Common Name
(Latin name)
Uses (specific conditions or symptoms it treats)
Action
Precautions
Aloe Vera
(Aloe Vera)
Wounds, burns, psoriasis
Has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties
None known, though some practitioners feel aloe should not be used in deep wounds
Astragalus
(Astragalus membranaceus)
Susceptibility to colds, flus, other illness
Stimulates immunity.
None known.
Bilberry
(Vaccinium myrtillus)
Poor night vision, macular degeneration, varicose veins, cataracts
Strengthens blood vessel walls, especially those in the eyes; reduces inflammation.
None known.
Bitter Melon
(Momordica charantia)
Diabetes
Improves blood sugar control.
Don’t combine with insulin or other blood sugar-lowering drugs.
Black Cohosh
(Cimicifuga racemosa)
Menopausal symptoms
Mimics estrogen and inhibits luteinizing hormone, which causes symptoms such as hot flashes.
Should not be taken by adolescents, pregnant or nursing women
Boswellia
(Boswellia serrata)
rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendinitis
Has anti-inflammatory properties, may strengthen cartilage.
None known.
Calendula
(calendula officinalis)
Cuts, burns, eczema, hemorrhoids
Has anti-inflammatory, wound-healing properties.
None known.
Cayenne
(Capsicum spp.)
Post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles pain), arthritis
Affects transmission of pain impulses.
None known. Should not be used on open sores, as cayenne can be caustic.
Chamomile
(Matricaria recutita)
Indigestion, anxiety, insomnia
Has relaxant, anti-inflammatory properties
Use cautiously if you’re allergic to members of the daisy family.
Cranberry
(Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Bladder infections
Prevents bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.
None known.
Echinacea
(Echinacea spp.)
Colds, flus
Stimulates immunity.
Gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea.
Ephedra
(Ephedra sinica, spp.)
Treats bronchial asthma, colds and flu, chills, aching joints and edema.
Diuretic and anti-inflammatory activity. Stimulates central nervous system and heart muscles; elevates blood pressure.
Should NOT be used by anyone with high blood pressure, heart disease, hypertension, thyroid disease or diabetes. Do not combine with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, found in many antidepressants. Use with extreme caution. Consult a health care practitioner before using.
Fenugreek
(Trigonella foenumgraecum)
Diabetes, constipation
Reduces blood sugar and serum cholesterol, stimulates digestion.
Don’t use if you’re pregnant or taking insulin or other blood sugar-lowering drugs.
Feverfew
(Tanacetum parthenium)
Migraine headaches
May reduce production of pain-causing prostaglandins.
Chewing leaves may cause mouth sores. Don’t use if you’re pregnant or taking blood-thinning drugs.
Garlic
(Allium sativum)
High cholesterol, high blood pressure; may help prevent heart disease
Inhibits cholesterol production, thins blood, neutralizes free radicals.
Don’t combine with blood-thinning drugs.
Ginger
(Zingiber officinale)
Nausea
Actions aren’t fully understood, except that it affects the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.
Don’t combine with blood-thinning drugs.
Ginkgo
(Ginkgo biloba)
Alzheimer’s disease, severe memory loss
Improves circulation, reduces clotting, may stimulate nerve cell activity.
Don’t combine with blood-thinning drugs.
Green Tea
(Camellia sinensis)
May help prevent cancer
Inhibits formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines, may detoxify carcinogens.
None known.
Hawthorn
(Crataegus oxyacantha)
Congestive heart failure, benign heart palpitations, high blood pressure
Strengthens and stabilizes heart muscle, lowers blood pressure.
Use caution when combining with cardiac drugs.
Kava
(Piper methysticum)
Anxiety, insomnia
Has anticonvulsant properties, relaxes muscles.
Long-term use can create a dry, scaly rash. Don’t combine with sedative drugs.
Melissa
(Melissa officinalis)
Oral and genital herpes
May prevent viruses from attaching to cells.
No precautions when used topically.
Milk Thistle
(Silybum marianum)
Viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver toxicity
Displaces toxins, scavenges free radicals, regenerates liver cells.
None known.
Nettle
(Urtica dioica)
Prostate enlargement
May influence prostate function, interact with sex hormones, reduce inflammation.
None known.
Panax Ginseng
(Panax ginseng)
Stress, fatigue, low immunity, poor mental function
Strengthens immunity, other actions unknown.
Occasionally causes insomnia.
Peppermint
(Menta x piperita)
Promotes digestion; eases indigestion, nausea, colds, headache and cramps
Stimulant.
Should not be used by anyone with achlorhydrian (absence of hydrochloric acid from gastric juice). Leaf and oil should be avoided by those with gallbladder or bile duct obstruction.
Red Clover
(trifolium pratense)
Menopausal symptoms
Mimics estrogen.
Should not be taken by adolescents, pregnant or nursing women.
Saw Palmetto
(Serenoa repens)
Prostate enlargement
May interact with sex hormones, reduces inflammation.
None known.
St. John’s Wort
(Hypericum perforatum)
Mild to moderate depression
May raise levels of mood-elevating neurotransmitters.
High doses can increase sun sensitivity. Don’t combine with antidepressant drugs.
Tea Tree
(Melaleuca alternifolia)
Wounds, acne, bacterial and fungal infections
Broad antiseptic and antifungal properties.
Potentially toxic when ingested.
Valerian
(Valeriana officinalis)
Insomnia
May affect an anxiety-related amino acid.
Don’t combine with sedative drugs.
