group of eye disorders that can lead to vision loss (glaucoma), poor digestion, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using betel nut might also be unsafe. Some people use betel nut as a recreational drug because it speeds up the central nervous system (CNS).
NatMed
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is found along with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in cold-water fish, including tuna and salmon. EPA prevents the blood from clotting easily, reduces triglyceride levels in the blood, and has effects that might reduce pain and swelling. EPA is a US FDA-approved prescription drug for reducing triglyceride levels. As a supplement, people most commonly use EPA for heart disease, preventing heart attack, and depression. It is also used for chemotherapy-related side effects, diabetes, recovery after surgery, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these other uses. Don't confuse EPA with similar fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid and DHA. See the separate listings for algal oil, alpha-linolenic acid, DHA, fish oil, and krill oil.
NatMed
Fish Oil
Fish oil comes from many types of fish. It is rich in two important omega-3 fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The benefits of fish oil seem to come from its omega-3 fatty acid content. Fish that are especially rich in these oils include mackerel, herring, tuna, and salmon. The body doesn't produce many of its own omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce pain and swelling, and also prevent the blood from clotting easily. Some fish oil products are approved by the FDA as prescription medications to lower triglycerides levels. Fish oil is also available as a supplement. Fish oil supplements do not contain the same amount of fish oil as prescription products, so they cannot be used in place of prescription products. Fish oil supplements are sometimes used for heart health and mental health, but there is no strong evidence to support most of these uses. Do not confuse fish oil with EPA, DHA, cod liver oil, flaxseed oil, krill oil, or shark liver oil. See the separate listings for these topics.
NatMed
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a chemical that is important for many functions in the human body, especially in the brain. Small amounts are found in most foods. Phosphatidylserine is part of the cell structure in the body. The body can make phosphatidylserine, but most of what it needs comes from foods. It can also be taken as a supplement. These supplements were once made from cow brain. Now they are commonly made from cabbage or soy. Phosphatidylserine is used for Alzheimer disease and normal age-related decline in memory and thinking skills. It is also used for athletic performance, ADHD, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
NatMed
Flaxseed
Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a food and fiber crop. Flaxseeds are a good source of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid. Flaxseeds also contain phytoestrogens called lignans, which are similar to the hormone estrogen. The fiber in flaxseed is found in the seed coat. When taken before eating, it seems to make people feel less hungry. It might also help limit how much cholesterol the body absorbs from food. Flaxseed is used for constipation, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and swelling of the kidneys in people with lupus. It is also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil have different effects. For information about the oil, see Flaxseed Oil.
NatMed
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil comes from flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum). It is a good source of an essential omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The alpha-linolenic acid and other chemicals in flaxseed oil seem to decrease swelling, which is why some people use it for conditions that involve inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Flaxseed oil is used for heart disease, high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Flaxseed oil has different effects than whole or ground flaxseed. See Flaxseed for more information.
NatMed
Black Hellebore
Black hellebore is a plant. The leaves, root, and underground stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine. Be careful not to confuse black hellebore with white hellebore. People use black hellebore for conditions such as cancer, nausea, worms, irregular periods, and many others, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses. Using black hellebore is also unsafe.
NatMed
Wine
Wine is an alcoholic beverage that is created from grapes (Vitis vinifera). The sugars in grape juice are converted into alcohol during fermentation. The alcohol (ethanol) in wine blocks various nerve pathways in the brain. Wine also contains antioxidants that might benefit the heart and blood circulation. People use wine to prevent heart disease and stroke. It is also used for memory and thinking skills, diabetes, anxiety, cancer and many other purposes, but there's no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Don't confused wine with reservatrol or beer. These are not the same.
NatMed
Winter Cherry
Winter cherry is a plant. It grows in central and southern Europe, Iran, China, and Southeast Asia. The fruit and leaves are used to make medicine. People use winter cherry for arthritis, enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), fever, swelling, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse winter cherry with ashwagandha. Both are known as winter cherry. Also don't confuse winter cherry with sweet cherry, tart cherry, or wild cherry.
NatMed
Blue Cohosh
Blue cohosh is a plant. "Cohosh" is from the Algonquin Indian word meaning "rough," and it refers to the appearance of the roots. The root is used to make medicine. Blue cohosh is not a safe plant. However, it still is available as a supplement. Sometimes the supplements do not include warnings. Blue cohosh is used for stimulating the uterus and starting labor; starting menstruation; stopping muscle spasms; as a laxative; and for treating colic, sore throat, cramps, hiccups, epilepsy, hysterics, inflammation of the uterus, infection of the female organs (pelvic inflammatory disease), over-growth of uterine tissue (endometriosis), and joint conditions. In foods, the roasted seeds of blue cohosh are used as a coffee substitute.
