Products made from botanicals, or plants, that are used to treat diseases or to maintain health are called herbal products, botanical products, or phytomedicines. A product made from plants and used solely for internal use is called an herbal supplement.

The following list of common herbal supplements is for informational purposes only. Talk to your doctor to discuss specific your medical conditions or symptoms. Do not self-diagnose, and talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.

Herbal Supplement: Black cohosh. Common Uses: This shrub-like plant of eastern North America derives its name from the Native American word for “rough” (referring to its root structure). It is generally used for menopausal conditions, painful menstruation, uterine spasms, and vaginitis.

Herbal Supplement: Echinacea. Common Uses: Often used to strengthen the body’s immune system, echinacea is also considered a prevention against colds and flu. This U.S. native plant is also called the purple coneflower.

Herbal Supplement:Evening primrose. Common Uses: Oil from this night-blooming, bright yellow flowering plant may be helpful in reducing symptoms of arthritis and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Herbal Supplement: Feverfew. Common Uses: The pain-relieving properties of feverfew have been used for migraine headaches, as well as for menstrual cramps.

Herbal Supplement: Garlic. Common Uses: Garlic is generally used for cardiovascular conditions, including high cholesterol and triglyceride levels associated with the risk of atherosclerosis.

Herbal Supplement: Gingko biloba. Common Uses: This herb is used for many conditions associated with aging, including poor circulation and memory loss.

Herbal Supplement: Ginseng. Common Uses: Used as a general tonic to increase overall body tone, ginseng is considered helpful in elevating energy levels and improving resistance to stress.

Herbal Supplement: Goldenseal. Common Uses: This herb, native to America, is popular for its healing properties and antiseptic, or germ-stopping, qualities. Often used for colds and flu, it is also popular for soothing the nose lining when it is inflamed or sore.

Herbal Supplement: Green tea. Common Uses: This herb is used to combat fatigue, prevent arteriosclerosis and certain cancers, lower cholesterol, and aid in weight loss.

Herbal Supplement: Hawthorn. Common Uses: Hawthorn is popularly used for several heart-related conditions and is supportive in the treatment of angina, atherosclerosis, heart failure, and high blood pressure.

Herbal Supplement: Saw palmetto. Common Uses: Saw palmetto may be used for enlarged prostate, a common condition in men over age 50.

Herbal Supplement: St. John’s wort. Common Uses: Wild-growing with yellow flowers, this herb has been used for centuries in the treatment of mental disorders. Today, it is a popular recommendation for mild to moderate depression.

Original source: hopkinsmedicine.org/