When you have a cold, which herbs should you reach for? How about when you have a headache? Anxiety? Indigestion?
This quick reference guide can help you make the right choice. It organizes the herbs discussed throughout the book into three categories: (1) conditions; (2) healing actions, such as antibiotic, decongestant, and so on; and (3) other uses, such as insect repellent and weight control.
Before using any herb medicinally, read its profile in Chapter 5, especially the information on safety and side effects. Also read Chapter 2, which contains general safe-use guidelines. Follow all of the recommendations in both chapters.
The charts on the following pages list only the most potentially hazardous herb side effects. Other side effects are possible. In addition, any herb may cause allergic reactions.
Healing herbs are best used in consultation with a physician. This is especially true if you have a chronic condition such as asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
Herbal oils are highly concentrated and should not be ingested unless you’re under the care of a naturopath or professional herbalist. Even a small amount—a teaspoon—can be toxic, even fatal. Keep herbal oils away from children and pets, and never allow children or pets to ingest herbal oils.
With few exceptions, pregnant and nursing women should not ingest medicinal amounts of healing herbs because of the possibility of harming the fetus or infant.
Most herbal digestive aids have antispasmodic action, that is, they help to relax the smooth muscle lining the digestive tract. The uterus is also a smooth muscle, so it, too, may be affected by antispasmodic herbs. However, many herbal digestive aids have traditionally been used to stimulate the uterus and promote menstruation, so it’s possible that taking large amounts may, over time, increase the risk of miscarriage.
This contradiction appears to be dose-related. Made with a dose of 1 to 2 teaspoons of freshly grated root, ginger tea is a safe, effective treatment for the morning sickness of pregnancy. In extremely large doses, however—20 to 40 teaspoons of root—it may induce uterine contractions.
The antispasmodic herbs are popular ingredients in cooking. Pregnant and nursing women may feel free to use culinary amounts of these herbs.
It’s by no means clear from the research to date if all herbal digestive aids stimulate the uterus when taken in large doses, but given the traditional uses of antispasmodic herbs, pregnant women—and women who are trying to conceive—are best advised not to use medicinal amounts.
| CONDITION | HERB(S) | SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS |
| Acne | Aloe | |
| Tea tree oil | For external use only: As little as a teaspoon of tea tree oil can be toxic. Do not ingest it. Keep it away from children. | |
| AIDS | Garlic | Garlic is anticoagulant and may cause bruising and/or delay blood clotting. |
| St. John’s wort | If you take an antidepressant or a protease inhibitor, consult a physician before using St. John’s wort. | |
| Alzheimer’s disease | Coffee | Coffee contains caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. |
| Ginkgo | Ginkgo is anticoagulant and may cause bruising and/or delay blood clotting. | |
| Saffron | ||
| Antidepressant-induced sex problems | Ginkgo | Ginkgo is anticoagulant and may cause bruising and/or delay blood clotting. |
| Anxiety | Ashwagandha | |
| Bacopa | ||
| Cannabis | In states that have not legalized medical marijuana, use of cannabis may lead to arrest and imprisonment. | |
| Catnip | ||
| Celery | Long-term use of celery seed may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Chamomile | ||
| Ginkgo | ||
| Gotu kola | ||
| Hop | ||
| Kava | ||
| Lavender | ||
| Lemon balm | Lemon balm interferes with thyroid-stimulating hormone. If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), consult a physician before using it. | |
| Motherwort | ||
| Passionflower | ||
| Rhodiola | ||
| Scullcap | ||
| Yarrow | ||
| Aphrodisiac | Maca | |
| Muira puama | ||
| Arthritis (Osteoarthritis) | Angelica | Angelica may cause a rash on exposure to sunlight. |
| Arnica | ||
| Black haw | ||
| Boneset | ||
| Boswellia | ||
| Cat’s claw | ||
| Chamomile | ||
| Chaparral | ||
| Comfrey | Comfrey should not be ingested. | |
| Devil’s claw | ||
| Echinacea | ||
| Evening primrose | ||
| Fenugreek | Fenugreek has estrogenic action. People with a history of abnormal blood clots (thromboembolism), inflammation of the blood vessels (thrombophlebitis), heart disease, or stroke should consult their physicians before using it. | |
| Gentian | ||
| Ginger | ||
| Horsetail | Long-term use of horsetail, juniper, nettle, and vervain may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Juniper | ||
| Licorice | Long-term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormone imbalance (pseudoaldosteronism). | |
| Meadowsweet and white willow contain aspirin-like compounds. | ||
| Meadowsweet | If you are aspirin-sensitive, consult a physician before using it. Do not give meadowsweet to children under 16 with fever. It may cause Reye’s syndrome. | |
| Nettle | ||
| Red pepper | ||
| Rose | ||
| St. John’s wort | If you take an antidepressant, consult a physician before using St. John’s wort. | |
| Turmeric | ||
| Vervain | Vervain may depress heart rate and constrict bronchial passages. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma, consult a physician before using it. | |
| While willow | ||
| Asthma | Angelica | Angelica may cause a rash on exposure to sunlight. |
| Borage | ||
| Boswellia | ||
| Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate), coffee, kola, maté, and tea all contain caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Coffee | ||
| Cordyceps | ||
| Ephedra | Ephedra may raise blood pressure and cause jitters, irritability, and insomnia. People with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or a history of stroke should not use it. In very large doses, ephedra may cause potentially fatal heart problems. | |
| Kola | ||
| Maté | ||
| Tea | ||
| Athlete’s foot | For external use: | |
| Tea tree | As little as a teaspoon of tea tree oil may be toxic. Do not ingest it and keep it away from children and pets. | |
| Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) | Bacopa | |
| Lemon balm | Lemon balm interferes with thyroid-stimulating hormone. If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), consult a physician before ingesting it. | |
| Passionflower | ||
| Bad breath | Alfalfa | |
| Parsley | Long-term use of large amounts of parsley may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Benign prostate enlargement | Nettle | Long-term use of large amounts of nettle may deplete potassium stores. |
| Pumpkin seed | ||
| Pygeum | ||
| Saw palmetto | ||
| Bleeding | Blackberry | |
| Shepherd’s purse | Shepherd’s purse may cause powerful uterine contractions. | |
| Witch hazel | ||
| Yarrow | ||
| Bronchitis (see also Cough) | Angelica | |
| Barberry | ||
| Cordyceps | ||
| Echinacea | ||
| Garlic | Garlic is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising and/or delay blood clotting. | |
| Marshmallow | ||
| Pelargonium | ||
| Burns (see also Pain) | For external use: | Wash burns before applying herbal medicines. Extensive burns that raise blisters require professional care. |
| Aloe | ||
| Chamomile | ||
| Comfrey | ||
| Echinacea | ||
| Gotu kola | ||
| Marshmallow | ||
| Passionflower | ||
| St. John’s wort | ||
| Witch hazel | ||
| Yarrow | ||
| Cancer prevention | Alfalfa | |
| Apple | ||
| Ashwagandha | ||
| Bilberry | ||
| Blackberry | ||
| Black cohosh | ||
| Cat’s claw | ||
| Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate) and tea contains caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Cranberry | ||
| Dandelion | ||
| Flax | ||
| Garlic | Garlic is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising and/or delay blood clotting. | |
| Ginseng | ||
| Maitake | ||
| Pomegranate | ||
| Raspberry | ||
| Reishi | ||
| Rhodiola | ||
| Rooibos | ||
| Shiitake | ||
| Soybean | Soybean may reduce sperm count. Soybean is estrogenic. Women with hormonal conditions who have been advised to avoid birth control pills should consult their physicians before ingesting soy in amounts greater than a few servings of tofu per week. | |
| Stevia | ||
| Tea (green) | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| Cancer treatment | Boarge | |
| Echinacea | ||
| Maitake | ||
| Mistletoe | Mistletoe may slow heart rate and affect blood pressure. If you have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke, consult your physician before using it. | |
| Reishi | ||
| Rhodiola | ||
| Shiitake | ||
| Tea (green) | Tea contains caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Canker sores | Licorice | Long-term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormone imbalance (pseudoaldosteronism). |
| Cataracts | Bilberry | |
| Blackberry | ||
| Cranberry | ||
| Raspberry | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| Childbirth recovery | Lavender | |
| Cholera | Barberry | Cholera is potentially fatal. Use herbs in conjunction with professional care. |
| Goldenseal | ||
| Cirrhosis | Ginseng | |
| Licorice | Long-term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormone imbalance (pseudoaldosteronism). | |
| Milk thistle | ||
| Cluster headache | Red pepper | |
| Colds and flu (see also Cough) | Angelica | |
| Boneset | ||
| Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate), coffee, and tea contain caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Coffee | ||
| Echinacea | ||
| Elderberry | ||
| Eleutherococcus | ||
| Ephedra | Ephedra may raise blood pressure and cause jitters, irritability, and insomnia. People with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or a history of stroke should not use it. In very large doses, ephedra may cause potentially fatal heart problems. | |
| Eucalyptus | ||
| Garlic | ||
| Ginger | ||
| Ginseng | ||
| Hyssop | ||
| Licorice | Long-term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormone imbalance (pseudoaldosteronism). | |
| Marshmallow | ||
| Meadowsweet | Meadowsweet contains aspirin-like compounds. If you are aspirin-sensitive, consult a physician before using it. Do not give meadowsweet to children under 16 with fever. It may cause Reye’s syndrome. | |
| Mullein | ||
| Pelargonium | ||
| Peppermint | ||
| Rose | ||
| Slippery elm | ||
| Tea | ||
| Cold sores (see Herpes and cold sores) | ||
| Colic | Dill | |
| Fennel | ||
| Slippery elm | ||
| Congestive heart failure (see also Diuretics in “Healing Actions” chart | Buchu | All these herbs are diuretic and may cause potassium depletion. |
| Celery | ||
| Dandelion | ||
| Hawthorn | ||
| Juniper | ||
| Nettle | ||
| Parsley | ||
| Sarsaparilla | ||
| Uva-ursi | ||
| Conjunctivitis | Barberry | |
| Constipation | Apple | |
| Buckthorn | Buckthorn, cascara sagrada, rhubarb, and senna may cause abdominal distress. | |
| Cascara sagrada | ||
| Psyllium | ||
| Rhubarb | ||
| Senna | ||
| Cough | Angelica | Angelica may cause a rash on exposure to sun light. |
| Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate), coffee, kola, maté, and tea all contain caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Coffee | ||
| Ephedra | Ephedra may raise blood pressure and cause jitters, irritability, and insomnia. People with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or a history of stroke should not use it. In very large doses, ephedra may cause potentially fatal heart problems. | |
| Eucalyptus | ||
| Fenugreek | Fenugreek has estrogenic action. People with a history of abnormal blood clots (thromboembolism), inflammation of the blood vessels (thrombophlebitis), heart disease, or stroke should consult their physicians before using it. | |
| Horehound | ||
| Hyssop | ||
| Kola | ||
| Licorice | Long-term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormone imbalance (pseudoaldosteronism). | |
| Marshmallow | ||
| Maté | ||
| Mullein | ||
| Pennyroyal | ||
| Peppermint | ||
| Slippery elm | ||
| Tea | ||
| Thyme | ||
| Depression | Chamomile | |
| Coffee | Coffee and tea contain caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Rhodiola | ||
| Saffron | ||
| St. John’s wort | If you take any antidepressants, consult your physician before using St. John’s wort. | |
| Tea | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| Diabetes | Aloe | |
| Apple | ||
