Herbal Medicine Also called: Botanicals, Phytotherapy Summary An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicines are one type of dietary supplement. They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts, and fresh or dried plants. People use herbal medicines to try to maintain or improve their health. Many people believe that products labeled “natural” are always safe and good for them. This is not necessarily true. Herbal medicines do not have to go through the testing that drugs do. Some herbs, such as comfrey and ephedra, can cause serious harm. Some herbs can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines. If you are thinking about using an herbal medicine, first get information on it from reliable sources. Make sure to tell your health care provider about any herbal medicines you are taking. NIH: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Array A guide to herbal remedies Specifics Acai National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Aloe Vera National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Aristolochic Acids National Toxicology Program Asian Ginseng National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Astragalus National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Bilberry National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Bitter Orange National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Black Cohosh National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Butterbur National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Cat’s Claw National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Chamomile National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Chasteberry National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Cinnamon National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Cranberry National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Dandelion National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Echinacea National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Echinacea: What Should I Know about It? American Academy of Family Physicians Ephedra National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health European Elder (Elderberry) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health European Mistletoe National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Evening Primrose Oil National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Fenugreek National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Feverfew National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Garlic National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Ginger National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Gingko National Toxicology Program Ginkgo National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Goldenseal National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Grape Seed Extract National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Green Tea National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Hawthorn National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Hoodia National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Horse Chestnut National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Kava National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Lavender National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Licorice Root National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Milk Thistle National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Noni National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Passionflower: At a Glance National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Peppermint Oil National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Red Clover National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Red Yeast Rice: An Introduction National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Sage National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Saw Palmetto National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Soy National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health St. John’s Wort National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Tea Tree Oil National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Thunder God Vine National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Time to Talk: What You Should Know about 5 Popular Herbs (Evening Primrose Oil, St. John’s Wort, Fenugreek, Echinacea, and Aloe Vera) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Turmeric National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Valerian National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health What Are Chia Seeds? Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Yohimbe National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Related Issues Alerts and Advisories National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Herbal Supplements May Not Mix with Heart Medicines Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research St. John’s Wort and Depression National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Women Black Cohosh National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Start Here Botanical Dietary Supplements: Background Information National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements Herbal Products and Supplements American Academy of Family Physicians Herbal Supplements: What to Know Before You Buy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Herbs at a Glance National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health MedlinePlus: Herbs and Supplements Should You Take Dietary Supplements? National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Herbal Medicine National Institutes of Health Children Is the “Cinnamon Challenge” Dangerous? Nemours Foundation Find an Expert National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Statistics and Research NCCAM’s 5 Most Searched-For Herbs of 2012: What the Science Says about Evening Primrose Oil, St. John’s Wort, Fenugreek, Echinacea, and Aloe Vera National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Journal Articles Herb-drug interactions Herbal medicine
