Botanicals

Botanical compounds, known as botanicals or herbs, are derived from roots, bark, flowers, seeds, or virtually any other part of a plant. Botanicals are divided not by their compound properties but by their plant source, such as aloe vera or wild yam. Botanicals serve hundreds of different purposes, ranging from treatment of chronic health problems to general maintenance of good health. For example, botanicals can:

Act as antioxidants
Reduce cholesterol
Relieve stress
Support hormonal balance
Enhance and regulate metabolism
Boost immunity and fight invading toxins
Relieve inflammation and allergies
Promote cell and tissue growth and repair

Purchase botanicals labeled as standardized extract. These botanicals have been produced in a way that ensures consistency between batches—a tablet from one bottle will contain the same amount as a tablet from another. Due to lack of research about botanicals’ effects during pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding women should talk with a healthcare provider before taking any botanical supplements.

Name	Potential Benefits	Possible Side Effects
Aloe vera	Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral. Applied topically, reduces swelling and itching and relieves pain from burns and sunburn. Taken internally, aloe vera juice may improve digestion and soothe heartburn and ulcers.	Should not be taken by breastfeeding or pregnant women, or if cramping or diarrhea result from taking it.
Asparagus root	Reduces urinary tract inflammation. Prevents kidney stones. May have antibiotic properties.	Should not be taken by people with edema (fluid retention) from kidney or heart disease.
Astragalus	Antioxidant. Improves immune system function. Enhances stamina, strength, and well-being. May have antibiotic and antiviral qualities that prevent infection. May relieve stress.	No known side effects.
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)	Improves vision and may prevent eye diseases. Improves circulation. May counteract hemorrhoids and varicose veins, particularly during pregnancy.	No known side effects.
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)	Reduces hot flashes in menopause. Relieves menstrual cramps and symptoms of PMS.	Nausea, dizziness, headache, or slight weight gain. Should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus)	Anti-inflammatory. Improves blood flow. Reduces pain and swelling from hemorrhoids and varicose veins.	May interfere with blood-pressure medications.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis, pot marigold)	Anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic. Reduces swelling, soothes burns and rashes, and cleans cuts.	People allergic to daisylike flowers may have allergic reactions to calendula.
Cat’s claw (Uncaria, uña de gato)	Anti-inflammatory. Reduces bruising and symptoms of arthritis, and may ease chronic pain. Stimulates immune function and may help fight infections. May combat cancerous tumors.	High doses may cause diarrhea. Should not be used by pregnant women.
Cayenne	Improves digestion and blood circulation. Applied topically, relieves pain from bruises, swelling, and arthritis, as well as from diabetes. Taken orally, can help ease indigestion.	Topical cayenne may cause burning sensation on skin or eyes—flush with warm water. Oral cayenne may cause diarrhea or stomach pain.
Chamomile	Relieves stress, relaxes nerves, and may counteract insomnia. Soothes digestion, heartburn, and menstrual cramps. Topically soothes rashes and sunburn. Washes relieve eye irritation and mouth sores.	On rare occasions, chamomile may cause vomiting or allergic reactions.
Chasteberry	Relieves PMS symptoms and other menstrual problems. Eases hot flashes in menopause. Aids fertility.	May cause rashes or stomach upset. Should not be used by pregnant women.
Comfrey	Reduces coughs and upper respiratory infections. Relieves diarrhea. Topical astringent reduces bruise swelling and heals cuts.	Should not be taken internally—can cause liver damage.
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)	Antibacterial. Relieves and helps prevent urinary tract infections. Prevents kidney stones. Reduces tooth plaque and prevents gingivitis.	No known side effects.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)	Supports liver and digestive function. Relieves jaundice and prevents gallstones. Promotes hormonal balance in women.	In high doses, may cause nausea, diarrhea, or rash. Avoid if gallstones are present.
Echinacea (coneflower)	Immune system stimulant. Helps body fight colds, flu, and infections. Topically applied, relieves bruising, burns, rashes, and cold sores.	Eight weeks or more of consecutive use diminishes effectiveness. Allergic reaction may cause rash or difficulty breathing.
Eucalyptus oil (blue gum tree)	Applied topically as anti-inflammatory for muscle ache and antibacterial for minor skin infections. Inhalant version relieves chest congestion and asthma.	Never take full-strength oil internally. Nausea, diarrhea, or skin irritation may result from diluted forms.
Evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis)	Eases symptoms of PMS, menstrual cramps, and endometriosis. Relieves eczema. Reduces pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis.	Bloating and nausea.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)	Prevents and alleviates pain of migraines. Relieves menstrual cramps.	Rash and nausea. Should not be used by pregnant women.
Garlic (Allium sativum)	Antioxidant. Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. Fights cold, flu, and infections. Topical antifungal. Prevents some cancers.	High doses may cause diarrhea, gas, heartburn, or rashes.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)	Improves digestion, relieving nausea, indigestion, and gas. Combats motion sickness. Anti-inflammatory for muscle aches and arthritis.	Mild heartburn.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)	Improves circulation, easing muscle cramps and coldness in the extremities. Improves mental sharpness and reduces memory loss due to aging and possibly Alzheimer’s. Relieves ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and vertigo. Reduces anxiety and depression.	Headaches during first few days of use. High doses may cause mild diarrhea, irritability, or nausea.
