A - Z Index

Belladonna - Health Effects
Find out about the safety of the herb belladonna.

Turmeric for Cancer Defense
Turmeric—a key ingredient of curry—shows promise as an all-natural cancer fighter.

All About Phytoestrogens
Found naturally in plants, phytoestrogens may help protect against breast cancer, bone loss, hot flashes, and high cholesterol.

GABA
Boosting your brain levels of the amino acid GABA may help ease anxiety and protect against depression.

Hops
Widely used to flavor beer, hops may help you sleep more soundly and cool hot flashes.

Pygeum
Pygeum, a natural remedy sourced from an African plum tree, may ease symptoms associated with a common prostate condition.

Vitamin C Supplements
Should you take vitamin C supplements? Here's a look at the science behind their power to protect against cancer and the common cold.

Lycopene
Research suggests that loading up on lycopene — an antioxidant abundant in tomatoes and watermelon—may help protect against certain types of cancer.

Cooking with Erythritol
Do you find that it works better in some recipes but not others? Share your tips with other About.com readers here and find about other people's successes and failures cooking with erythritol.

Calendula
Calendula (Calendula officinalis L.) is a flower widely used to treat skin conditions. Also known as marigold, calendula is generally applied topically when used for health purposes. Rich in nutrients like lutein and beta-carotene, calendula has been found to contain anti-inflammatory compounds.

Pycnogenol
Studies show that Pycnogenol - a natural remedy extracted from the bark of pine trees - may help soothe menstrual pain, boost cardiovascular health, and fight asthma symptoms.

Schisandra
Schisandra, an herb long used in traditional Chinese medicine, may help build your body's resistance to the harsh effects of stress.

Spirulina
Some studies suggest that spirulina may boost your defense against allergies and diabetes, as well as protect against oral cancer, though research is limited.

Quercetin
Find out how quercetin - a plant-based antioxidant and anti-inflammatory - may help keep your blood pressure in check and ease allergy symptoms.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Here's a look at the science behind omega-3 fatty acids, said to fight heart disease, cancer, and a host of other health problems.

Health Benefits of Soy
Rich in health-boosting compounds, soy may help protect your heart and cool hot flashes.Rich in health-boosting compounds, soy may help protect your heart and cool hot flashes.

Grape Seed Extract
Studies show that grape seed extract may help boost heart health and protect your brain from the effects of aging.

Bitter Orange for Weight Loss
Supplement manufacturers claim that bitter orange can boost weight-loss efforts, but science shows that this herbal remedy may threaten heart health.

Thunder God Vine for Arthritis
Studies suggest that the herb thunder god vine may help fight rheumatoid arthritis - but could also cause serious side effects.

Rose Essential Oil
One of the most popular scents in aromatherapy, rose essential may help relieve stress, anxiety, cramps, and hot flashes.

Kudzu
Long used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat alcoholism and other issues, kudzu may offer headache relief and protect heart health.

Umcka
An herbal remedy long used in traditional African medicine, umcka may help you kick the common cold and other respiratory troubles.

Hawthorn
An antioxidant-rich herbal remedy, hawthorn may benefit people with conditions like chronic heart failure and high blood pressure.

What is Guarana?
Information about guarana, a popular ingredient in energy drinks, sodas, and herbal weight loss pills.

Fact sheet about the health benefits and side effects of goji berries.
What are goji berries? What are the benefits of using this ancient healing berry?

Energy Drinks
What are energy drinks? Do they really boost energy? Are they safe?

A - Z Index of Herbs and Supplements
Need information on a certain herb, vitamin, or nutritional supplement? Get the quick facts with this A-Z herb and supplement directory, written by Cathy Wong, Alternative Medicine Guide.

Mangosteen
Mangosteen juice has become a popular health drink. Find out what mangosteen is and get information about the health benefits and side effects of mangosteen.

Borage Oil
Rich in essential fatty acids, borage oil may help ease inflammation and relieve rheumatoid arthritis.

Lutein
Lutein supplements deliver a powerful antioxidant shown to protect against major eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Psyllium Fact Sheet
Information on the health benefits and side effects of the psyllium.

Activated Charcoal Fact Sheet
Information on the health benefits and side effects of activated charcoal.

Bacopa
Some studies suggest that bacopa—an herb long used in the traditional medicine of India—may help sharpen memory and protect against Alzheimer's disease.

Senna Fact Sheet
Information on the health benefits and side effects of the herb senna.

Rooibos
Often called "red tea," rooibos is an antioxidant-rich herbal infusion that may offer several health benefits.

Whey Protein for Muscle
Some research suggests that whey protein may help boost muscle mass, as well as keep blood pressure in check and preserve bone health.

Chokeberry
Available in supplement form, chokeberry extract may help combat oxidative stress and stave off major diseases.

Oolong Tea
Rich in antioxidants, oolong tea may shield your heart health and help you shed pounds.

Clove
A natural remedy known to soothe pain, clove shows promise for prevention of lung cancer. Find out whether clove has been proven to treat or prevent certain health conditions.

Colostrum
Some studies suggest that colostrum supplements can help rev up your immune system and boost your exercise performance.

Shiitake Mushrooms
Early research suggests that shiitake may rev up your immune system and boost your cancer defense.

Chlorella
Get the science behind claims that chlorella supplements can promote detox and protect against cancer.

Nigella Sativa
Also known as black cumin, nigella sativa shows promise as a natural treatment for asthma and high blood pressure.

Maitake
Early research shows that maitake (a medicinal mushroom) may help boost immune defense, keep blood pressure in check, and protect against diabetes.

Cocoa Extract
Some research suggests that cocoa extract can help fight heart disease.