NatMed
Skullcap
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora ) is a plant native to the US and Europe. Chemicals in skullcap might cause sleepiness. People use skullcap for anxiety, insomnia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse skullcap with Baikal Skullcap. They aren't the same plant.
NatMed
Eleuthero
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is a woody shrub sometimes called Siberian ginseng. It is not a true ginseng. It is sometimes used as an adaptogen. Eleuthero is often considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of substances that are believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. Eleuthero contains many chemicals that affect the brain, immune system, and certain hormones. People use eleuthero for genital herpes, diabetes, athletic performance, memory and thinking skills, the common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Don't confuse eleuthero with other herbs called "ginseng," including American Ginseng, Blue Cohosh, Canaigre, Codonopsis, Panax Ginseng, and Panax Notoginseng. These are not the same.
NatMed
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is an herb. It has been used by mouth for back pain and arthritis, but there is little evidence to support these uses. Devil's claw is native to south Africa, including the Kalahari Desert, where it's been used traditionally for many conditions. Devil's claw contains chemicals that might decrease swelling. Because of this, it is often used to treat conditions that involve both pain and inflammation. Devil's claw is most commonly used for back pain and osteoarthritis. It is also used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using devil's claw for COVID-19.
NatMed
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a group of vitamins found in some green vegetables. Vitamins K1 (phytonadione) and K2 (menaquinone) are commonly available as supplements. Vitamin K is an essential vitamin needed by the body for blood clotting, bone building, and other important processes. It's found in leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. The name vitamin K comes from the German word "Koagulationsvitamin." People commonly use vitamin K for blood clotting problems or for reversing the blood thinning effects of warfarin. It is also used for osteoporosis, athletic performance, breast cancer, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.
NatMed
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace element commonly found in red meat, poultry, and fish. It is necessary in small amounts for human health, growth, and sense of taste. Zinc is found throughout the body. The body doesn't store excess zinc, so it must be obtained from the diet. It's needed for immune function, wound healing, blood clotting, thyroid function, and much more. It also plays a key role in maintaining vision and might have effects against viruses. People commonly use zinc for zinc deficiency, diarrhea, and Wilson disease. Zinc is also used for acne, diabetes, anorexia, burns, and many other purposes. There is some scientific evidence to support its use for some of these conditions. But for most, there is no good scientific evidence to support its use. There is also no good evidence to support using zinc for COVID-19.
NatMed
Echinacea
Echinacea (E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida.) are plants related to sunflowers and ragweed. The leaf, flower, and root are used as medicine. Echinacea species are native to areas east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. Echinacea seems to activate chemicals in the body that decrease inflammation. It might also increase the body's immune system. Echinacea is most commonly used for the common cold and other infections, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using echinacea for COVID-19.
NatMed
Coffee
Coffee is a popular drink made from the roasted beans of Coffea fruits (Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora). It contains caffeine and chlorogenic acid. The caffeine in coffee works by stimulating the central nervous system (CNS), heart, and muscles. Chlorogenic acid might affect blood vessels and how the body handles blood sugar and metabolism. People most commonly drink coffee to increase mental alertness. Coffee is also used for diabetes, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, dementia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Don't confuse coffee with other caffeine sources, such as green coffee, black tea, and green tea. These are not the same.
NatMed
Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is a chemical that comes from cholesterol. It's used to make steroid hormones in the body. It can also be made in a lab and used as medicine. Pregnenolone affects many different chemicals in the brain and may play a role in certain psychiatric conditions. People use pregnenolone for Alzheimer disease, autism, back pain, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse pregnenolone with progesterone or with wild yam, which is sometimes used as a source of supplemental pregnenolone. These are not the same.
NatMed
Caffeine
Caffeine is a natural chemical with stimulant effects. It is found in coffee, tea, cola, cocoa, guarana, yerba mate, and over 60 other products. Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system, heart, muscles, and the centers that control blood pressure. Caffeine can raise blood pressure, but might not have this effect in people who use it all the time. Caffeine can also act like a "water pill" that increases urine flow. People most commonly use caffeine for mental alertness, headache, migraine, athletic performance, memory, and obesity. It is also used for asthma, gallbladder disease, ADHD, low blood pressure, depression, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses. Caffeine products sold in very concentrated or pure forms are a health concern. People can easily take doses that are much too high by mistake. It's illegal in the US for these products to be sold to consumers in bulk. Taking caffeine, within limits, is allowed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Urine concentrations over 15 mcg/mL are prohibited.
NatMed
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a tree that is native to North America. Its inner bark feels slippery when chewed and may be effective for soothing sore throat. Only the inner bark of slippery elm, not the whole bark, is used as medicine. The inner bark contains chemicals that can increase mucous secretion, which might be helpful for stomach and intestinal problems. People use slippery elm for sore throat, constipation, stomach ulcers, skin disorders, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.