| Ashwagandha | ||
| Barberry | ||
| Bitter melon | ||
| Celery | Long-term use of celery may deplete potassium. | |
| Cinnamon | ||
| Eleutherococcus | ||
| Evening primrose | ||
| Fenugreek | Fenugreek has estrogenic action. People with a history of abnormal blood clots (thromboembolism), inflammation of the blood vessels (thrombophlebitis), heart disease, or stroke should consult their physicians before using it. | |
| Flax | ||
| Garlic | Garlic is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising or delay clotting. | |
| Ginger | ||
| Ginseng | ||
| Gotu kola | ||
| Milk thistle | ||
| Pomegranate | ||
| Red pepper | ||
| Reishi | ||
| Sage | ||
| Stevia | ||
| Tea | Tea contains caffeine and may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Turmeric | ||
| Diabetic neuropathy | Red pepper | |
| Diabetic retinopathy | Bilberry | |
| Blackberry | ||
| Cranberry | ||
| Ginkgo | ||
| Raspberry | ||
| Diarrhea | Apple | |
| Barberry | ||
| Bayberry | Bayberry may change the body’s sodium-potassium balance. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or a history of stroke, consult a physician before using it. | |
| Bilberry | ||
| Blackberry | ||
| Chamomile | ||
| Dill | ||
| Goldenseal | ||
| Meadowsweet | Meadowsweet contains aspirin-like compounds. If you are aspirin-sensitive, consult a physician before using it. | |
| Mullein | ||
| Psyllium | ||
| Purslane | ||
| Raspberry | ||
| Red pepper | ||
| Rhubarb | Large doses of rhubarb have laxative action and may cause abdominal distress. | |
| Slippery elm | ||
| Tea | Tea contains caffeine and may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Uva-ursi | Long-term use of uva-ursi may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Dizziness | Ginger | |
| Ginkgo | ||
| Dry skin | Borage | |
| Ear infection | Echinacea | |
| Garlic | Garlic is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising or delay blood clotting. | |
| Eczema | Borage | |
| Evening primrose | ||
| Tea | Tea contains caffeine and may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Emphysema | Eucalyptus | |
| Ginseng | ||
| Peppermint | ||
| Erectile dysfunction (due to poor blood flow) | Ginkgo | |
| Ginseng | ||
| Saffron | ||
| Yohimbe | ||
| Fatigue | Ashwagandha | |
| Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate), coffee, kola, maté, and tea all contain caffeine and may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Coffee | ||
| Eleutherococcus | ||
| Ephedra | Ephedra may raise blood pressure and cause jitters, irritability, and insomnia. People with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or a history of stroke should not use it. In very large doses, ephedra may cause potentially fatal heart problems. | |
| Ginseng | ||
| Kola | ||
| Maté | ||
| Rhodiola | ||
| Tea | ||
| Fever | Andrographis | Andrographis is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising or delay blood clotting. |
| Bayberry | Bayberry may change the body’s sodium-potassium balance. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or a history of stroke, consult a physician before using it. | |
| Black haw | ||
| Meadowsweet | Meadowsweet and white willow contain aspirin-like compounds. If you are aspirin-sensitive, consult a physician before using these herbs. | |
| White willow | ||
| Fibroids | Black cohosh | |
| Fibromyalgia | Cannabis | In states that have not legalized medical marijuana, use of cannabis may lead to arrest and imprisonment. |
| Red pepper | ||
| Flu (see Colds and flu) | ||
| Food poisoning prevention | Echinacea | |
| Rosemary | ||
| Sage | ||
| Thyme | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| Food poisoning treatment | Angelica | Angelica may cause a rash in sensitive people exposed to direct sunlight. |
| Apple | ||
| Barberry | ||
| Bayberry | Bayberry may change the body’s sodium-potassium balance. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or a history of stroke, consult a physician before using it. | |
| Burdock | ||
| Catnip | ||
| Chamomile | ||
| Cinnamon | ||
| Clove | ||
| Dill | ||
| Echinacea | ||
| Garlic | Garlic is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising or delay blood clotting. | |
| Ginseng | ||
| Goldenseal | ||
| Meadowsweet | Meadowsweet contains aspirin-like compounds. If you are aspirin-sensitive, consult a physician before using it. | |
| Mullein | ||
| Peppermint | ||
| Gallstone prevention | Coffee | Coffee contains caffeine and may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. |
| Dandelion | Long-term use of dandelion may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Gas (flatulence) | Dill | |
| Genital warts | Shiitake | |
| Giardiasis | Barberry | |
| Elecampane | ||
| Goldenseal | ||
| Glaucoma | Bilberry | |
| Blackberry | ||
| Cannabis | In states that have not legalized medical marijuana, use of cannabis may lead to arrest and imprisonment. | |
| Cranberry | ||
| Raspberry | ||
| Gout (see also Pain) | Celery | Long-term use of celery and nettle may deplete potassium stores. |
| Coffee | Coffee contains caffeine and may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Nettle | Long-term use of nettle may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Gum disease prevention | Aloe | |
| Chaparral | ||
| Cinnamon | ||
| Elderberry | ||
| Eucalyptus | ||
| Goldenseal | ||
| Myrrh | ||
| Neem | Small amounts of neem oil are toxic. Use it only in commercial toothpastes. | |
| Hay fever | Astragalus | |
| Butterbur | ||
| Clove | ||
| Nettle | Long-term use of nettle and parsley may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Parsley | ||
| Headache | Black haw | |
| Eucalyptus | ||
| Feverfew (migraine) | ||
| Meadowsweet | Meadowsweet and white willow contain aspirin-like compounds. If you are aspirin-sensitive, consult a physician before using these herbs. | |
| Peppermint | ||
| Red pepper (cluster headache) | ||
| White willow | ||
| Hearing loss | Ginkgo | |
| Heart disease (see also High blood pressure and High cholesterol) | Alfalfa | |
| Angelica | ||
| Apple | ||
| Artichoke | ||
| Ashwagandha | ||
| Astragalus | ||
| Barberry | ||
| Bilberry | ||
| Blackberry | ||
| Cat’s claw | ||
| Celery | ||
| Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate) and tea (green) contains caffeine and may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Cordyceps | ||
| Cranberry | ||
| Elderberry | ||
| Eleutherococcus | ||
| Evening primrose | ||
| Flax | ||
| Garlic | Garlic and shepherd’s purse are anticoagulants and may cause bruising or delay blood clotting. | |
| Ginger | ||
| Ginkgo | ||
| Ginseng | ||
| Hawthorn | ||
| Meadowsweet | Meadowsweet and white willow contain aspirin-like compounds. If you are aspirin-sensitive, consult a physician before using these herbs. | |
| Motherwort | ||
| Pomegranate | ||
| Purslane | ||
| Raspberry | ||
| Red clover | ||
| Reishi | ||
| Rhodiola | ||
| Rooibos | ||
| Rose | ||
| Sage | ||
| Shepherd’s purse | ||
| Soybean | Soybean may suppress sperm count. It also has estrogenic action. Women with hormonal conditions who have been advised to avoid birth control pills should consult their physicians before take soy in amounts greater than a few servings of tofu per week. | |
| Stevia | ||
| Tea (green) | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| White willow | ||
| Heart rhythm normalization | Rhodiola | |
| Hemorrhoids | For external use: | |
| Blackberry | ||
| Mullein | ||
| Psyllium | ||
| Shepherd’s purse | Shepherd’s purse may cause powerful uterine contractions. | |
| Slippery elm | ||
| Tarragon | ||
| Witch hazel | ||
| For internal use: | ||
| Butcher’s broom | ||
| Horse chestnut | ||
| Hepatitis | Licorice | Long-term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormone imbalance (pseudoaldosteronism). |
| Maitake | ||
| Milk thistle | ||
| Shiitake | ||
| Herpes and cold sores | For external use: | |
| Comfrey | ||
| Hyssop | ||
| Lemon balm | Lemon balm interferes with thyroid-stimulating hormone. If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), consult a physician before ingesting it. | |
| Licorice | Long-term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormone imbalance (pseudoaldosteronism). | |
| Peppermint | ||
| Uva-ursi | Long-term use of uva-ursi may deplete potassium stores. | |
| For internal use: | ||
| Echinacea | ||
| Garlic | Garlic is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising or delay blood clotting. | |
| Lemon balm | ||
| Reishi | ||
| High blood pressure (see also Diuretics in Healing Actions) | Barberry | |
| Black cohosh | Black cohosh is estrogenic. Women with a history of blood clots (thromboembolism) or inflammation of the blood vessels (thrombophlebitis), heart disease, or stroke should consult their physicians before using it. | |
| Buchu | ||
| Cat’s claw | ||
| Celery | Long-term use of celery may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate) contains caffeine and may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Dandelion | ||
| Evening primrose | ||
| Garlic | Garlic is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising or delay blood clotting. | |
| Ginger | ||
| Ginseng | ||
| Gotu kola | ||
| Hawthorn | ||
| Hibiscus | ||
| Juniper | ||
| Mistletoe | Mistletoe may slow heart rate and affect blood pressure. If you have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke, consult a physician before using it. | |
| Motherwort | ||
| Nettle | Long-term use of nettle and parsley may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Parsley | ||
| Pomegranate | ||
| Purslane | ||
| Rhodiola | ||
| Sarsaparilla | ||
| Soybean | Soybean may suppress sperm count. It also has estrogenic action. Women with hormonal conditions who have been advised to avoid birth control pills should consult their physicians before take soy in amounts greater than a few servings of tofu per week. | |
| Stevia | ||
| Uva-ursi | ||
| Valerian | ||
| High cholesterol | Alfalfa | |
| Apple | ||
| Artichoke | ||
| Ashwagandha | ||
| Bacopa | ||
| Cat’s claw | ||
| Celery | Long-term use of celery may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Cinnamon | ||
| Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate) and tea contains caffeine and may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Evening primrose | ||
| Fenugreek | Fenugreek and soybean have estrogenic action. Soybean may suppress sperm count. People with a history of blood clots (thromboembolism) or blood vessel inflammation (thrombophlebitis), heart disease, or stroke should consult a physician before using fenugreek or soybean in quantities greater than a few servings of tofu per week. | |
| Flax | ||
| Garlic | Garlic is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising or delay blood clotting. | |
| Ginger | ||
| Ginseng | ||
| Hawthorn | ||
| Purslane | ||
| Psyllium | ||
| Red pepper | ||
| Scullcap | ||
| Shiitake | ||
| Soybean | Women with hormonal conditions who have been advised to avoid birth control pills should consult their physicians before ingesting soybean in amounts greater than a few servings of tofu per week. | |
| Tea | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| HIV/AIDS | Shiitake | |
| Hives | Nettle | Long-term use of nettle and parsley may deplete potassium stores. |
| Parsley | ||
| Hypothyroidism | Bacopa | |
| Infertility (male) | Ashwagandha | |
| Ginseng | ||
| Tea | Tea contains caffeine and may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Infertility (female) | Tea | Tea contains caffeine and may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. |
| Insomnia | Cannabis | In states that have not legalized medical marijuana, use of cannabis may lead to arrest and imprisonment. |
| Catnip | ||
| Celery | Long-term use of celery may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Chamomile | ||
| Hop | ||
| Lavender | ||
| Lemon balm | Lemon balm interferes with thyroid-stimulating hormone. Those with underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) should consult a physician before using it. | |
| Motherwort | ||
| Passionflower | ||
| Rhodiola | ||
| Scullcap | ||
| Valerian | ||
| Yarrow | ||
| Intermittent claudication | Ginkgo | |
| Irritable bowel syndrome | Artichoke | |
| Cannabis | In states that have not legalized medical marijuana, use of cannabis may lead to arrest and imprisonment. | |
| Caraway | ||
