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Results 661-680 of 3196

NatMed
Chlorella
Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) is a type of algae that grows in fresh water. It's sometimes called seaweed. It's used for nutrition and as medicine. Chlorella is a good source of protein, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals. Most of the chlorella that is available in the U.S. is grown in Japan or Taiwan. It's made into tablets and liquid extracts. Chlorella is used to prevent low levels of iron during pregnancy. It is also used for depression, menstrual cramps, fibromyalgia, high cholesterol, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
NatMed
Panax Notoginseng
Panax notoginseng is a plant that grows in the mountains in Southwest China. Its root is sometimes used as medicine once it has grown for 3-5 years. Panax notoginseng might relax blood vessels, which might improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. Some of the chemicals in Panax notoginseng might also reduce swelling and protect the heart. People use Panax notoginseng for chest pain, stroke, heart attack, bleeding, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse Panax notoginseng with other plants with similar names, including Panax ginseng and American ginseng. These are not the same.
NatMed
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) is a bitter-tasting fungus with no proven health benefits. It is thought to have some effects on the immune system. Reishi mushroom is used for Alzheimer disease, cancer, diabetes, cold sores, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
NatMed
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is a flowering plant that blooms in the fall. It's commonly called a mum. Its flowers are used in tea and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Chrysanthemum contains chemicals called flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains chemicals that may increase blood flow to the heart. People use chrysanthemum for chest pain (angina), high blood pressure, common cold, diabetes, stroke, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
NatMed
Baikal Skullcap
Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is a plant native to China and Korea. The root has been used in Chinese medicine for psychiatric disorders. Baikal skullcap contains chemicals that might decrease swelling and stop tumor growth. Baikal skullcap is used for respiratory infections, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any uses. There is also no good evidence to support using Baikal skullcap for COVID-19. Don't confuse Baikal skullcap with skullcap. They are different plants.
NatMed
Copper
Copper is a mineral found in foods such as organ meats, seafood, nuts, and grain products. It was historically used for preventing infections after burns. Copper is involved in many of the natural body processes. It's stored mostly in the bones and muscles. The liver regulates the amount of copper in the blood. Copper is most commonly used for treating copper deficiency and the anemia it may cause. But having copper deficiency is very rare. It's also used for Alzheimer disease, acne, tooth plaque, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
NatMed
Black Seed
Black seed (Nigella sativa) is a flowering plant native to Asia and the Mediterranean. Its seed has been used to make medicine for thousands of years. Black seed might have effects in the body that help boost the immune system, fight cancer, prevent pregnancy, reduce swelling, and lessen allergic reactions by acting as an antihistamine. People commonly use black seed for asthma, hay fever, diabetes, high blood pressure, eczema, weight loss, menstrual cramps, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using black seed for COVID-19.
NatMed
Tomato
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a commonly eaten fruit that grows on a vine. It contains many nutrients, including an antioxidant called lycopene. The lycopene in tomato is thought to play a role in preventing cancer. It's easier for the body to use lycopene that comes from tomato products, such as tomato paste or tomato juice, than from fresh tomatoes. People use tomato for cancer prevention, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse tomato with lycopene, the antioxidant found in tomatoes.
NatMed
Shellac
Shellac is a resin that is secreted by an insect onto tree trunks. The resin is scraped off and mainly used in food coatings, cosmetics, and varnishes. Shellac is a natural glue and clear coating. It was previously used in dentistry to make dentures and other products, and also as a coating on drug tablets. It's not often used for these purposes anymore because it ages overtime. People sometimes use shellac for tooth sensitivity and other conditions, but there's no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse medicinal shellac with shellac wood finishes, which are poisonous.
NatMed
Wild Daisy
Wild daisy (Bellis perennis) is common species of daisy. It's native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. The parts that grow above ground are used as medicine. Wild daisy contains chemicals called saponins. These chemicals might help skin cells produce more collagen. People use wild daisy for bleeding, cough, bronchitis, wounds, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
NatMed
Chenopodium Oil
Chenopodium oil is made from the chenopodium plant (Dysphania ambrosioides), which is also known as epazote. It grows in Central and South America. Chenopodium oil contains high amounts of a toxic chemical called ascaridole. The amount of ascaridole found in the oil depends on the plant part used, the season, and where the plant was grown. Ascaridole is thought to paralyze roundworms, hookworms, and some tapeworms. People use chenopodium oil for parasite infections in the intestine and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using chenopodium oil can also be unsafe. It has been linked with serious side effects, including death. Don't confuse chenopodium oil, which is also called wormseed, with wormseed and wormwood. These are not the same.
