Results 961-980 of 3295
Marsh MarigoldNatMedMarsh marigold is a plant. People use the flowering parts that grow above the ground to make medicine. Despite serious safety concerns, people take marsh marigold for pain, menstrual disorders, swollen airways (bronchitis), yellowed skin (jaundice), liver disorders, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.- AlchemillaNatMedAlchemilla (Alchemilla xanthochlora and Alchemilla vulgarisis) is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Alchemilla contains chemicals called tannins, which might have drying effects on the skin or in the body. Some people use alchemilla for stomach problems, diarrhea, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- PhenylalanineNatMedPhenylalanine is an amino acid. There are three forms: L-, D-, and DL- phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine is found naturally in foods such as meat and eggs. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. L-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid. It is the only form of phenylalanine found in proteins. D-phenylalanine is not an essential amino acid, and its role in the body is not currently understood. DL-phenylalanine is made in a lab. People use phenylalanine for a disorder that causes white patches to develop on the skin (vitiligo). It is also used for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic pain, aging skin, depression, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
- SennaNatMedSenna is the fruit (pod) or leaf of the plant Senna alexandrina. It is approved in the US as a laxative for short-term treatment of constipation. Senna contains many chemicals called sennosides. Sennosides irritate the lining of the bowel, which causes a laxative effect. Senna is an FDA-approved over-the-counter (OTC) laxative. It is used to treat constipation and also to clear the bowel before procedures such as colonoscopy. People also use senna for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, weight loss, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- Yellow DockNatMedYellow dock (Rumex crispus) is a common weed. The leaf stalks are used in salads. The roots, fruits, leaves, and flowers are used as medicine. Yellow dock contains chemicals that work as laxatives and have anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains chemicals that might kill parasites, bacteria, and fungi. People use yellow dock for constipation, diabetes, low levels of healthy red blood cells (anemia) due to iron deficiency, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse yellow dock with sorrel or wood sorrel. These are not the same.
- BupleurumNatMedBupleurum is an herb or woody shrub native to Europe, Asia, and North America. There are about 200 different species. Its root is used as medicine. Bupleurum is included in many Chinese and Japanese traditional herbal formulas. It might help stimulate the immune system and protect the liver. People use bupleurum for asthma, depression, flu, hepatitis, liver cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- Yellow ToadflaxNatMedYellow toadflax is an herb native to Europe and Asia. The whole plant has been used in traditional medicine for bladder, skin, and digestive problems. Yellow toadflax might have antioxidant effects and reduce inflammation (swelling). People sometimes use yellow toadflax for hemorrhoids, leg ulcers, wound healing, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse yellow toadflax with horsetail. Both of these plants are sometimes called toadpipe. But they are not the same.
- ButterburNatMedButterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a shrub. Its large leaves were used to wrap butter during warm weather, giving it the name "butterbur". Butterbur grows throughout Europe and parts of Asia. It's also now found in parts of the US. Butterbur contains chemicals that might relieve spasms and decrease swelling. Butterbur is used for migraine, hay fever, asthma, and many other conditions, but there is no strong scientific evidence to support most of these uses. Some butterbur products may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These chemicals can harm the liver and cause serious side effects. Do not use butterbur products unless they are certified as free of PAs.
- Turkey Tail MushroomNatMedTurkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) is a mushroom. It contains polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which are used as medicine. Turkey tail mushroom grows on stumps and the decomposing wood of trees. The PSP and PSK in turkey tail mushroom might help slow cancer growth and boost the immune system. People use turkey tail mushroom to improve response to cancer medicines and radiation. It is also used for muscle strength, fatigue, UTIs, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- Pau D'ArcoNatMedPau d'arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) is a tree that is native to the Amazon. Its bark and wood have been used for many conditions, but with little evidence. The pau d'arco tree is used by native peoples in the regions where it grows for making hunting bows. The name "pau d'arco" is Portuguese for "bow tree." Pau d'arco bark and wood might prevent cancer cells from growing and slow tumor growth. But the doses needed to cause these effects seem to be unsafe. People use pau d'arco for cancer, diabetes, stomach ulcers, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using pau d'arco can also be unsafe, especially at higher doses. Pau d'arco is sometimes called quebracho. Don't confuse this with a different plant called Quebracho Blanco. These are not the same.
