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KoussoNatMedKousso is a plant. The leaves, fruit, and flowers are used to make medicine. Despite safety concerns, people take kousso for diabetes, cancer, and to get rid of tapeworms, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.- Jimson WeedNatMedJimson weed (Datura stramonium) is a plant. Despite serious safety concerns, the leaves and seeds are sometimes used to make medicine and to cause hallucinations. Jimson weed contains dangerous chemicals such as atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. These chemicals can cause serious adverse effects, including death. Despite serious safety concerns, people sometimes use jimson weed for asthma, cough, flu (influenza), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Some people also use it as a recreational drug to cause hallucinations and a heightened sense of well-being (euphoria).
- HorsemintNatMedHorsemint (Monarda punctata) is an herb that has a bitter taste and a smell similar to thyme. The leaves are sometimes used to make medicine. People use horsemint for digestion problems, menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
- ChicoryNatMedChicory (Cichorium intybus) is an herb native to Europe and Asia. It's also grown in the United States. Chicory root contains inulin, a starchy substance. Chicory root has a mild laxative effect and decreases swelling. Chicory is also a rich source of beta-carotene. People use chicory for liver and heart health, constipation, indigestion, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse chicory with inulin. Inulin is a compound found in chicory, but they are not the same thing.
- Guar GumNatMedGuar gum is a gel-forming fiber from the seed of the guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). It's used to thicken foods and is also used as a dietary supplement. Guar gum helps normalize the moisture content of the stool, absorbing excess liquid in those with diarrhea, and softening the stool in those with constipation. It also might help decrease the amount of cholesterol and sugar that is absorbed in the gut. People use guar gum for constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. It is also used for obesity, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses. Don't confuse guar gum with guarana or guarumo. These are not the same. br/>
- European MistletoeNatMedEuropean mistletoe (Viscum album) is a plant that grows on several different trees throughout the world. The berry, leaf, and stem are used as medicine. European mistletoe contains chemicals that might stimulate the immune system and kill certain cancer cells, but it's not clear if these effects occur in the human body. People sometimes use European mistletoe for various types of cancer, including bladder cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Most research has evaluated European mistletoe injections given by a healthcare provider. There is very little research on the use of European mistletoe taken by mouth.
- SundewNatMedSundew are plants that catch insects using their sticky leaves. Dried sundew is sometimes used to make medicine. People take sundew for various breathing problems including bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough (pertussis), cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)NatMedMedium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are fat molecules usually made from coconut and palm kernel oils. Typical dietary fats are long-chain triglycerides. MCTs are a fat source for people who cannot tolerate other types of fats. These fats might also improve weight loss because the body can more easily break them down into molecules called ketone bodies. These ketone bodies can be used for energy. People use MCTs for involuntary weight loss called cachexia or wasting syndrome. MCTs are also used for obesity, seizures, athletic performance, Alzheimer disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
- IronNatMedIron is a mineral. Most of the iron in the body is found in red blood cells and muscle cells. Food sources include meat, fish, beans, spinach, and cereal. Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to cells all over the body. Iron also plays a role in many important functions in the body. People commonly use iron for preventing and treating different types of anemia caused by low iron levels. It is also used for ADHD, child development, fatigue, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.
- IsatisNatMedIsatis (Isatis tinctoria) is a plant with small yellow flowers. It grows in China. The leaves and roots are used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Isatis may reduce fever and swelling. It also contains chemicals that might keep cancer cells from multiplying. People use isatis for aging skin, scaly itchy skin (psoriasis), diarrhea, prostate cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
- Skunk CabbageNatMedSkunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) is a plant native to swamps and wetlands in North America. It gets its name from the unpleasant odor it releases. Skunk cabbage root is used as medicine. But it contains calcium oxalate, which can irritate the kidneys and increase the risk for kidney stones. People use skunk cabbage for asthma, headache, seizures, toothache, wound healing, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- Shark CartilageNatMedShark cartilage is the tissue that provides support for fins in sharks (Squalus acanthias). It mainly comes from sharks caught in the Pacific Ocean. Shark cartilage became a popular medicine in the 1970s. But its popularity led to a decline in shark numbers. It was previously suggested that sharks don't get cancer, so consuming their cartilage might help prevent cancer in humans. But it is now clear that sharks do get cancer, and research hasn't shown benefits for cancer in humans. People use shark cartilage for cancer, scaly itchy skin (psoriasis), osteoarthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence supporting these uses. Don't confuse shark cartilage with bovine cartilage, or with chondroitin, which can be sourced from shark cartilage.
- Sweet OrangeNatMedSweet orange (Citrus sinensis) is a fruit that contains large amounts of vitamin C. People commonly eat its fruit and drink its juice. Sweet orange contains large amounts of potassium, which might help prevent high blood pressure and stroke. The fruit and juice also contain large amounts of a chemical called citrate, which might help prevent kidney stones. Citrate tends to bind with calcium before it can form a stone. People use sweet orange for asthma, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, the common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.
- ChlorellaNatMedChlorella (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.
- Panax NotoginsengNatMedPanax 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.
- Reishi MushroomNatMedReishi 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.
- ChrysanthemumNatMedChrysanthemum 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.
- Baikal SkullcapNatMedBaikal 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.
- CopperNatMedCopper 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.
- Black SeedNatMedBlack 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, and high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood. It is also used for eczema, weight loss, menstrual cramps, 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 black seed for COVID-19.
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