NatMed
Castor Bean
Castor oil is made from the beans (seeds) of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). Its taste is initially bland, then becomes bitter and unpleasant. Castor oil has laxative and anti-inflammatory effects. It also might induce labor. It's sometimes flavored with cinnamon, peppermint, or other flavorings to mask its unpleasant taste. People use castor oil for constipation, dry eye, childbirth, and to empty the colon before a colonoscopy. It is also used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. The outer coat (hull) of the castor seed contains a deadly poison called ricin. The hull must be removed before use. Ricin has been tested as a chemical warfare agent. Weapons-grade ricin is purified and produced in particles that are so small they can be breathed in.
NatMed
Bromelain
Bromelain is a type of enzyme called a proteolytic enzyme. It is found in pineapple juice and in the pineapple stem. Bromelain causes the body to make substances that fight pain and swelling. Bromelain also contains chemicals that seem to interfere with tumor cells and slow blood clotting. People use bromelain for muscle soreness, pain, burns, kidney stones, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse bromelain with other proteolytic enzymes (proteases), such as chymotrypsin, ficin, papain, serrapeptase, or trypsin. These are not the same.
NatMed
Boron
Boron is an element. Boron has been consumed for menstrual cramps and boric acid has been used vaginally for yeast infections, but evidence is limited. Boron seems to affect the way the body handles other minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It also seems to increase estrogen levels post-menopause. Boric acid, a common form of boron, can kill yeast that cause vaginal infections. Boron may have antioxidant effects. People commonly use boron for boron deficiency and vaginal yeast infections. It is also used for athletic performance, menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
NatMed
Bloodroot
Bloodroot is a plant. People use the underground stem (rhizome) to make medicine. People sometimes use bloodroot by mouth or apply it to the skin for a long list of conditions, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses, and using it can be unsafe.
NatMed
Black Haw
Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) is a shrub native to the woodlands of southern North America. Its root bark has been traditionally used as medicine. Black haw contains a chemical that might relax the uterus. People use black haw for menstrual cramps, asthma, diarrhea, labor pain, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
NatMed
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B. lactis) is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) that lives in the intestines. It produces lactic and acetic acid. "Good" bacteria such as B. lactis can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. B. lactis is a subspecies of B. animalis. It's found in the human gut and used in probiotic supplements. People use B. lactis for excessive crying in infants (colic), constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and respiratory tract infections. It is also used for dental cavities, hay fever, diarrhea, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using B. lactis for COVID-19. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis is sometimes listed as Bifidobacterium lactis (or B. lactis) on product labels. Don't confuse B. lactis with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same.
NatMed
Avocado
The avocado tree (Persea americana) produces a fruit with a creamy texture covered by a thick, green skin. It's a good source of potassium and healthy fats. Avocado contains a lot of fiber, which might be the reason for its cholesterol-lowering effects. It's also rich in monounsaturated fats and is a good source of linoleic acid. People use avocado for high cholesterol. It is also used for memory and thinking skills, aging skin, obesity, psoriasis, heart disease, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Don't confuse avocado with avocado soy unsaponifiables (ASU). These are not the same.
NatMed
Stone Root
Stone root (Collinsonia canadensis) is an herb with a strong, unpleasant smell. The root and rhizome (underground stem) are used to make medicine. Stone root has been used for kidney stones, gastrointestinal conditions, and other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
NatMed
Wild Cherry
Wild cherry is a tree. The bark and fruit are used to make medicine. Some people take wild cherry by mouth for colds, whooping cough, bronchitis (lung inflammation), and other lung problems. It is also used for diarrhea, gout, digestive disorders, pain, and cancer. It is also used in cough syrups because of its sedative (sleepiness), expectorant (clearing mucus), drying, and cough-suppressing effects. In foods and beverages, wild cherry is used as a flavoring agent. Some people eat the seeds as snacks. The fruit of wild cherry is eaten fresh, in jams, or used in liquors or syrups.