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Results 621-640 of 3196

NatMed
Hemlock
Hemlock is a very poisonous plant. In fact, all parts of the plant are toxic. Hemlock is most poisonous during the early stages of growth in the spring, but it is dangerous at all stages of growth. The poisons in hemlock are so deadly that people have died after eating animals that had eaten hemlock parts. Hemlock is native to Europe and western Asia and was introduced into North America as an ornamental plant. It is frequently found in the US and southern Canada. Hemlock typically grows along streams or rivers, and near fences, roadsides, ditches, abandoned construction sites, pastures, crops, and fields. Some people have been poisoned by hemlock after confusing it for harmless plants. Accidental poisonings have occurred when people mistook the plant for parsnip, parsley, wild celery, or anise. Despite serious safety concerns, hemlock is used for bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma, arthritis, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
NatMed
Water Hemlock
Water hemlock is considered to be the most poisonous plant growing in North America. All parts of the water hemlock are toxic and can cause death in as little as 15 minutes. Water hemlock grows in marshy, swampy areas of meadows; and along banks of streams, pools, and rivers. Accidental poisonings usually occur when water hemlock is mistaken for edible plants such as artichokes, celery, sweet potatoes, sweet anise, or wild parsnip. Even though water hemlock is extremely poisonous, it is used as a medicine for migraine headaches, painful menstruation, and worms in the intestines. Some people apply water hemlock directly to the skin for redness and swelling (inflammation).
NatMed
Cannabis
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) is an herbal drug. It contains chemicals called cannabinoids, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The cannabinoids in cannabis work by binding to specific sites in the brain and on the nerves. There are over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis, but THC and CBD are the most well-studied. Cannabinoids are found in the highest levels in the leaves and flowers of the plant. Cannabis is commonly used as a recreational drug. People also commonly use cannabis for multiple sclerosis (MS) and nerve pain. It is also used for nausea, vomiting, migraine, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using cannabis for COVID-19. Don't confuse cannabis with hemp. Hemp contains very low levels of THC, less than 0.3% according to legal standards. Both hemp and cannabis also contain cannabinoids such as CBD, cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabigerol (CBG), and others. Unlike hemp, cannabis is illegal under federal law in the US. It is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance. But some states have legalized or decriminalized recreational use.
NatMed
Grapefruit
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) is a citrus fruit. It has been used for weight loss. It has also been used for other conditions, but with limited evidence. Grapefruit is a source of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, pectin, and other nutrients. People use the fruit, oil from the peel, and extracts as medicine. Drug interactions with grapefruit juice are well documented. Before adding it to your diet, check with your healthcare provider if you take medications. People commonly take grapefruit by mouth for weight loss, asthma, high cholesterol, cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
NatMed
Capsicum
Capsicum, also known as red pepper or chili pepper, is an herb. Its fruit is commonly applied to the skin for arthritis pain and other conditions. The fruit of the capsicum plant contains a chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin is what seems to help reduce pain and swelling. A particular form of capsicum causes intense eye pain and other unpleasant effects when it comes in contact with the face. This form is used in self-defense pepper sprays. Capsicum is commonly used for nerve pain and other painful conditions. It is also used for many other purposes, including digestion problems, conditions of the heart and blood vessels, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence for many of these uses.
NatMed
Kiwi
Kiwi is a plant that produces fruit. The fruit is used as a food and as a medicine. Kiwi is used for asthma, constipation, high blood pressure, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. In foods, kiwi is used as a meat tenderizer and an ingredient in some sports drinks. It is often eaten as a fruit.
NatMed
Goldenseal
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is an herb in the buttercup family. The dried root is very commonly used in supplements in the US. Goldenseal contains berberine, which might have effects against bacteria and fungi. Berberine also has properties that can lower blood pressure and help irregular heartbeat. But many of the important chemicals in goldenseal aren't absorbed well when taken by mouth. So, it's not clear if goldenseal has the same effects as berberine. People use goldenseal for the common cold and other upper respiratory tract infections, hay fever, diarrhea, constipation, and many other conditions. But there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.
NatMed
American Elder
American elder (Sambucus canadensis) is a plant. Its flower and ripe fruit are used as medicine, but its stem contains toxic chemicals. American elder flower and ripe fruit are rich sources of vitamin C. But its leaves, stems, and unripe fruit contain chemicals that can cause cyanide poisoning. People sometimes use American elder for asthma, common cold, sore throat, headache, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse American elder with dwarf elder, elderberry, or elderflower. These are not the same.
NatMed
Adrenal extract
Adrenal extract is a chemical that is made from the adrenal glands of cows, pigs, and sheep. Adrenal glands make certain hormones. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys. They regulate the body's response to stress by making hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol. But it's not known whether the human body can absorb adrenal extract or how it might work. People use adrenal extract for Addison disease, hay fever, asthma, eczema, depression, fatigue, stress, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Adrenal extracts come from cows, pigs, and sheep from slaughterhouses and possibly sick animals. There is concern that some diseases may be transferred to humans, but there are no reports of this.
