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Alder BuckthornNatMedAlder buckthorn is a shrub that grows in parts of Europe and North America. The aged or heated bark of the plant is used to make medicine. Don't confuse alder buckthorn with European buckthorn, sea buckthorn, or cascara. Alder buckthorn is mainly used for constipation. It is also used as a tonic or as an ingredient in the Hoxsey cancer formula, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.- UzaraNatMedUzara is a plant used in traditional African medicine. The root is used to make medicine. People take uzara for diarrhea.
- EphedraNatMedEphedra is a stimulant herb usually from the stem and branches of Ephedra sinica. Most ephedra species contain the chemical ephedrine. It's banned in the US. The ephedrine in ephedra is responsible for its therapeutic effects and also its serious safety concerns. It stimulates the heart, lungs, and nervous system. People use ephedra for weight loss and athletic performance. It's also used for allergies, nasal congestion, asthma, common cold, headache, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Ephedra is also unsafe. Ephedra has been banned by the US FDA since April 2004. It's also banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), International Olympic Committee (IOC), and National Football League (NFL). Don't confuse ephedra with Mormon tea. Mormon tea comes from Ephedra nevadensis, an Ephedra species that doesn't contain ephedrine.
- CanthaxanthinNatMedCanthaxanthin is a dye that is similar to the chemical that makes carrots orange. It occurs naturally and can also be made in a laboratory. People use it as medicine. Canthaxanthin is used to reduce sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) experienced by people who have a rare genetic disease called erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). In these people, sunlight can cause skin reactions such as rash, itch, and eczema. Canthaxanthin is also used to reduce sun sensitivity caused by certain medications and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Orobronze (canthaxanthin) is sold in Canada as a nonprescription "tanning pill." In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved tanning pills containing canthaxanthin. Nevertheless, these products seem to be readily available to people in the U.S. through mail order and tanning salons. In foods, canthaxanthin is used as food coloring and is added to animal feed to improve the color of chicken skins, egg yolks, salmon, and trout. In manufacturing, canthaxanthin is used in cosmetics and in medications.
- SpearmintNatMedSpearmint (Mentha spicata) is a species of mint plant. It's grown for its leaves and essential oil, which is used as a flavoring in foods and cosmetics. Spearmint oil contains chemicals that reduce swelling and affect hormone levels in the body, including testosterone. Some chemicals might also harm cancer cells and kill bacteria. People use spearmint for memory, digestion, osteoarthritis, nausea and vomiting after surgery, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse spearmint with other plants known as mint, including English horsemint, Japanese mint, peppermint, perilla, salvia divinorum, or wild mint. These are not the same.
- SaffronNatMedSaffron (Crocus sativus) is a plant. The dried thread-like parts of the flower (stigmas) are used to make saffron spice, food coloring, and medicine. Saffron contains chemicals that might alter mood, kill cancer cells, decrease swelling, and act like antioxidants. It can take 75,000 saffron blossoms to produce a single pound of saffron spice. Saffron is largely cultivated in Iran and harvested by hand. It's one of the world's most expensive spices. People commonly use saffron for depression, anxiety, Alzheimer disease, menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
- HorsetailNatMedHorsetail refers to various plant species of the Equisetum genus. It may help reduce fluid retention, but might cause vitamin B1 deficiency when used long-term. The chemicals in horsetail might have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They might also work like "water pills" (diuretics) and increase urination. People use horsetail for fluid retention, urinary tract infections (UTIs), osteoporosis, loss of bladder control, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- ArtichokeNatMedArtichoke (Cynara cardunculus) is a plant native to the Mediterranean area. The leaf, stem, and root are used to make extracts, which are used as medicine. Artichoke is also commonly consumed as a food. It contains chemicals that can reduce nausea and vomiting, spasms, and gas. These chemicals have also been shown to lower cholesterol and protect the liver. People commonly use artichoke for indigestion and high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood. It is also used for high blood pressure, hepatitis C, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Don't confuse artichoke with Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus).
- GymnemaNatMedGymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) is a plant native to India and Africa with a history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. It has little evidence of health benefits. Gymnema contains chemicals that reduce how much sugar the stomach absorbs. It might also increase the amount of insulin in the body and increase the growth of cells in the pancreas, which is where the body makes insulin. People use gymnema for diabetes, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- Angel's TrumpetNatMedAngel's trumpet is a plant. The leaves and flowers are used to make medicine. Despite serious safety concerns, people use angel's trumpet as a recreational drug to induce hallucinations and euphoria. It is also used for asthma and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- GoldenrodNatMedGoldenrod (Solidago virgaurea, Solidago canadensis) is a plant native to Europe that grows in mild areas worldwide, such as dry woods and grasslands. Goldenrod contains chemicals that might increase urine flow and reduce swelling. It might also kill bacteria and fungi. People use goldenrod for enlarged prostate, kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), tooth plaque, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using goldenrod for COVID-19. Goldenrod is sometimes called Aaron's rod. Don't confuse this with mullein, which is also called Aaron's rod.
- Rose HipNatMedRose hip is the part of the rose flower just below the petals that contains the rose plant seeds. It has been used for osteoarthritis and contains vitamin C. While rose hip is often considered a good source of vitamin C, the processing and drying of the plant actually destroys most of it. Besides vitamin C, other natural chemicals found in rose hip may be helpful for a variety of health conditions. People use rose hip for osteoarthritis and pain after surgery. It is also used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
- LavenderNatMedLavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is an evergreen plant native to the Mediterranean. Its flower and oil have a popular scent and are also used as medicine. Lavender contains an oil that seems to have calming effects and might relax certain muscles. It also seems to have antibacterial and antifungal effects. People commonly use lavender for anxiety, stress, insomnia, depression, dementia, pain, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
- Sida CordifoliaNatMedSida cordifolia is a shrub native to India that now grows worldwide. It's a common ingredient in herbal preparations in many systems of traditional medicine. Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine, which is an amphetamine-like stimulant. Despite serious safety concerns, people use Sida cordifolia for asthma, allergies, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine, which is an amphetamine-like stimulant that can cause harmful side effects. Since April 2004, the US FDA has banned the sale of ephedra, Sida cordifolia, and other products that contain ephedrine. Don't confuse Side cordifolia with Chinese Mallow, Mallow, or Marshmallow. These are not the same.
- JequirityNatMedJequirity is a climbing plant. The roots, leaves, and beans have been used as medicine. Jequirity is poisonous. Despite serious safety concerns, some people take jequirity by mouth for asthma, constipation, liver disease, and other conditions. But there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- 7-Keto-DHEANatMed7-keto-DHEA is formed from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body. Unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to hormones like androgen and estrogen. 7-keto-DHEA has effects that might promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism and converting more energy to heat instead of storing it as fat. People take 7-keto-DHEA for obesity, muscle strength, anxiety, depression, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse 7-keto-DHEA with DHEA, 7-alpha-hydroxy-DHEA, 7-beta-hydroxy-DHEA, or raspberry ketone. These are not the same.
- Acetyl-L-CarnitineNatMedAcetyl-L-carnitine is made from L-carnitine in the body. L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine are used to help the body turn fat into energy. Acetyl-L-carnitine is important for many body processes. L-carnitine is made in the human brain, liver, and kidneys. The body can convert L-carnitine to acetyl-L-carnitine and vice versa. It's not clear if the effects of acetyl-L-carnitine are from the chemical itself, from the L-carnitine it can make, or from some other chemical. Acetyl-L-carnitine is sometimes used for Alzheimer disease, improving memory and thinking skills, treating symptoms of depression, and reducing nerve pain in people with diabetes. It is used for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
- Whey ProteinNatMedWhey protein is the protein from whey, the watery portion of milk that separates from the curds when making cheese. It is commonly used as a protein supplement. Whey protein might improve the nutrient content of the diet and also have effects on the immune system. People commonly use whey protein for improving athletic performance and increasing strength. Whey protein is also used for asthma, diabetes, weight loss, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
- CatnipNatMedCatnip (Nepeta cataria) is a plant famous for the excitement it creates in cats. The flowering tops are used to make medicine. Catnip contains chemicals that might have a calming effect. It's not clear if it has the same effects in humans as it does in cats. The oils in catnip might also have insect repellant effects. People use catnip for anxiety, colic, common cold, insomnia, repelling mosquitos, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse catnip with schizonepeta. These are not the same.
- New Zealand Green-Lipped MusselNatMedNew Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is a shellfish with a green shell. It's eaten in New Zealand as food and also used in supplements. New Zealand green-lipped mussel might contain chemicals that help decrease swelling or inflammation. People use New Zealand green-lipped mussel for asthma, arthritis, muscle soreness, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
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