| Peppermint | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| Jet lag | Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate), coffee, kola, mate, and tea all contain caffeine and may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. |
| Coffee | ||
| Ephedra | Ephedra may raise blood pressure and cause jitters, irritability, and insomnia. People with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or a history of stroke should not use it. In very large doses, ephedra may cause potentially fatal heart problems. | |
| Ginseng | ||
| Kola | ||
| Maté | ||
| Tea | ||
| Kidney disease | Cordyceps | |
| Kidney stone prevention | Coffee | Coffee and tea contain caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. |
| Horsetail | ||
| Pumpkin seed | ||
| Tea | ||
| Lead poisoning | Apple | |
| Garlic | Garlic is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising or delay blood clotting. | |
| Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) | Garlic | Garlic is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising or delay blood clotting. |
| Gotu kola | ||
| Lice (head lice) | For eternal use: | |
| Tea tree | ||
| Lymphedema | Butcher’s broom | |
| Macular degeneration | Bilberry | |
| Blackberry | ||
| Cranberry | ||
| Ginkgo | ||
| Raspberry | ||
| Saffron | ||
| Menopausal discomforts | Angelica | All these herbs have estrogenic action. Women who have been advised not to use birth control pills should consult their physicians before using them. |
| Black cohosh | ||
| Fennel | ||
| Flax | ||
| Ginseng | ||
| Hop | ||
| Kava | ||
| Licorice | Long-term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormonal imbalance (pseudoaldosteronism). | |
| Maca | ||
| Red clover | ||
| Rhubarb | Large doses of rhubarb have laxative action and may cause abdominal distress. | |
| Sage | ||
| St. John’s wort | ||
| Soybean | ||
| Menstrual cramps (see also Pain) | Black cohosh | |
| Black haw | ||
| Chaste tree | ||
| Fennel | Fennel, fenugreek, and red clover have estrogenic action. Women who have been advised not to use birth control pills should consult their physicians before using them. | |
| Fenugreek | ||
| Feverfew | ||
| Ginger | ||
| Lavender | ||
| Red clover | ||
| Yarrow | ||
| Menstrual flow, heavy | Goldenseal | |
| Menstruation, delayed | Celery | Long-term use of celery may deplete potassium stores. |
| Chaste tree | ||
| Fenugreek | Fenugreek has estrogenic action. Women who have been advised not to use birth control pills should consult their physicians before using them. | |
| Motherwort | ||
| Parsley | ||
| Pennyroyal | ||
| Rhubarb | Large doses of rhubarb have laxative action and may cause abdominal distress. | |
| Shepherd’s purse | Shepherd’s purse may cause powerful utterine contractions. | |
| Menstruation, heavy | Chaste tree | |
| Coffee | Coffee contains caffeine and may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Shepherd’s purse | Shepherd’s purse may cause powerful utterine contractions. | |
| Migraine | Butterbur | |
| Feverfew | ||
| Morning sickness | Ginger | |
| Raspberry | ||
| Motion sickness | Ginger | |
| Mouth sores | Blackberry | |
| Multiple sclerosis | Cannabis | In states that have not legalized medical marijuana, use of cannabis may lead to arrest and imprisonment. |
| Muscle soreness and cramping | Arnica | Arnica is toxic. Ingest only homeopathic microdoses. |
| Cinnamon | ||
| Purslane | ||
| Muscle strength improvement | Ashwagandha | |
| Mushroom poisoning | Milk thistle | |
| Nausea | Cannabis | In states that have not legalized medical marijuana, use of cannabis may lead to arrest and imprisonment. |
| Ginger | ||
| Peppermint | ||
| Neuropathy (nerve pain) | Cannabis | In states that have not legalized medical marijuana, use of cannabis may lead to arrest and imprisonment. |
| Obesity | Bitter melon | |
| Coffee | Coffee and tea contain caffeine and may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Ephedra | Ephedra may raise blood pressure and cause jitters, irritability, and insomnia. People with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or a history of stroke should not use it. In very large doses, ephedra may cause potentially fatal heart problems. Coffee and other herbs containing caffeine increase ephedra’s effects and side effects. Ephedra and coffee should be used for weight control only under medical supervision. | |
| Maitake | ||
| Purslane | ||
| Tea | ||
| Osteoarthritis (see Arthritis) | ||
| Osteoporosis prevention | Eleutherococcus | |
| Soybean | Soybean may suppress sperm count. It also has estrogenic action. Women with hormonal conditions who have been advised to avoid birth control pills should consult a physician before ingesting soy in amounts greater than a few servings of tofu per week. | |
| Tea | Tea contains caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Parkinson’s disease | Coffee | Coffee contains caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. |
| Pain (see also Anesthetic in “Healing Actions” table) | For external use: | |
| Comfrey | ||
| For internal use: | ||
| Andrographis | ||
| Arnica | ||
| Black haw | ||
| Boswellia | ||
| Cannabis | In states that have not legalized medical marijuana, use of cannabis may lead to arrest and imprisonment. | |
| Coffee | Coffee, maté, and tea contain caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Devil’s claw | ||
| Maté | ||
| Meadowsweet | Meadowsweet and white willow contain aspirin-like compounds. If you are aspirin-sensitive, consult physician before using these herbs. | |
| Passionflower | ||
| Peppermint | ||
| Red pepper | ||
| Tea | ||
| Vervain | Vervain may depress heart rate and construct bronchial passages. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or athma, consult a physician before using it. | |
| White willow | ||
| Pinkeye | Barberry | |
| Poison ivy, oak, and sumac | Aloe | |
| Postpartum hemorrhage | Shepherd’s purse | Shepherd’s purse may cause powerful uterine contractions. |
| Pre-eclampsia | Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate) contains caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. |
| Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) | Black cohosh | |
| Buchu | Buchu, celery, dandelion, horsetail, juniper, nettle, parsley, sarsaparilla, and uva-ursi are diuretics and may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Celery | ||
