Though using ginger during pregnancy is considered safe, talk with your healthcare professional before using it if you want to reduce pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.

Ginkgo biloba widely known as ginkgo is one of the oldest surviving tree species. Native to Asia, ginkgo is one of the top-selling herbal remedies in the United States.

Ginkgo leaves are used to create extracts, capsules, and tablets. Ginkgo leaves can also be consumed as tea. The nut is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for wheezing. Ginkgo leaves have been used for thousands of years for medicinal benefits. These include treating bronchitis, asthma, chronic fatigue, and tinnitus ringing in the ears.

Some people believe that ginkgo has powerful brain-boosting properties, though more studies are needed to determine if this is true.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes no conclusive evidence that ginkgo helps any medical condition. There is currently no recommended standardized dose of ginkgo. Different doses and formulations have been used in various research studies. The right dose for you will depend on your age, medical history, sex, and type of formulation used.

It is generally better to start with a lower dose to determine which amount is right for you. It may take up to six weeks to notice any health benefits of ginkgo. When using a supplement, ensure that only extracts from ginkgo leaves are used to produce the product.

The seeds contain a toxin that can cause seizures. Side effects include headache, upset stomach, dizziness, and allergic reactions. Ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding. It should not be taken with NSAIDs, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, or tricyclic antidepressants due to potential drug interactions.

Ginseng is a well-known herb with several health benefits attributed to it. American ginseng Panax quinquefolius is an herbaceous perennial native to deciduous forests of the United States. Asian ginseng Panax ginseng is native to China, Korea, and eastern Siberia. Siberian ginseng Eleutherococcus senticosus is also called eleuthero or ci wu jia in traditional Chinese medicine.

It is less of a tonic than the other types and functions more as an adaptogen. Panax notoginseng, also called radix notoginseng or sanchi , is traditionally used to control bleeding. Ginseng has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine.

The herb has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiobesity, and antiviral properties, making it a popular herb for medicinal use even today. Research shows that ginseng helps improve circulation, boosts immunity, and protects against certain types of cancer.

The powerful herb has also been shown to reduce blood sugar levels and improve diabetes treatments. Studies show that ginseng improves learning and memory acquisition, making it a popular antiaging herb to support brain health in older adults. Ginseng has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and has potency for pain relief and inflammation reduction comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory NSAIDs medications.

There are many ways to consume ginseng to reap its health benefits. If you purchase fresh ginseng, it can be eaten raw or steamed. Freshly sliced ginseng can also be steeped in hot water to make tea. It can also be added to food and is popular in stir-fry meals and soups. However, these culinary uses are too costly if you buy expensive ginseng.

Ginseng is also available in health food stores and some drug stores as a dietary supplement. It can be purchased in capsule, powder, and extract forms. There is currently no daily recommended dosage of ginseng, and various amounts have been examined in research studies, ranging from 0.

If you use ginseng supplements, follow the dosage directions on the label. Ginseng is generally safe for consumption with no serious side effects. The most common side effects include headache, gastrointestinal discomfort, and trouble sleeping. There is some evidence to suggest that long-term use of ginseng decreases its effectiveness, so take the supplement for two to three weeks with a one to two-week break to enjoy its benefits.

If you take medications for diabetes, monitor your glucose levels closely when consuming ginseng to ensure your levels do not get too low. Talk with your healthcare professional before supplementing with ginseng if you take any medications.

Do not take ginseng if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners, such as Coumadin warfarin. One of the most popular herbs in the world, lavender Lavandula is a pleasant-smelling evergreen shrub that grows in low mounds and is native to the Mediterranean.

Lavender is in the mint family and thrives in many places around the globe. The versatile herb is used in personal care products, baking, and essential oils, and has become one of the most well-studied herbs due to its potential health benefits.

Lavender has been used by humans for centuries, for everything from perfumes to aromatherapy to medicinal purposes. Evidence suggests that lavender promotes sleep, improves memory, relieves pain, and uplifts mood. In animal and human studies, lavender has been proven to have anticonvulsant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities.

