Herbal Medicine

Lavender
by MedlinePlus
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula, Russia, and Africa. It has been used cosmetically and medicinally throughout history. In modern times, lavender is cultivated around the world and the fragrant oils of its flowers are used

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
by MedlinePlus
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is an endogenous hormone (made in the human body), and secreted by the adrenal gland. DHEA serves as precursor to male and female sex hormones (androgens and estrogens).

Horsetail
by MedlinePlus
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has traditionally been used in Europe as an oral diuretic for the treatment of edema. The German Commission E expert panel has approved horsetail for this indication.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), Germinated Barley Foodstuff (GBF)
by MedlinePlus
Barley is a cereal used as a staple food in many countries. It is commonly used as an ingredient in baked products and soup in Europe and the United States. Barley malt is used to make beer, and as a natural sweetener called malt sugar or barley jelly

Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale)
by MedlinePlus
Dandelion is a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae family closely related to chicory. It is a perennial herb, native throughout the Northern hemisphere, found growing wild in meadows, pastures and waste grounds of temperate zones.

Milk Thistle, Silymarin
by MedlinePlus
Milk thistle has been used medicinally for over 2000 years, most commonly for the treatment of liver and gallbladder disorders. A flavonoid complex called silymarin can be extracted from the seeds of milk thistle, and is believed to be the biologically

The Herbal Renaissance
The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook: Forty Natural Prescriptions for Perfect Health
by Deepak Chopra, M.D., David Simon, M.D.
We are witnessing an unprecedented resurgence in natural healing. The search for holistic approaches to enhance health is permeating every aspect of our culture and society. Why is there such an explosive interest in natural medicine?

Boron
by MedlinePlus
Boron is a trace element, which is found throughout the global environment. It has been suggested for numerous medicinal purposes but there is not strong evidence for any specific use. Preliminary studies report that boron may not be helpful for enhancing

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) : Safety, Interactions
by MedlinePlus
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
by MedlinePlus
Alfalfa is a legume with, has a long history of dietary and medicinal use. A small number of animal and preliminary human studies report that alfalfa supplements may lower blood levels of cholesterol and glucose.

Ephedra, Ma huang
by MedlinePlus
Ephedra sinica, a species of ephedra (Ma huang), contains the alkaloids ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which have been found to induce central nervous system stimulation, bronchodilation, and vasoconstriction.

Echinacea : Scientific and Traditional Uses
by MedlinePlus
Echinacea species are perennials which belong to the Aster family and which originate in eastern North America. Traditionally used for a range of infections and malignancies, the roots and herb (above ground parts) of echinacea species have attracted

Essiac
by MedlinePlus
Essiac contains a combination of herbs, including burdock root (Arctium lappa), sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella), slippery elm inner bark ( Ulmus fulva ), and Turkish rhubarb (Rheum palmatum).

Blessed Thistle (Cnicus Benedictus L.)
by MedlinePlus
Blessed thistle leaves, stems, and flowers have traditionally been used in bitter tonic drinks and in other preparations taken by mouth to enhance appetite and digestion. Blessed thistle may also be included in the unproven anti-cancer herbal remedy

Wild Yam
by MedlinePlus
It has been hypothesized that wild yam (Dioscorea villosa and other dioscorea species) possesses dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-like properties, and acts as a precursor to human sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Clay
by MedlinePlus
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

White Horehound
by MedlinePlus
Since ancient Egypt, white horehound ( Marrubium vulgare L.) has been used as an expectorant (to facilitate removal of mucus from the lungs or throat). Ayurvedic, Native American and Australian Aboriginal medicines have traditionally used white horehound

Soy : Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Soy is a subtropical plant, native to southeastern Asia. This member of the pea family ( Fabaceae ) grows from one to five feet tall and forms clusters of three to five pods, each containing two to four beans per pod. Soy has been a dietary staple in Asia

Chondroitin Sulfate
by MedlinePlus
Chondroitin was first extracted and purified in the 1960s. It is currently manufactured from natural sources (shark/beef cartilage or bovine trachea) or by synthetic means. The consensus of expert and industry opinions support the use of chondroitin

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa [L.] Nutt.)
by MedlinePlus
Blackcohosh is popular as an alternative to hormonal therapy in the treatment of menopausal (climacteric) symptoms such as hot flashes, mood disturbances, diaphoresis, palpitations, and vaginal dryness.