Herbal Medicine

Bromelain
by MedlinePlus
Classified as an herb, bromelain is a sulfur-containing proteolytic digestive enzyme that is extracted from the stem and the fruit of the pineapple plant ( Ananas comosus , family Bromeliaceae ).

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

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

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.

Bitter Almond and Laetrile
by MedlinePlus
The almond is closely related to the peach, apricot, and cherry (all classified as drupes). Unlike the others, however, the outer layer of the almond is not edible. The edible portion of the almond is the seed.

Biotin (vitamin H)
by MedlinePlus
Biotin is an essential water-soluble B vitamin. Biotin is required by the body in order for four specific enzymes to function in metabolism: propionyl coenzyme A carboxylase (PCC), pyruvate carboxylase (PC), beta-methylcrotonyl coenzyme A carboxylase

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
by MedlinePlus
Bilberry, a close relative of blueberry, has a long history of medicinal use. The dried fruit has been popular for the symptomatic treatment of diarrhea, for topical relief of minor mucus membrane inflammation, and for a variety of eye disorders

Betel Nut (Areca catechu L.)
by MedlinePlus
Betel nut use refers to a combination of three ingredients: the nut of the betel palm ( Areca catechu ), part of the Piper betel vine, and lime. Anecdotal reports have indicated that small doses generally lead to euphoria and increased flow of energy

Beta-Carotene
by MedlinePlus
The name carotene was first coined in the early 19th century by the scientist Wachenroder after he crystallized this compound from carrot roots. Beta-carotene is a member of the carotenoids, which are highly pigmented (red, orange, yellow), fat-soluble

Belladonna (Atropa belladonna L. or Royle ex Lindl)
by MedlinePlus
Belladonna is an herb that has been used for centuries for a variety of indications, including headache, menstrual symptoms, peptic ulcer disease, inflammation, and motion sickness.

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.

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

Astragalus : Dosing and Safety
by MedlinePlus
The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
by MedlinePlus
Astragalus products are derived from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus or related species, which are native to China. In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is commonly found in mixtures with other herbs, and is used in the treatment of numerous

Arginine (L-Arginine)
by MedlinePlus
L-arginine was first isolated in 1886. In 1932, L-arginine was found to be required for the generation of urea, which is necessary for the removal of toxic ammonia from the body.

Pennyroyal: (Hedeoma and Mentha Pulegioides L.)
by MedlinePlus
The essential oil of pennyroyal is considered toxic. Death has been reported after consumption of half an ounce (15mL) of the oil. A characteristic noted in most cases of pennyroyal overdose is a strong minty smell on the patient's breath.

Aloe (Aloe vera)
by MedlinePlus
Transparent gel from the pulp of the meaty leaves of aloe vera has been used topically for thousands of years to treat wounds, skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatologic conditions.

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.

Guide to Dietary Supplements
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Traditionally, dietary supplements referred to products made of one or more of the essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and protein. But DSHEA broadens the definition to include, with some exceptions, any product intended for ingestion

Depression: Herbal Alternative?
by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
For severe depressive episodes, medications are often the first step because of the relatively quick relief they can bring to physical symptoms. For the long term, however, psychotherapy may be needed to address certain aspects of the illness that drugs