Looking for information about a nutritional supplement, vitamin, or herbal remedy? Here you'll find information about the health benefits and side effects of herbs, vitamins, and nutritional supplements.
A natural remedy with anti-inflammatory effects, nettle may help soothe allergy symptoms and arthritis pain.
Rich in essential fatty acids, evening primrose oil may help relieve rheumatoid arthritis and eczema—and shows promise as a natural breast-cancer fighter.
Known as "the drink of the gods," yerba mate may help promote weight loss and boost heart health—but could also increase your risk of certain types of cancer.
Get the lowdown on feverfew, an herb often touted as a natural remedy for migraine and arthritis pain.
Long used to help the body fight stress of all kinds, the Russian herb rhodiola may also help ease depression and boost heart health.
Cranberry juice and supplements may help you fend off the bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections, gum disease, and gastric cancer.
Used in traditional Indian medicine to fight inflammation, the herb boswellia may help ease arthritis, asthma, and ulcerative colitis.
Learn about the possible cancer-fighting, brain-boosting effects of skullcap, an herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.
As cold and flu season nears, consider adding the herbal remedy andrographis to your natural medicine cabinet.
Closely related to the basil used in cooking, the Indian herb tulsi (or "holy basil") may help lower your cholesterol levels, protect against toxic chemicals, and ease your anxiety.
A popular herbal remedy for cooling hot flashes, red clover has shown mixed results in the relief of menopausal symptoms.
Often used in homeopathic medicine, arnica may help ease arthritis symptoms, lessen pain, and stop muscle soreness.
Long used to soothe the respiratory tract, mullein may help ease ear pain and fight off germs naturally.
Long used in the traditional medicine of India, the herb ashwagandha may help relieve anxiety and arthritis, as well as aid in the treatment of diabetes and cancer.
Get the lowdown on Bowtrol, an herbal supplement that claims to cleanse your colon, boost your energy, promote weight loss, and clear up your skin.
For thousands of years, guggul extract has been used to keep cholesterol in check, ease arthritis pain, and stimulate weight loss. Learn more about the science behind this traditional Indian remedy, including findings that it may combat cancer.
A time-honored Native American remedy, slippery elm may help ease the pain of heartburn, sore throat, and certain stomach troubles.
Resveratrol, an antioxidant abundant in red wine, has been shown to fight cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and inflammation in recent studies. Learn more about this extract's health-boosting benefits, and find out if you should sip, supplement, or seek out other sources of resveratrol.
Get the scoop on stevia extract, a natural sugar substitute that could help satisfy your sweet tooth without bumping up your calorie intake.
For thousands of years, herbalists in China and India have used gotu kola to soothe skin problems, fight fatigue, and manage conditions like asthma and ulcers. Now science shows that the herb may help ease anxiety, boost your mood, and treat varicose veins.
Long regarded as an herbal detox solution, burdock is believed by some to help purify your blood. Take a look at the science behind the plant's health effects, including claims that a burdock-based formula could extend survival in people coping with cancer.
Long used to boost head-to-toe wellness in traditional Indian medicine, triphala is now touted as a natural solution for detox and weight loss. From fighting inflammation to possibly protecting against cancer, get the lowdown on triphala's true health effects.
A juice-bar staple, wheatgrass can supposedly stimulate your immunity, stave off chronic health problems, and cleanse toxins from your system. Find out whether the claims for this chlorophyll-packed juice truly hold up.
Also known as reishi, ganoderma is a bitter mushroom long used to promote health in traditional Chinese medicine. Learn more about ganoderma's immune-boosting benefits, as well as its potential to fight cholesterol and aid in cancer treatment.
Offering more antioxidants than green or black teas, white tea now shows promise as a natural fat-fighter. Get the scoop on this delicious brew's health-boosting potential, from combating obesity to protect against cancer.
Hoping to fight off the flu, boost immunity, and even prevent cancer, many consumers are turning to colloidal silver. Here's a look at the science behind this supplement and its cure-all claims.
Shown to strengthen the immune system and curb inflammation, elderberry may help you fight off the flu. Find out more about how this anti-viral, antioxidant-rich herb could boost your flu defense.
A blend of herbs and amino acids, Relaxity promises to tame your tension and help you better handle everyday stress. Find out if this supplement's health claims hold up, and discover other all-natural ways to relax and recharge.
Whether you're looking to manage a chronic condition or stave off a cold, there's more to choosing a supplement than simply finding a product that helps you meet your health goals. To select a supplement that's truly health-boosting, brush up on the top five safety concerns associated with supplement use.
What is krill oil? Why do people use krill oil? What are the possible side effects and safety concerns?
What is fucoxanthin? Why do people use fucoxanthin? Can it help with weight loss? What are the benefits and side effects?
What is vinpocetine? Why do people use vinpocetine? What are the side effects and possible safety concerns?
What is Polypodium leucotomos? Why do people use Polypodium leucotomos? What are the side effects and safety concerns?
What is vitamin D? Why do people use vitamin D supplements? What are the benefits and side effects?