| Chaste tree | ||
| Dandelion | ||
| Evening primrose | ||
| Fennel | Fennel has estrogenic action. Women with a history of blood clots (thromboembolism) or blood vessel inflammation (thrombophlebitis), heart disease, or stroke should consult a physician before using medicinal amounts. | |
| Horsetail | ||
| Juniper | ||
| Lavender | ||
| Nettle | ||
| Parsley | ||
| Sarsaparilla | ||
| Uva-ursi | ||
| Prostate cancer | Fennel | |
| Red clover | ||
| Saw palmetto | ||
| Psoriasis | Aloe | |
| Barberry | ||
| Gotu kola | ||
| Red pepper | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| Radiation exposure | Eleutherococcus | |
| Reaction time improvement | Ashwagandha | |
| Restless leg syndrome | St. John’s wort | If you take an antidepressant, consult a physician before using St. John’s wort. |
| Valerian | ||
| Rheumatoid arthritis | Borage | |
| Boswellia | ||
| Cannabis | In states that have not legalized medical marijuana, use of cannabis may lead to arrest and imprisonment. | |
| Cat’s claw | ||
| Evening primrose | ||
| Tea | Tea contains caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Turmeric | ||
| Scabies | For external use: | |
| Tea tree | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| Scalds (see Burns) | ||
| Scurvy | Nettle | |
| Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) | St. John’s wort | |
| Shingles | Red pepper | |
| Sinus infection | Andrographis | Andrographis is anticoagulant and may cause bruising and delay blood clotting. |
| Pelargonium | ||
| Sore throat | Fennel | Fennel has estrogenic action. Women with a history of blood clots (thromboembolism) or blood vessel inflammation (thrombophlebitis), heart disease, or stroke should consult a physician before using medicinal amounts. |
| Licorice | Long-term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormonal imbalance (pseudoaldosteronism). | |
| Marshmallow | ||
| Mullein | ||
| Sage | ||
| Slippery elm | ||
| Stress | Ashwagandha | |
| Bacopa | ||
| Cannabis | In states that have not legalized medical marijuana, use of cannabis may lead to arrest and imprisonment. | |
| Catnip | ||
| Celery | Long-term use of celery may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Chamomile | ||
| Ginseng | ||
| Hop | ||
| Kava | ||
| Lavender | ||
| Lemon balm | Lemon balm interferes with thyroid-stimulating hormone. If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), consult a physician before using it. | |
| Motherwort | ||
| Passionflower | ||
| Rhodiola | ||
| Scullcap | ||
| Yarrow | ||
| Stretch marks | Gotu kola | |
| Stroke | Alfalfa | |
| Angelica | ||
| Apple | ||
| Astragalus | ||
| Bilberry | ||
| Blackberry | ||
| Cat’s claw | ||
| Celery | ||
| Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate), coffee, and tea all contain caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Coffee | ||
| Cordyceps | ||
| Cranberry | ||
| Elderberry | ||
| Evening primrose | ||
| Garlic | Garlic is anticoagulant and may cause bruising or delay blood clotting. | |
| Ginger | ||
| Ginkgo | ||
| Ginseng | ||
| Hawthorn | ||
| Meadowsweet | Meadowsweet and white willow contain aspirin-like compounds. If you are aspirin-sensitive, consult a physician before using these herbs. | |
| Motherwort | ||
| Pomegranate | ||
| Raspberry | ||
| Reishi | ||
| Rhodiola | ||
| Rooibos | ||
| Rose | ||
| Soybean | Soybean may suppress sperm count. It also has estrogenic action. Women with hormonal conditions who have been advised to avoid birth control pills should consult a physician before ingesting soy in amounts greater than a few servings of tofu per week. | |
| Tea (green) | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| White willow | ||
| Sunburn (see Burns) | ||
| Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) | Horse chestnut | |
| Tonsilitis | Pelargonium | |
| Toothache | For external use only: | Herbal oils are highly concentrated. If ingested, as little as a teaspoon may be toxic. Keep herbal oils away from children and pets. |
| Clove oil | ||
| Tarragon oil | ||
| Tooth decay preventions | For topical application: | |
| Chaparral | ||
| Cinnamon | ||
| Neem | Neem oil is toxic if ingested. Use it only in commercial toothpastes. | |
| Peppermint | ||
| For ingestion: | ||
| Tea | Tea contains caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Ulcerative colitis | Boswellia | |
| Turmeric | ||
| Ulcers | Chamomile | |
| Garlic | Garlic is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising or delay blood clotting. | |
| Ginger | ||
| Licorice | Long-term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormone imbalance (pseudoaldosteroinism). | |
| Neem | Neem oil is toxic. Use it only under a physician’s supervision. | |
| Turmeric | ||
| Urinary incontinence | Cranberry | |
| Urinary tract infection prevention | Andrographis | Andrographis is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising or delay blood clotting. |
| Cranberry | ||
| Dill | ||
| Horsetail | Long-term use of horsetail and nettle may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Nettle | ||
| Urinary tract infection treatment | Barberry | |
| Garlic | Garlic is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising or delay blood clotting. | |
| Meadowsweet | Meadowsweet contains aspirin-like compounds. If you are aspirin-sensitive, consult a physician before using these herbs. | |
| Uva-ursi | Long-term use of uva-ursi may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Varicose veins | Bilberry | |
| Blackberry | ||
| Butcher’s broom | ||
| Cranberry | ||
| Gotu kola | ||
| Horse chestnut | ||
| Hyssop | ||
| Raspberry | ||
| Tarragon | ||
| Weight control (See Obesity) | ||
| Wounds | For external use: | |
| Aloe | ||
| Barberry | ||
| Blackberry | ||
| Burtdock | ||
| Chamomile | ||
| Comfrey | ||
| Echinacea | ||
| Eucalyptus | ||
| Fenugreek | ||
| Garlic | ||
| Gotu kola | ||
| Horsetail | ||
| Lavender | ||
| Lemon balm | ||
| Marshmallow | ||
| Passionflower | ||
| Rosemary | ||
| Sage | ||
| St. John’s wort | ||
| Shepherd’s purse | ||
| Slippery elm | ||
| Tarragon | ||
| Tea tree | ||
| Thyme | ||
| Uva-ursi | ||
| Witch hazel | ||
| Yarrow | ||