Lavender is a powerhouse herb that offers many medicinal and therapeutic uses. Lavender is available in many forms, including dried herb, powder, and essential oil.

You can grow lavender in your garden if you live in a climate that supports its growth. The essential oil can be diffused in an air diffuser or massaged directly onto the skin once diluted with a carrier oil, such as almond or olive oil.

You can also apply it to your linens or on a cotton ball to inhale it for aromatherapy. Lavender tea is available in premade tea bags, or you can steep dried lavender flower buds in hot water for a caffeine-free tea. Lavender essential oil may cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation in some people.

Always dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil before applying directly to the skin. If you experience headache, nausea or vomiting after use, stop using it immediately. Do not consume lavender essential oil orally, as it may be toxic. Oral consumption of lavender, such as in a tea, may cause constipation, headaches, or increased appetite.

Saint-John's-wort is a plant with yellow flowers. It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, though it now grows throughout the United States. The flower and leaf are used to create herbal remedies and supplements as an alternative treatment for various ailments.

Saint-John's-wort has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years and various conditions, including insomnia, wound healing, depression, and kidney and lung ailments.

Today, Saint-John's-wort is most popular as an herbal remedy for depression. Studies show it may have a positive effect on mild to moderate depression if used over 12 weeks. Saint-John's-wort is also used to reduce menopausal symptoms and for obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD and skin conditions.

It may be used topically to promote wound healing and reduce muscle pain. Saint-John's-wort is available in dry, oil, and liquid forms, including capsules, tinctures, and elixirs. There is not enough data to provide a standard recommended dose of Saint-John's-wort.

The appropriate dose of Saint-John's-wort will depend on your age, sex, and medical history. They can personalize your dose to ensure effectiveness and safety.

When taken in large doses, Saint-John's-wort may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Speak with your healthcare professional before using this herbal remedy. It can have serious interactions with certain medications.

Do not take Saint-John's-wort if you are taking antidepressants, as a life-threatening increase in serotonin may result. Native to South Asia, turmeric is an herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the ginger family. It has been used for its medicinal properties for over 4, years.

Turmeric is one of the most widely studied herbs. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer properties. In Ayurveda and other traditional medicine systems, it is used for upper respiratory infections, the digestive system, and skin problems.

Ayurvedic herbs are a major component of Ayurveda , a traditional-medicine practice that originated in India. Practitioners use herbs to keep the mind, body, and spirit in balance. Turmeric is still a popular herbal remedy. It's touted as aiding in such conditions as allergies, arthritis, digestive disorders, respiratory infections, depression, and liver disease.

Research says turmeric may provide therapeutic benefits for skin health as an oral supplement or topical on the skin application. Turmeric is also proven effective at reducing joint pain caused by arthritis. One study found that participants who took milligrams a day of turmeric extract experienced reduced joint pain.

Turmeric is used around the world as a cooking ingredient. Turmeric supplements are made from the dried rhizome underground stem and are often sold in capsule form. Turmeric paste is made to apply topically to the skin for certain skin conditions.

The recommended dosage for turmeric varies, depending on its intended use. Studies often use dosages ranging from to 2, milligrams of turmeric daily. The amount you take will vary depending on your age, medical history, sex, and intended use.

Some people experience significant symptom relief when taking smaller doses, so start small to determine which dose works best for you. Turmeric is generally considered safe when eaten in foods, consumed as an oral supplement, or applied to the skin in recommended amounts.

Concentrations of curcumin —an active ingredient in turmeric—is higher in supplements than in foods and may cause stomach upset when taken in large doses, as well as diarrhea, skin rash, yellow stool, and headache. Speak with your healthcare professional before taking a turmeric supplement.

It may have interactions with some prescription medications and other herbal remedies. Turmeric can enhance the effect of blood thinners, increasing your risk of bleeding. A review found that turmeric may interact with several medications, including antidepressants, anticoagulants, antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, and antihistamines.

The FDA regulates dietary supplement products and dietary ingredients and tracks side effects by consumers. You can report any side effects and safety concerns through the U. Health and Human Services Safety Reporting Portal.