NatMed
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone made in the body. It regulates night and day cycles or sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin in supplements is usually made in a lab. Darkness triggers the body to make more melatonin, which signals the body to sleep. Light decreases melatonin production and signals the body to be awake. Some people who have trouble sleeping have low levels of melatonin. It's thought that adding melatonin from supplements might help them sleep. People most commonly use melatonin for insomnia and improving sleep in different conditions, such as jet lag. It is also used for depression, chronic pain, dementia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using melatonin for COVID-19.
NatMed
Blessed Thistle
Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus) is a flowering plant with sharp prickles on the stems and leaves. It's native to the Mediterranean region. Blessed thistle contains chemicals called tannins, which might help with diarrhea, cough, and swelling. People use blessed thistle for indigestion, infections, wounds, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse blessed thistle with milk thistle. These are not the same.
NatMed
Beta-Sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol is a type of chemical called a plant sterol. It's similar to cholesterol and is found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Beta-sitosterol might help reduce cholesterol levels by limiting the amount of cholesterol that is able to enter the body. It can also help reduce swelling in the prostate and other tissues. People most commonly use beta-sitosterol for lowering cholesterol levels and improving symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH). It's also used for heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), male-pattern baldness, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these other uses. In the US, foods that contain at least 650 mg of beta-sitosterol are allowed to state that they might reduce the risk for heart disease. Don't confuse beta-sitosterol with sitostanol, a similar plant substance.
NatMed
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance required for the function of many organs in the body. It is eaten in small amounts in meat and seafood. Coenzyme Q10 helps provide energy to cells. It also seems to have antioxidant activity. People with certain diseases, such as heart failure, high blood pressure, Parkinson disease, blood infections, and HIV infection, might have lower levels of coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 can also be made in a laboratory. People commonly use coenzyme Q10 for conditions such as heart failure or migraine headache. It is also used for chest pain, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
NatMed
Cola Nut
Cola nut is the seed of the Cola plant (Cola acuminata). It's used in Nigeria and many West African countries in traditional and cultural ceremonies. Cola nut contains caffeine. Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system, heart, and muscles. People use cola nut for fatigue, depression, exhaustion, diarrhea, weight loss, migraine headaches, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse cola nut with a similar sounding plant called Gotu Kola. These are not the same. Also, don't confuse it with caffeine or other products that contain caffeine, including black tea, cocoa, coffee, green coffee, green tea, guarana, oolong tea, and yerba mate.
NatMed
Dong Quai
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is a plant that has been used for a variety of conditions, with little evidence. It may be unsafe when too much is consumed. Dong quai is a member of the same plant family as parsley, celery, and carrots. It's popular in Chinese medicine for female health concerns. The root might affect estrogen and other hormones. People commonly use dong quai for menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, migraine, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
NatMed
Guarana
Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a plant native to the Amazon. It is a common ingredient of energy drinks and can be unsafe in large amounts. Guarana contains caffeine. Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system, heart, and muscles. Guarana also contains theophylline and theobromine, which are chemicals similar to caffeine. People take guarana by mouth for obesity, athletic performance, mental performance, to increase energy, and for many other reasons, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Guarana can also be unsafe when taken long-term in large amounts.
NatMed
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is a type of B vitamin. Pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine are all forms of vitamin B6. It's found in certain foods and also made in a lab. Vitamin B6 is needed for the proper function of sugars, fats, and proteins in the body. It's also necessary for the development of the brain, nerves, skin, and many other parts of the body. It's found in cereals, legumes, and eggs, and often used with other B vitamins in vitamin B complex products. People commonly use vitamin B6 for preventing and treating vitamin B6 deficiency. It is also used for heart disease, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), depression, morning sickness, Alzheimer disease, menstrual cramps, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these other uses.
NatMed
Feverfew
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a plant native to Asia Minor and the Balkans. Feverfew dried leaves, fresh leaves, and extracts are used in medicine. Feverfew leaves contain many different chemicals, including one called parthenolide. Parthenolide, as well as other chemicals in feverfew, might help decrease migraine headaches. People most commonly use feverfew for migraine headaches. People also use feverfew for itching, tension headache, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
NatMed
Chromium
Chromium is an essential trace mineral. There are two forms: trivalent chromium, which is safe for humans, and hexavalent chromium, which is a toxin. Trivalent chromium is found in foods and supplements. It might help keep blood sugar levels normal by improving the way the body uses insulin. People use chromium for chromium deficiency. It is also used for diabetes, high cholesterol, athletic performance, bipolar disorder, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. This topic only covers trivalent chromium, not hexavalent chromium.
NatMed
Danshen
Danshen (Salvia bowleyana) is a root commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is often combined with other herbs, such as Panax notoginseng. Over 35 formulations used in TCM contain danshen. Chemicals in danshen might help with blood thinning. They might also help widen blood vessels, which can improve circulation. People use danshen for heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Danshen is sometimes called Chinese red sage, Chinese sage, red root safe, and red Sage. Don't confuse this with sage. These are not the same.