herbal supplements

Herbal supplement	What might it help?	Precautions and potential side effects
aloe vera	• acne • skin injuries, such as burns • psoriasis • digestive problems	• Topical use may burn, itching, and eczema. • Oral aloe latex use may cause abdominal pain and cramping. • Oral aloe leaf extract may increase acute hepatitis risk.
black cohosh	menopause symptoms	• may stomach upset, cramping, headache, rash, vaginal spotting, and weight gain • may lead to liver damage
echinacea	common cold prevention	may nausea or stomach pain
garlic	high cholesterol	• Oral supplements may the risk of bleeding, so they may be unsafe for people taking anticoagulants, such as warfarin, and those needing surgery. • may interact with saquinavir, a drug used to treat HIV
ginkgo	• age-related dementia • schizophrenia • anxiety • eye health • peripheral artery disease • premenstrual syndrome	• may headache, stomach upset, dizziness, palpitations, constipation, skin reactions • may increase risk of bleeding
ginger	• mild stomach upset • nausea from pregnancy and chemotherapy • menstrual cramps	may abdominally discomfort, heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth and throat irritation, particularly in large doses
Hawthorn	• low blood pressure • anxiety • kidney issues • heart disease • digestion	• may dizziness, nausea, and digestive symptoms • may interact in a harmful way with heart medications
licorice root	• digestive symptoms • atopic dermatitis • sore throat	• unsuitable for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease • may increase blood pressure and decrease potassium levels • in large doses, may cause premature birth and infant health problems after birth
milk thistle	• hepatitis • type 2 diabetes	• may digestive issues • may cause allergic reactions in people allergic to marigold, chamomile, or daisies
passionflower	• sleep problems • anxiety	• may drowsiness, confusion, and uncoordinated movement • unsuitable for use during pregnancy, as it may induce contractions
peppermint oil	• irritable bowel syndrome • abdominal pain • indigestion • tension headaches • cracked nipples	• may nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, and dry mouth • may cause skin rashes and irritation if a person uses it topically
saw palmetto	benign prostatic hyperplasia	may digestive symptoms or headache
soy	• high cholesterol • menopausal hot flashes • high blood pressure • bone health	• may constipation or diarrhea • may affect thyroid function in people with iron deficiency
turmeric	• digestive issues • bone health	• may liver injury • may cause mild dermatitis and stomach upset
valerian	• menopause symptoms • anxiety • sleep problems	may headache, stomach upset, excitability, uneasiness, and heart issues