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GentianNatMedGentian (Gentiana lutea) is a plant that grows in the mountains in Europe. It's often known as bitter wort or bitter root. Its roots are used as medicine. Gentian contains chemicals that might reduce blood pressure by widening blood vessels. It might also have effects that reduce appetite. People use gentian for diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse gentian with Canadian hemp, which is also called bitter root. These are not the same. Also note that the highly toxic white hellebore (Veratrum album) can be misidentified as gentian. It has caused accidental poisoning when used in homemade preparations.- Brewer's YeastNatMedBrewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is used in beer brewing. It is sometimes used as a food additive and is also available as a dietary supplement. Some brewer's yeast products contain live yeast, while others contain non-living yeast. Brewer's yeast is a source of B vitamins and protein, as well as chromium, which might help lower blood sugar levels. Brewer's yeast also seems to increase enzymes in the stomach that could relieve diarrhea and improve the body's defense against viral infections like the flu. People commonly use brewer's yeast for a long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS). It is also used for diabetes, diarrhea, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse brewer's yeast with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same.
- Collagen Type II (native)NatMedCollagen type II (native) is a protein that is part of the cartilage, bone, and other types of connective tissues in animals and humans. Collagen type II might work by causing the body to produce chemicals that fight pain and swelling. But this is unproven. Most collagen type II found in supplements comes from chicken. Some collagen type II in supplements comes from cows. Collagen type II is used for osteoarthritis. It is also used for other types of joint and muscle pain, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses. Don't confuse collagen type II (native) with collagen peptides, collagen type I (native), or gelatin.
- ChlorophyllNatMedChlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants. Food sources include green leafy vegetables, wheatgrass, green tea, potatoes, and some algae and herbs. In supplements, common chlorophyll sources include alfalfa, algae, and silkworm droppings. But many "chlorophyll" supplements actually contain chlorophyllin, a chemical made from chlorophyll. There isn't enough information available to know how chlorophyll might work. Chlorophyll is used for acne, wound healing, hay fever, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- CereusNatMedCereus is an herb. People use the flower, stem, and young shoots for medicine. Cereus is used for chest pain (angina), fluid retention associated with weak heart function (heart failure), and as a heart stimulant. Cereus is also used for bladder infections and other urinary tract problems, bleeding, and shortness of breath. Women use it for painful or heavy menstrual periods. Cereus is sometimes applied directly to the skin for joint pain.
- CarrageenanNatMedCarrageenan is made from parts of various red seaweeds in the Rhodophyceae family. It's commonly used to thicken foods, but it has no nutritional value. Carrageenan has been added to processed foods since the 1950s. Carrageenan might also help fight infections. People use carrageenan for cough, common cold, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any uses.
- CamphorNatMedCamphor is a chemical that used to be made by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree. Today, camphor is usually made from turpentine oil. Camphor has a very distinct smell. It seems to stimulate nerves and help with symptoms such as pain and itching. In the nose, camphor seems to create a cold sensation so that breathing feels easier. It's used in products such as Vicks VapoRub. People use camphor for cough, pain, and itching. It is also used for insect bites, acne, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Taking camphor by mouth is unsafe. Camphor products include camphorated oil or camphorated spirits. Camphorated oil was removed from the US market in the 1980s due to accidental poisonings.
- ElderflowerNatMedElderflower is the flower of the European or black elder tree (Sambucus nigra), which is also the source of elderberry. Its flower is used as medicine. Elderflower contains chemicals that have antioxidant effects. It also contains chemicals that might have antidiabetic effects. People sometimes use elderflower for common cold, constipation, diabetes, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse elderflower with American elder, dwarf elder, or elderberry. These are not the same.
