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Herbal Medicine

Herbal Medicine

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

Specifics

  • 5 Tips: What You Should Know about Popular Herbs (Evening Primrose Oil, St. John’s Wort, Fenugreek, Echinacea, and Aloe Vera) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
  • Acai National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
  • Aloe Vera National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
  • 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
  • Elderberry National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
  • Ephedra 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
  • 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
  • Mugwort National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
  • Noni National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
  • Passionflower 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 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
  • 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

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