Humans have used plants for thousands of years to treat ailments, pain, and disease. Healing herbs are available in several forms, including supplements, tinctures, teas, and essential oils. Scientific evidence on popular herbal remedies varies widely. For some, there is a lot of information, while there may be just a little for others.

Do your best to research any remedies you plan to use before taking them to understand any potential side effects along with their purported health benefits.

Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults.

Indian J Psychol Med. Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D. Adaptogenic and anxiolytic effects of ashwagandha root extract in healthy adults: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study. Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study examining the hormonal and vitality effects of ashwagandha Withania somnifera in aging, overweight males. Am J Mens Health.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Miraj S, Alesaeidi S. A systematic review study of therapeutic effects of Matricaria recuitta chamomile chamomile.

Electron Physician. David S, Cunningham R. Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. Brown PN, Chan M, Paley L, Betz JM. Determination of major phenolic compounds in Echinacea spp.

raw materials and finished products by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection: single-laboratory validation matrix extension. J AOAC Int. Cancer Research UK. Karagodin VP, Sobenin IA, Orekhov AN. Antiatherosclerotic and cardioprotective effects of time-released garlic powder pills.

Curr Pharm Des. Zhou X, Qian H, Zhang D, Zeng L. Garlic intake and the risk of colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis. Medicine Baltimore. European Medicines Agency. Science Medicines Health.

Assessment report on Allium sativum L. Soltani E, Jangjoo A, Afzal Aghaei M, Dalili A. Effects of preoperative administration of ginger Zingiber officinale Roscoe on postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

J Tradit Complement Med. Viljoen E, Visser J, Koen N, Musekiwa A. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect and safety of ginger in the treatment of pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting. Nutr J. Marx W, Ried K, McCarthy AL, et al. Ginger-mechanism of action in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: A review.

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. Bartels EM, Folmer VN, Bliddal H, et al. Efficacy and safety of ginger in osteoarthritis patients: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials.

Osteoarthritis Cartilage. Yeung KS, Hernandez M, Mao JJ, Haviland I, Gubili J. Herbal medicine for depression and anxiety: A systematic review with assessment of potential psycho-oncologic relevance.

Phytother Res. Mount Sinai. Siberian ginseng. Yang X, Xiong X, Wang H, Wang J. Protective effects of panax notoginseng saponins on cardiovascular diseases: a comprehensive overview of experimental studies.

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Jung J, Lee NK, Paik HD. Bioconversion, health benefits, and application of ginseng and red ginseng in dairy products. Food Sci Biotechnol. Ossoukhova A, Owen L, Savage K, et al. It is worth noting that some herbal remedies for anxiety, including lemon balm and chamomile, appear to work by affecting GABA.

GABA is a neurotransmitter that impacts mood and sleep. As with antianxiety medications that work by changing GABA levels, these substances may cause side effects.

Learn more about effective treatments for anxiety. If people wish to try a herbal remedy, there are steps they can take to ensure they use them safely. Always consult a qualified medical professional before using herbal remedies.

This is especially important for people who are:. If a herbal remedy is safe to use, follow the instructions on the label or the instructions of a doctor. If symptoms develop or get worse, or a person takes too much, stop using the product and seek medical attention.

When looking for herbal remedies, choose brands that use third-party testing to ensure their facilities and products are high quality and contain no contaminants. In the U. These qualities indicate a product has no hidden ingredients or harmful levels of a substance.

But they do not guarantee a product will be safe or effective, so it is still important to speak with a healthcare professional about using them. As with medications, it is important not to give herbal products to others.

What helps one person may harm another, so it is essential that others seek their own medical advice when it comes to treating conditions. Never give herbal remedies to children unless instructed to do so by a doctor.

Many herbal remedies may not be tested on children, and even those that seem harmless may impact child development. Herbal remedies are a type of traditional medicine that use plant-based ingredients to treat illnesses.

Many are very popular, as they can be more affordable than prescription drugs. But it is important to remember that herbal remedies are not always effective or safe. Always discuss taking herbs with a doctor before use, and look for products that are high quality and have scientific evidence to support their use.