- Java TeaNatMedJava tea (Orthosiphon aristatus) is a shrub native to tropical areas of Asia and Australia. The leaves and stem tips are used as medicine. Java tea contains chemicals that might reduce blood sugar and improve kidney function. People sometimes use Java tea for chronic kidney disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- DandelionNatMedDandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an herb native to Europe. The leaf, flower, and root have been used for various infections, but with little evidence. Dandelion is found throughout mild climates of the northern hemisphere. It contains chemicals that might decrease swelling, increase urine production, and prevent crystals from forming in the urine that could lead to infections in the kidneys and urinary tract. People use dandelion for conditions such as swollen tonsils, kidney infections, UTIs, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- PeppermintNatMedPeppermint (Mentha x piperita) is a plant in the mint family. It's a natural hybrid of spearmint and wild mint. The leaf and oil are used as medicine. Peppermint oil seems to reduce spasms in the digestive tract. When applied to the skin, it can cause surface warmth, which relieves pain beneath the skin. It may also help to "cool" the skin and relieve itching. People use peppermint for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, and bedsores. It is also used for, anxiety, insomnia, migraine headache, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses. Don't confuse peppermint with other mint plants, such as English Horsemint, Japanese Mint, Perilla, Salvia divinorum, Spearmint, and Wild Mint. These are different plants.
- InosineNatMedInosine is a chemical that is found in RNA, which is present in all living cells. It can be made in a laboratory and is also used as medicine. When people take inosine by mouth it is changed in the body to make a chemical called uric acid. Uric acid acts like an antioxidant and might protect cells in the brain. People sometimes use inosine for Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), athletic performance, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- DamianaNatMedDamiana (Turnera diffusa) is a wild shrub that grows in Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. The leaf and stem are used to make medicine. Damiana contains chemicals that might improve stomach health and reduce ulcers. It might also have effects like an aphrodisiac. People use damiana for depression, indigestion, obesity, sexual dysfunction, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- Wild ThymeNatMedWild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a shrub with long, trailing stems that is native to Europe. Its flowering parts have been used in traditional medicine. Wild thyme contains an essential oil that might have antioxidant and antibacterial effects. People use wild thyme for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse wild thyme with thyme, which is a similar species, or with Spanish origanum oil, which is sometimes called "Spanish thyme." These are not the same.
- EucalyptusNatMedEucalyptus is a tree. Its leaves and oil have been consumed, chewed, and applied to the skin for many conditions. Eucalyptus contains many different chemicals. These chemicals might have various effects in the body. Also, some research suggests that eucalyptus may have activity against bacteria and fungi. People use eucalyptus for many conditions including asthma, bronchitis, flu (influenza), and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- Red-spur ValerianNatMedRed-spur valerian (Centranthus ruber) is a plant. The root has been used to make medicine. People use red-spur valerian for sleep and relaxation, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. Do not confuse red-spur valerian with Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). These are not the same.
- Horny Goat WeedNatMedHorny goat weed refers to various herb species of the Epimedium genus, and may be known as "yin yang huo." It has limited evidence of health benefits. Horny goat weed contains chemicals that might help increase blood flow and improve sexual function. It also contains phytoestrogens, chemicals that act somewhat like the hormone estrogen. People use horny goat weed for erectile dysfunction (ED), sexual problems, weak and brittle bones, health problems after menopause, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.
- Lavender CottonNatMedLavender cotton is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground and root bark are used to make medicine. People use lavender cotton for conditions such as digestion problems, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), infection of the intestines by parasites, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse lavender cotton with lavender. They are different plants and have very different scents.
- Ylang Ylang OilNatMedYlang ylang oil is made from the flowers of Cananga odorata genuina. It is sometimes inhaled as aromatherapy or applied to the skin as medicine. Ylang ylang oil is used as a food flavoring and as a fragrance in cosmetics and soaps. It contains chemicals that might make people feel calm. Ylang ylang oil has been used for lice, memory and thinking skills (cognitive function), high blood pressure, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. Do not confuse ylang ylang oil with Cananga oil. Cananga oil is made from the flowers of a similar plant, called Cananga odorata macrophylla.
- Willard WaterNatMedWillard water is chemically processed water containing ingredients such as rock salt, calcium chloride, and magnesium sulfate. Willard water was developed in the early twentieth century at the South Dakota School of Mines by a chemistry professor named John Wesley Willard, Ph.D. He developed and patented this special water as an industrial cleanser to clean and degrease train parts. People in the town tried taking Willard water as medicine. Soon Willard water became legendary as a cure-all for almost every disease known to humans and animals, and as a plant fertilizer. People take Willard water for arthritis, acne, anxiety, nervous stomach, high blood pressure, ulcers, and hair loss. Willard water is used as a treatment for leukemia in cows and cats. In manufacturing, Willard water is used as a food preserver and a laundry aid.
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