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TomatoNatMedTomato (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.- ShellacNatMedShellac 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.
- Wild DaisyNatMedWild 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.
- Chenopodium OilNatMedChenopodium 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.
- Castor BeanNatMedCastor 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.
- BromelainNatMedBromelain 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.
- BoronNatMedBoron 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.
- BloodrootNatMedBloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a flowering plant native to North America. The rhizome contains a blood-red liquid that thickens into a paste. Bloodroot contains chemicals that might help fight bacteria and tooth plaque. People commonly use bloodroot for tooth plaque and gum disease (gingivitis). It is also used for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gum infection (periodontitis), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Don't confuse bloodroot with tormentil or yarrow, which are also sometimes called bloodroot. Also don't confuse it with knotweed. These are not the same.
- Black HawNatMedBlack 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.
- Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactisNatMedBifidobacterium 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.
- AvocadoNatMedThe 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.
- Stone RootNatMedStone 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.
- Wild CherryNatMedWild cherry (Prunus serotina) is a tree native to North and South America. Its fruits are edible. Its bark and fruit are used as medicine. Wild cherry fruit contains chemicals that might have antioxidant effects and lower blood pressure. People sometimes use wild cherry for bronchitis, common cold, gout, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse wild cherry with other cherry products, including tart cherry, sweet cherry, and winter cherry. These are not the same.
- Wild CarrotNatMedWild carrot is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground and an oil made from the seeds are used to make medicine. Be careful not to confuse wild carrot (which has a white tap root that shouldn't be eaten) with the common carrot (which has the familiar orange tap root that is commonly eaten). Wild carrot or its seed oil is used for urinary tract problems, digestive problems, to induce menstruation, and for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use for any condition. In foods, wild carrot oil is used to flavor alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, frozen dairy desserts, candy, baked goods, gelatins, puddings, meat and meat products, condiments, relishes, and soups. In manufacturing, wild carrot seed oil is used as a fragrance in soaps, detergents, creams, lotions, and perfumes.
- White HorehoundNatMedWhite horehound is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. White horehound is used for digestion problems including diabetes, loss of appetite, indigestion, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and liver and gallbladder complaints. It is also used for lung and breathing problems including cough, whooping cough, asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis, and swollen breathing passages. Women use white horehound for painful menstrual periods. People also use it for yellowed skin (jaundice), to kill parasitic worms, to cause sweating, and to increase urine production. White horehound is sometimes applied to the skin for skin damage, ulcers, and wounds. In manufacturing, the extracts of white horehound are used as flavoring in foods and beverages, and as expectorants in cough syrups and lozenges. Expectorants are ingredients that make it easier to cough up phlegm.
- RueNatMedRue (Ruta graveolens) is a perennial, evergreen shrub native to southern Europe. The parts that grow above the ground and the oil are used as medicine. Rue contains chemicals that might have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. People sometimes use rue for cancer, indigestion, insect repellent, birth control, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse rue with Goat's rue or Syrian rue. These are not the same.
- MelanotanNatMedMelanotan is similar to a hormone found in the body. It's a lab-made chemical that was originally made as a drug to help treat certain skin conditions. The term "melanotan" describes two chemicals known as melanotan-I and melanotan-II. They're similar to a substance in the human body called "melanocyte-stimulating hormone." This hormone increases the production of skin-darkening pigments. Melanotan might also stimulate erections. People sometimes use melanotan for erectile dysfunction (ED), tanning skin, rosacea, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using melanotan can also be unsafe. The US FDA recommends against the use of any products containing melanotan. But these products remain available on the internet and in some tanning salons and spas. Don't confuse melanotan with a similar-sounding product called melatonin. These are not the same.
- RhodiolaNatMedRhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is a plant that grows in cold parts of Europe and Asia. The root has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Rhodiola is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of natural substances that are believed to stimulate the body's resistance to physical, environmental, and emotional stressors. Rhodiola extract might help protect cells from damage and regulate heartbeat. People sometimes use rhodiola for fatigue, anxiety, depression, stress, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.
- CeleryNatMedCelery (Apium graveolens) is a plant that grows throughout the world. The stem is often eaten raw or as a cooked vegetable. The seed is used as a spice. The chemicals in different parts of the celery plant might have many effects on the body, including lowering blood sugar and blood pressure, and causing sleepiness. People use celery to repel mosquitos, for prediabetes, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- LicoriceNatMedLicorice is an herb that grows in parts of Europe and Asia. Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which can cause side effects when eaten in large amounts. The chemicals in licorice are thought to decrease swelling, decrease cough, and increase the chemicals in our body that heal ulcers. Many "licorice" products made in the U.S. actually don't contain licorice. They contain anise oil, which has the smell and taste of "black licorice". Licorice is used for eczema, swelling of the liver, mouth sores, 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 licorice for COVID-19.
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