Learn about erythritol, a natural sugar substitute with almost zero calories.
Boosting your vitamin D intake with supplements may reduce your risk of breast, colon, lung, and other cancers, a new study has found.
What are the side effects of chromium picolinate?
Red yeast rice is a supplement thought to work like the popular "statin" drugs. But is it safe? What are the side effects? Find out in this red yeast rice fact sheet.
Learn about the side effects of the nutritional supplement red yeast rice.
This supplement diary can help you keep track of the herbs and supplements you're taking. Make a photocopy for your doctor and other health care providers so they have this information in your chart. Keeping them up-to-date with this supplement diary can help prevent drug interactions and potentially harmful reactions.
Learn the pros and cons of 10 aphrodisiac herbs and supplements.
Information about the herb muira puama.
Information about the herb tribulus.
Information about the Chinese herb horny goat weed.
Information about the herb tongkat ali.
Information about the herb maca.
Information about the herb damiana.
Are you unwittingly making mistakes that could harm your health?
The most promising alternative treatment for depression is not a herb, hormone or vitamin. The dietary supplement S-adenosylmethionine, better known as SAM-e (pronounced “sammy”) is the synthetic form of a compound produced naturally in the body. Learn more about this treatment.
Low levels of folate and vitamin B12 may be a hidden cause of depression.
About.com Alternative Medicine, learn about the herb barberry and its health benefits.
About.com Alternative Medicine, learn about the herb balsam of peru and its health benefits.
About.com Alternative Medicine, learn about ashwaghandha and its health benefits.
About.com Alternative Medicine, learn about angelica and its health benefits.
About.com Alternative Medicine, learn about the herb althaea and its health benefits.
About.com Alternative Medicine, learn about allspice and its health benefits.
Studies suggest that two herbs, kudzu (Pueraria lobata) and St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), may be effective in decreasing alcohol intake.
What You Need to Know About Laetrile/Amygdalin
Information about the herb yohimbe.
Information about the herb yellow dock
Information about the herb Wild Yam.
Information about the herb vitex.
Information about the herb peppermint.
Information about the herb Fo-Ti.
Information about the herb eyebright.
Information about the herb Dong Quai.
Information about the herb Devil's Claw.
Information about the herb cranesbill
An A to Z index of herbs and supplements.
Fact sheet about chickweed.
Fact sheet about the supplement chamomile.
Fact sheet about the supplement Cat's Claw.
Fact sheet about the herb astragalus.
Fact sheet about the herb artichoke.
Fact sheet about the herb alfalfa.
Highly Recommended. The FDA issued a warning against the supplement androstenedione, also known as andro.
From the National Institute of Health (NIH), an index of articles including news, research and consumer alerts on herbal medicines.
A comprehensive index of herbs listed by common name or latin name, from Holistic Online. Includes active constituents, history, health conditions treated, dosage and safety information.
An index of articles on herbal treatments for specific health conditions. An excellent resource.
Great article published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) providing an overview of herbal medicine and safety issues, research, scope of practice, and what a typical treatment is like.
Index of articles on using herbal medicine for the treatment of disorders such as gout, arthritis, heart disease, depression, stress, and fatigue. From Holistic Online.
FAQs and monographs for a selected list of Chinese herbs and formulas, from RxList.com.
Evidence-based information for professionals, researchers, and the public on herb mixtures, preparations, and precautions base on controlled clinical trials, observations, case studies, and traditional use. A project of the non-profit Alternative Medicine Foundation.
An index of articles by herbalists David Hoffman, Janet Zand, and Christopher Hobbs on treating childhood ailments.
Gingko, valerian, saw palmetto... Ben Kligler, MD, discusses herbs for better sleep, memory, anxiety and depression, heart, and prostate health.
Index of articles on using herbs for menstrual cramps, urinary tract infections, breast cysts, healthy bones, menopause and more. By herbalists David Hoffman, Janet Zand and Christopher Hobbs.
One perspective on what to include in an herbal home first aid kit.
Informative article on interactions between common herbs, drugs and foods. Not a complete listing.
Herbalist Michael Tierra gives his perspective on the standardization of herbs.
Use this glossary of herbal terms to look up words like "anthelmintic", "carminative", and "vulnerary".
Photographs of herbs indigenous to Tennessee and southeastern United States, most with information about native habitat, folklore uses, and recipes.
Partial online photo catalog of 150+ images, indexed by botanical and common name. Excellent photographs.
Color photos and illustrations listed by genus and species. From the director of the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine.
Michael Moore, director of the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine, is one of the most respected herbalists in the United States. He takes a holistic, constitutional approach to herbalism. For the practitioner or student only.
Recent research reviews on herbs from the Herb Research Foundation.
First published in 1931 by Mrs. M. Grieve, this classic contains medicinal, culinary, cultivation, and folklore of herbs. Excellent old herbal recipes section.
Immensely popular when originally published in the 17th century, this classic has gone through more than 40 reprints and provides an interesting, historical view of plants. Note: plants listed by 17th century common names!