| For internal use: | ||
| Echinacea | ||
| Garlic | Garlic is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising or delay blood clotting. | |
| Yeast infection (candidiasis) | Barberry | |
| Chamomile | ||
| Cinnamon | ||
| Dandelion | ||
| Echinacea | ||
| Garlic | Garlic and pau d’arco are anticoagulants and may cause bruising and delay blood clotting. | |
| Pau d-arco | ||
| Tea tree | Do not ingest tea tree oil by mouth. As little as a teaspoon can be toxic. Keep away from children and pets. |
| ACTION | HERB(S) | SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS |
| Adaptogen | Ashwagandha | |
| Eleutherococcus | ||
| Ginseng | ||
| Reishi | ||
| Rhodiola | ||
| Schisandra | ||
| Anesthetic | For external use: | Do not ingest herbal oils. As little as a teaspoon may be toxic. Keep herbal oils away from children and pets. |
| Cinnamon oil | ||
| Clove oil | ||
| Peppermint oil | ||
| Antibiotic (antibacterial) | Apple | |
| Artichoke | ||
| Barberry | ||
| Bayberry | ||
| Boneset | ||
| Burdock | ||
| Catnip | ||
| Chamomile | ||
| Cinnamon | ||
| Clove | ||
| Dill | ||
| Echinacea | ||
| Garlic | Garlic and pau d’arco are anticoagulants and may cause bruising and delay blood clotting. | |
| Ginseng | ||
| Goldenseal | ||
| Licorice | Long-term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormone imbalance (pseudoaldosteroinism). | |
| Meadowsweet | Meadowsweet contains aspirin-like compounds. If you are aspirin-sensitive, consult a physician before using this herb. | |
| Myrrh | ||
| Pau d’arco | ||
| Peppermint | ||
| Reishi | ||
| St. John’s wort | If you take antidepressant medication, consult a physician before using St. John’s wort. | |
| Tea tree | Do not ingest tea tree oil by mouth. As little as a teaspoon can be toxic. Keep away from children and pets. | |
| Thyme | ||
| Antibiotic (antifungal) | Aloe | |
| Artichoke | ||
| Barberry | ||
| Burtdock | ||
| Chamomile | ||
| Clove | ||
| Dandelion | Long-term use of dandelion may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Echinacea | ||
| Garlic | Garlic is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising and delay blood clotting. | |
| Goldenseal | ||
| Licorice | Long-term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormone imbalance (pseudoaldosteroinism). | |
| St. John’s wort | If you take antidepressant medication, consult a physician before using St. John’s wort. | |
| Tea tree | Do not ingest tea tree oil by mouth. As little as a teaspoon can be toxic. Keep away from children and pets. | |
| Antibiotic (antiparasitic, antiprotozoan) | Barberry | |
| Bayberry | Bayberry may change the body’s sodium-potassium balance. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or a history of stroke, consult a physician before using it. | |
| Clove | ||
| Elecampane | ||
| Garlic | Garlic is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising and delay blood clotting. | |
| Goldenseal | ||
| Myrrh | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| Anticoagulant | Garlic | These herbs may cause bruising and delay blood clotting. |
| Shepherd’s purse | ||
| Antidepressant | Coffee | Coffee contains caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. |
| St. John’s wort | If you take antidepressant medication, consult a physician before using St. John’s wort. | |
| Antihistamine | Clove | |
| Nettle | Long-term use of nettle may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Anti-inflammatory | Andrographis | Andrographis is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising and delay blood clotting. |
| Angelica | Angelica may cause a rash in sensitive people exposed to direct sunlight. | |
| Bacopa | ||
| Black haw | ||
| Boneset | ||
| Cat’s claw | ||
| Chamomile | ||
| Chaparral | ||
| Echinacea | ||
| Fenugreek | ||
| Gentian | ||
| Ginger | ||
| Horsetail | Long-term use of horsetail, juniper, and vervain may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Juniper | ||
| Licorice | Long-term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormone imbalance (pseudoaldosteroinism). | |
| Meadowsweet | Meadowsweet and white willow contain aspirin-like compounds. If you are aspirin-sensitive, consult a physician before using these herbs. | |
| Purslane | ||
| St. John’s wort | If you take antidepressant medication, consult a physician before using St. John’s wort. | |
| Turmeric | ||
| Vervain | Vervain may depress heart rate and constrict bronchial passages. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma, consult a physician before using it. | |
| White willow | ||
| Antioxidant | Ashwagandha | |
| Bacopa | ||
| Bilberry | ||
| Blackberry | ||
| Cat’s claw | ||
| Chaparral | ||
| Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate), coffee, and tea contain caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Coffee | ||
| Cordyceps | ||
| Cranberry | ||
| Elderberry | ||
| Eleutherococcus | ||
| Muira puama | ||
| Pomegranate | ||
| Raspberry | ||
| Reishi | ||
| Tea | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| Antiperspirant | Sage | |
| Antiseptic | For external use on minor burns and wounds: | |
| Aloe | ||
| Apple | ||
| Blackberry | ||
| Catnip | ||
| Chamomile | ||
| Chaparral | ||
| Cinnamon | ||
| Clove | ||
| Eucalyptus | ||
| Garlic | ||
| Hop | ||
| Lemon balm | ||
| Licorice | ||
| Myrrh | ||
| Passionflower | ||
| Peppermint | ||
| Rosemary | ||
| Sage | ||
| St. John’s wort | ||
| Slippery elm | ||
| Tarragon | ||
| Tea tree | ||
| Thyme | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| Yarrow | ||
| For internal use: | ||
| Echinacea | ||
| Ginseng | ||
| Antiviral | Boneset | |
| Cat’s claw | ||
| Chamomile | ||
| Cinnamon | ||
| Echinacea | ||
| Ginger | ||
| Ginseng | ||
| Lemon balm | Lemon balm interferes with thyroid-stimulating hormone. If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), consult a physician before using it. | |
| Pau d’arco | Pau d’arco is anticoagulant and may cause bruising and delay blood clotting. | |
| St. John’s wort | If you take antidepressant medication, consult a physician before using St. John’s wort. | |
| Colonoscopy preparation | Senna | Senna may cause abdominal distress. |
| Decongestant | Angelica | |
| Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate), coffee, kola, maté, and tea contain caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Coffee | ||
| Ephedra | Ephedra may raise blood pressure and cause jitters, irritability, and insomnia. People with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or a history of stroke should not use it. In very large doses, ephedra may cause potentially fatal heart problems. | |
| Eucalyptus | ||
| Kola | ||
| Maté | ||
| Pennyroyal | ||
| Peppermint | ||
| Rosemary | ||
| Tea | ||
| Digestive support | Angelica | Angelica may cause a rash in sensitive people exposed to direct sunlight. |
| Artichoke | ||
| Caraway | ||
| Catnip | ||
| Chamomile | ||
| Cinnamon | ||
| Clove | ||
| Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate) contains caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Dandelion | ||
| Dill | ||
| Fennel | Fennel has estrogenic action. Women with a history of blood clots (thromboembolism) or blood vessel inflammation (thrombophlebitis), heart disease, or stroke should consult a physician before using medicinal amounts. | |
| Feverfew | ||
| Gentian | ||
| Ginger | ||
| Goldenseal | ||
| Hop | ||
| Horehound | ||
| Lavender | ||
| Lemon balm | Lemon balm interferes with thyroid-stimulating hormone. If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), consult a physician before using it. | |
| Marshmallow | ||
| Papaya | ||
| Passionflower | ||
| Pennyroyal | ||
| Peppermint | ||
| Purslane | ||
| Red pepper | ||
| Rosemary | ||
| Sage | ||
| Slippery elm | ||
| Thyme | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| Yarrow | ||
| Diuretic | Buchu | Long-term use of diuretic herbs may deplete potassium stores. Do not use diuretics for weight loss. |
| Celery | ||
| Dandelion | ||
| Fennel | ||
| Horsetail | ||
| Juniper | ||
| Nettle | ||
| Parsley | ||
| Sarsaparilla | ||
| Uva-ursi | ||
| Immune stimulation | For external use: | |
| Aloe | ||
| For internal use: | ||
| Andrographis | Andrographis and garlic are anticoagulants and may cause bruising and delay blood clotting. | |
| Ashwagandha | ||
| Astragalus | ||
| Barberry | ||
| Bittter melon | ||
| Boneset | ||
| Cat’s claw | ||
| Chamomile | ||
| Cordyceps | ||
| Echinacea | ||
| Eleutherococcus | ||
| Garlic | ||
| Ginger | ||
| Goldenseal | ||
| Gotu kola | ||
| Licorice | Long-term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormone imbalance (pseudoaldosteronism). | |
| Maitake | ||
| Mistletoe | Mistletoe may slow heart rate and affect blood pressure. If you have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke, consult your physician before using it. | |
| Reishi | ||
| St. John’s wort | If you take antidepressant medication, consult a physician before using St. John’s wort. | |
| Shiitake | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| Kidney protection | Reishi | |
| Labor stimulation | Shepherd’s purse | Using herbs to induce labor requires medical supervision. |
| Labor support | Raspberry | |
| Lactation support | Chaste tree | |
| Peppermint | ||
| Laxative | Apple | |
| Buckthorn | Buckthorn, cascara sagrada, rhubarb, and senna may cause abdominal distress. If you find yourself using them more than twice a month, consult a physician. | |
| Cascara sagrada | ||
| Coffee | Coffee contains caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Psyllium | ||
| Rhubarb | ||
| Senna | ||
| Liver protection | Andrographis | Andrographis is an anticoagulant and may cause bruising and delay blood clotting. |
| Artichoke | ||
| Astragalus | ||
| Bacopa | ||
| Barberry | ||
| Cordyceps | ||
| Licorice | Long-term use of licorice may cause water retention, elevated blood pressure, and a hormone imbalance (pseudoaldosteronism). | |
| Maitake | ||
| Milk thistle | ||
| Reishi | ||
| Rhodiola | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| Pregnancy support | Raspberry | |
| Sedative | Celery | Long-term use of celery may deplete potassium stores. |
| Hop | ||
| Lavender | ||
| Lemon balm | Lemon balm interferes with thyroid-stimulating hormone. If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), consult a physician before using it. | |
| Motherwort | ||
| Passionflower | ||
| Scullcap | ||
| Valerian | ||
| Yarrow | ||
| Stimulant | Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate), coffee, kola, mate, and tea all contain caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. |
| Coffee | ||
| Ephedra | Ephedra may raise blood pressure and cause jitters, irritability, and insomnia. People with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or a history of stroke should not use it. In very large doses, ephedra may cause potentially fatal heart problems. | |
| Ginseng | ||
| Kola | ||
| Maté | ||
| Tea | ||
| Surgery recovery | Lavender | |
| Tranquilizer | Ashwagandha | |
| Cannabis | In states that have not legalized medical marijuana, use of cannabis may lead to arrest and imprisonment. | |
| Catnip | ||
| Celery | Long-term use of celery may deplete potassium stores. | |
| Chamomile | ||
| Hop | ||
| Lavender | ||
| Lemon balm | Lemon balm interferes with thyroid-stimulating hormone. If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), consult a physician before using it. | |
| Motherwort | ||
| Passionflower | ||
| Scullcap | ||
| Yarrow |
| USE | HERB(S) | SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS |
| Appetite loss | Ginseng | |
| Athletic performance enhancement | Coffee | Coffee contains caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. |
| Ginseng | ||
| Peppermint | ||
| Rhodiola | ||
| Cognitive function | Bacopa | |
| Cocoa (dark chocolate) | Cocoa (dark chocolate), coffee, and tea contain caffeine, which may cause jitters, irritability, insomnia, and addiction. | |
| Coffee | ||
| Ginkgo | ||
| Ginseng | ||
| Gotu kola | ||
| Rhodiola | ||
| Rosemary | ||
| Sage | ||
| Tea | ||
| Turmeric | ||
| Insect repellent | Eucalyptus | |
| Lavender | ||
| Neem | Neem oil and pennyroyal oil are toxic. Do not ingest them. Keep them away from children and pets. | |
| Pennyroyal oil | ||
| Memory improvement | Bacopa | |
| Eleutherococcus | ||
| Ginkgo | ||
| Ginseng | ||
| Self-defense | Red pepper | |
| Wrinkles | For external use: | |
| Rooibos | ||
| Tea |