Ginseng (Panax)	Antioxidant. Reduces fatigue and boosts stamina. Stimulates mental sharpness. Relieves stress and impotence in men.	Headache, insomnia, and nausea. For women, may cause breast tenderness or heavy menstruation.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)	Strong immune system booster, antiviral, and antibacterial—helps fight cold, flu, and infections. Topical relief for cold sores, warts, and conjunctivitis.	Extreme doses may cause diarrhea, nausea, or irritation of the mouth.
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)	Improves circulation and relieves varicose veins. Promotes healing of bruises, burns, and cuts. Sharpens memory.	On rare occasions, may cause rash or headaches.
Grapeseed oil	Antioxidant. Improves blood vessel health, reducing risk of heart disease, stroke, and varicose veins. Fights macular degeneration and cataracts.	No known side effects.
Grapefruit seed extract	Antifungal and antibacterial. Fights yeast infections, especially Candida overgrowth syndrome.	May interfere with immunosuppressants, cholesterol inhibitors, and antihistamines.
Green tea	Antioxidant. Reduces cholesterol. May help slow or prevent cancer.	Liquid form contains high levels of caffeine.
Hawthorn (whitehorn, mayflower)	Improves heart health: dilates blood vessels, increases blood flow, reduces blood pressure, relieves pain from angina, regulates irregular heartbeat.	Very rarely, may cause nausea, rash, or sweating.
Hoodia (Hoodia gordonii)	Appetite suppressant.	No known side effects.
Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)	Strengthens blood vessels, reducing hemorrhoids, varicose veins, rheumatism, and night cramps. Topically applied, relieves joint and muscle aches.	May cause mild dizziness or stomach upset.
Kava (kava-kava)	Relieves stress, anxiety, and depression. Relieves insomnia. Reduces muscle tension and aches.	Stomach upset and skin rash. Not to be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or with antidepressants.
Lavender (Lavendula)	Relieves stress and insomnia. Soothes sunburn and other skin inflammations.	Skin irritation—never use the full-strength oil. Breast enlargement in children.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)	Anti-inflammatory. Relieves respiratory infections, hepatitis, and menstrual cramps. Topically applied, relieves skin irritations. May combat chronic fatigue syndrome.	Often raises blood pressure.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)	Promotes liver function, aiding in detoxification and combating hepatitis and cirrhosis. Relieves psoriasis.	Can have a mild laxative effect.
Nettle (Urtica dioica)	Anti-inflammatory for joints. Relieves urinary tract infections and PMS bloating. Relieves hay fever, allergies, and nasal congestion. May inhibit prostate enlargement.	Diarrhea or indigestion.
Noni (Morinda citrifolia, Indian mulberry)	Promotes even blood pressure. Stimulates immune function. May inhibit growth of cancer tumors.	Not recommended for diabetics or people with kidney problems.
Oregano oil (Origanum)	Treats athlete’s foot, candidiasis, and other infections. Relieves upset stomach.	Inhibits iron absorption.
Pau d’arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)	Antifungal and antibacterial. Combats yeast infections, warts, and numerous other skin infections.	Mild nausea if taken on an empty stomach.
Peppermint (Mentha piperata)	Soothes digestion and is a natural antacid. Eases symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Relieves bronchial constriction and, inhaled, relieves congestion. Topically applied, relieves muscle aches and tension headaches.	Allergic people may suffer rashes or heartburn after taking peppermint.
Psyllium	Lowers cholesterol. Relieves constipation, diarrhea, IBS, and hemorrhoids. May suppress appetite.	Bloating and gas. Severe allergic reaction may constrict swallowing and breathing.
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)	Stimulates brain function. Reduces fatigue. May act as an antidepressant.	Insomnia and irritability.
Rose hips	Stimulates immune system to fight colds and flu. Relieves stress and fatigue. Improves kidney function.	In rare cases, causes allergic reactions or diarrhea. Epileptics should avoid.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)	Antioxidant. Improves brain function. Reduces stress. Relieves indigestion and bloating.	Upset stomach and insomnia. Topical use may cause dermatitis. Full-strength oil should not be taken internally.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)	Prevents prostate swelling and may restrict growth of prostate cancer cells. Relieves urinary tract infections. Immune system stimulant.	Rare cases of digestive upset, headache, or breast enlargement in men.
Siberian ginseng (Eleuthero)	Relieves stress and improves energy. Reduces menstrual cramps. May combat chronic fatigue syndrome and Alzheimer’s. May improve fertility in both men and women.	Mild diarrhea or restlessness.
Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra, moose elm, red elm, Indian elm)	Soothes digestion. Relieves ulcers and gastritis. Sanitizes wounds and promotes healing of burns. Also relieves sore throats.	Minor allergic skin irritation.
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)	Relieves stress and depression, including that associated with PMS and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Combats bacterial and viral infections.	Light sensitivity and gastrointestinal upset in rare cases.
Tea tree oil	Antiseptic and antifungal treatment for cuts, skin irritations, and insect bites. Relieves athlete’s foot, dandruff, fungus, and yeast infections.	Skin irritation. Do not ingest full-strength oil or apply directly to skin.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)	Antioxidant. Anti-inflammatory against joint swelling. Relieves arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Relieves indigestion, bloating, and gas.	Not recommended for people with gallstones or stomach ulcers.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)	Reduces stress and relaxes muscles. Eases insomnia. Relieves stress- related stomach cramping.	Extreme doses may cause dizziness, giddiness, or headache.
White willow bark (Salix alba)	Pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. Treats muscle aches, headaches, and menstrual cramps.	Extreme doses may result in nausea or ringing in the ears.
Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa)	Anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant. Relieves menstrual cramps and abdominal aches. May relieve arthritis.	Extreme doses may cause diarrhea and nausea.

Acknowledgments & Disclaimer

Previous:
Minerals

Next:
Amino Acids

Download the PDF
for just $2.95

Nutritional Supplements

► Complete guide
► Handy, portable format