- OrrisNatMedOrris root comes from two different species of iris, Iris pallida and Iris germanica. It is sometimes used to make medicine. Orris root is generally used in combination with other herbs and can be found in homeopathic dilutions and tea preparations. Orris contains many chemicals, but it's not clear how it might work in the body. People use orris root for conditions such as bad breath, bronchitis, wound healing, and joint pain, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- OreganoNatMedOregano (Origanum vulgare) is an herb used to flavor foods. It is considered safe in common food amounts, but has little evidence of health benefits. Oregano has olive-green leaves and purple flowers. It is closely related to other herbs, including mint, thyme, marjoram, and basil. Oregano contains chemicals that might help reduce cough. Oregano also might help with digestion and with fighting against some bacteria and viruses. People use oregano for wound healing, parasite infections, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- OnionNatMedOnion (Allium cepa) is a plant that is grown worldwide. The onion bulb is commonly eaten as food. Onion bulb and extract are also used to make medicine. Onion contains chemicals that seem to reduce swelling and lung tightness related to asthma. It also contains chemicals that seem to reduce cholesterol and lower blood sugar. People use onion to prevent scarring. It is also used for obesity, hair loss, asthma, insomnia, high blood pressure. warts, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- Ornithine Ketoglutarate (OKG)NatMedOrnithine ketoglutarate (OKG) is a salt made from the amino acid ornithine and alpha-ketoglutarate, which is a precursor to the amino acid glutamine. Ornithine ketoglutarate might change the way amino acids, the building blocks of protein, are used in the body. It also increases insulin, a hormone that regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. People use ornithine ketoglutarate for healing wounds and burns. It is also used for building muscle strength, HIV/AIDS, stroke, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse ornithine ketoglutarate with ornithine or another chemical called L-ornithine-L-aspartate (LOLA). These are not the same.
- English HorsemintNatMedEnglish horsemint is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. People take English horsemint for digestion problems, including nausea, diarrhea, and intestinal gas (flatulence). They also take it for headaches, bronchitis, liver health, and general pain.
- English Adder's TongueNatMedEnglish adder's tongue is a plant. The root and leaf are sometimes used to make medicine. English adder's tongue is used for wound healing and skin ulcers, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use for any condition. Don't confuse English adder's tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum) with American adder's tongue (Erythronium americanum).
- ImmortelleNatMedImmortelle is a plant. The dried flower is used to make medicine. People take immortelle for liver disease and gallbladder disease. It is also used to treat indigestion (dyspepsia), disorders affecting bile flow in the liver, and other conditions. Be careful not to confuse immortelle with sandy everlasting (Helichrysum angustifolium) or with immortal (Asclepias asperula).
- Black WalnutNatMedBlack walnut (Juglans nigra) is a tree native to the US that's harvested for its wood and edible nuts. The tree bark has been used in traditional medicine. Black walnut contains high concentrations of chemicals called tannins, which can reduce pain and swelling and dry up body fluids such as mucous. People use black walnut to lower the risk of heart disease, for skin wounds, and for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Tree nuts, including black walnut, are considered major food allergens in the US. Don't confuse black walnut with English walnut. There are not the same.
- Madagascar PeriwinkleNatMedMadagascar periwinkle is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground and the root are used to make medicine. Madagascar periwinkle is used for diabetes, cancer, sore throat, cough, insect bite, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using Madagascar periwinkle can also be unsafe. Purified forms of some chemicals found in Madagascar periwinkle are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be given by injection for the treatment of cancer. These drugs have serious side effects and should be administered only under medical supervision. Madagascar periwinkle is considered unsafe for self-medication.
- Euphorbia hirtaNatMedEuphorbia hirta is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Euphorbia hirta is used for breathing disorders, dengue fever, digestive problems, severe diarrhea (dysentery), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
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