Herbs and Supplements

In traditional African medicine, baobab is used to tame inflammation, soothe fever, and control asthma. Find out whether this antioxidant-rich fruit can help keep you healthy.

Here's a look at the science behind brown seaweed, a natural substance said to promote weight loss, boost thyroid health, and fight fatigue.

Studies show that turmeric (a key ingredient in curry) can help fight inflammation and protect against chronic diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer's.

Get the lowdown on antioxidant supplements, natural products said to shield you from major health problems like heart disease and cancer.

Rich in antioxidants, black tea has been shown to shield against certain cardiovascular problems and aid in the prevention of diabetes.

Research shows that fiber-rich flaxseed may help keep your cholesterol in check, as well as ease health problems like hot flashes and constipation.

Shown to fight inflammation, the herbal remedy horse chestnut may help manage certain circulatory problems.

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.

What is resveratrol? What are the benefits of using it? Learn more.

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.

Interested in trying a natural aphrodisiac? 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 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.

Once acidophilus is opened and refrigerated, will it still be effective if I take it on a seven hour plane ride and have it stored at room temperature?

I have just read your "5 Remedies for Osteoarthritis Pain." Can you tell me where the avocado/soybean unsaponifiables supplements can be purchased?

Find out how fighting oxidative stress could boost your defense against major health problems like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

Antioxidants abundant in a number of natural substances, anthocyanins may help shield your heart health and boost your cancer defense.

Get the lowdown on potassium iodide, a dietary supplement shown to shield the thyroid from the harmful effects of radiation.

Get the lowdown on ganoderma coffee. What is ganoderma coffee? What are the benefits and side effects?

What is vitamin K? What foods are high in vitamin K? Why are different forms used, such as vitamin K cream or k2? What are the benefits? Can vitamin K be taken with coumadin?

What should you know about eleuthero, often called Siberian ginseng? What are the benefits and side effects? How does it compare with different forms of ginseng, such as Korean or panax ginseng?

What is camu camu? What are the health benefits and side effects of using camu camu? What forms are available?

Get the lowdown on N-acetylcysteine, a natural remedy that may boost lung health in people with respiratory problems.

A natural remedy used in traditional Chinese medicine, forskolin may help promote weight loss and protect your eye health.

The possible health benefits of taurine, an amino acid available in energy drinks, include lowering your blood pressure and enhancing your heart health. But what does the research show?

What is biotin? Why do people use biotin for nails? What does it do and what are the possible side effects?

What are the health benefits of mangosteen, an increasingly popular tropical fruit?

Can cod liver oil help you stay healthy? Cod liver oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Find out the health benefits of using this traditional remedy.

What are the benefits of vitamin B6? Get the scoop on this essential nutrient.

Find out how vitamin B12, a nutrient known to keep your metabolism in check, might boost your heart health and fight some forms of cancer.

What is a B complex? Should you take one? Find out the benefits and uses of it, and any safety precautions and side effects of taking it.

What is ribose? Why do people take it and what are the side effects of taking it? What is d-ribose?

Get the scoop on vitamin K2, a vitamin shown to boost your defense against osteoporosis and heart disease. Find out what it is, where to get it, food sources, deficiency and more.

Get the scoop on serrapeptase. What is it? Why do people use it? What are the side effects and safety concerns, if any?

Get the scoop on astaxanthin, an antioxidant said to fight heart disease and boost the immune system.

Learn all about the health benefits of cordyceps, a medicinal mushroom said to enhance exercise performance, stimulate the immune system, and even fight cancer.

A tropical fruit rich in vitamin C, acerola may help fight aging, keep blood pressure in check, and possibly protect against lung cancer.

A B vitamin and essential nutrient, choline may be crucial for brain health and a sharp memory.

Studies show that this natural remedy may protect against diabetes-related health problems.

A natural compound found in fiber-rich foods and sold in supplement form, inositol may help treat conditions ranging from panic disorder to polycystic ovary syndrome.

Rich in fiber, glucomannan is said to speed up weight loss. Here, get the lowdown on whether glucomannan can help you shed pounds.

An herbal remedy rich in antioxidants, banaba may help keep blood sugar in check and control diabetes.

beta glucan, beta-glucan

A berry native to South America, maqui is packed with antioxidants that may help keep your cholesterol in check and fend off heart disease.

Get the lowdown on chaga, a medicinal mushroom often touted for cancer prevention.

What is agaricus? Why do people use it? What are the benefits and possible side effects of agaricus? Get the lowdown on this medicinal mushroom.

A medicinal mushroom long used in traditional Chinese medicine, lion's mane may help preserve brain health, fight depression, and boost your defense against cancer.

A natural source of silicon, orthosilicic acid may help promote bone formation and protect against aging-related bone loss.