Alternative medicine refers to any type of medical practice that falls outside the mainstream. Learn more about the different types. Aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses essential oils to improve a person's health or mood. Find out about the oils and how they…. In this article, we discuss 12 natural pain relievers that people can try, including herbal remedies, yoga, and acupuncture.

Naturopathy is a type of alternative medicine that focuses on providing a holistic approach to treating health problems. Naturopathy encourages…. Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that involves inserting thin needles into targeted areas of the body.

It can help treat chronic pain. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Herbal remedies for allergies, anxiety, migraine, and more. Medically reviewed by Kerry Boyle D. What are herbal remedies? Herbs vs. medicine Allergies Migraine Cough Stress and anxiety Staying safe Summary Many herbs contain compounds that can help treat diseases or help to ease symptoms.

Herbal remedies vs. Popular herbal remedies for allergies. For migraine. For coughs and sore throats. For stress and anxiety.

Using herbal remedies safely. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Share this article. Latest news Ovarian tissue freezing may help delay, and even prevent menopause.

Herbal remedies can vary in their quality, effectiveness, and safety. The Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate them as closely as medications, and some have little scientific evidence to support their use. It is always best to discuss health conditions and herbal supplements with a qualified medical professional wherever possible.

In this article, we look at what herbal remedies are, how they compare with medications, and some popular herbal remedies for conditions such as allergies, coughs, migraine, and anxiety.

Herbal remedies are a form of traditional medicine. They consist of herbs or compounds that come from herbs. They can also contain fungi or algae. Herbal products come in a variety of formats, including :. Historically, herbs were one of the main ways people treated disease.

Today, they are still part of many types of complementary medicine, such as herbalism, naturopathy, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine.

Learn more about alternative, complementary, and integrative medicine. There are some key differences between herbal remedies and prescription or over-the-counter OTC medications.

It is important to be aware of these differences before using them. In the United States, the FDA regulates many herbal remedies as dietary supplements. This means that the FDA does not test them for their efficacy or safety before companies put them on the market.

Companies are responsible for ensuring the labels of their products do not contain inaccurate or misleading information. They can also choose to ask a third party to test their products for quality, but this is not compulsory.

By contrast, medical products have to meet strict standards before a company can sell them in the U. Many people believe natural products are safer or gentler than prescription drugs.

But as with any drug, herbs can be toxic at the wrong doses. They can also cause side effects, interactions, and allergic reactions. Herbal products are only reviewed for safety and efficacy by the FDA if consumers or medical professionals report problems with them.

In some cases, the FDA has banned herbal products after discovering that they contained illegal substances, unlisted ingredients, or poisons. The evidence showing that herbal remedies work can vary a lot.

While some do have strong evidence showing they can benefit certain conditions, others have none. Additionally, the studies that look at herbal remedies are not always high quality, and may involve:.

This makes it difficult to know if a herbal remedy will work reliably across a large group of people, what the long-term effects are, or whether it is more effective than a placebo.

There may also be a lack of information about the impact on pregnant people and children. Be aware that people with pollen or plant allergies may also be allergic to herbs such as butterbur. Migraine is a neurological condition that typically causes painful headaches , as well as other symptoms such as nausea and light sensitivity.

Some herbal remedies people use for migraine include:. For other types of headache, peppermint oil may help. Peppermint contains menthol, which can have a cooling effect on the skin. People can apply it by diluting in a safe quantity of carrier oil and massaging onto the skin.

Menthol is not safe for children , so do not use this oil around them. A number of OTC products for coughs contain compounds that come from plants. For example, cough lozenges often contain menthol to soothe a sore throat.

There are many ancient cures for stress and anxiety. Some examples of herbal products that may help reduce stress and anxiety include:. It is worth noting that some herbal remedies for anxiety, including lemon balm and chamomile, appear to work by affecting GABA.

GABA is a neurotransmitter that impacts mood and sleep. As with antianxiety medications that work by changing GABA levels, these substances may cause side effects. Learn more about effective treatments for anxiety.

If people wish to try a herbal remedy, there are steps they can take to ensure they use them safely. Always consult a qualified medical professional before using herbal remedies. This is especially important for people who are:. If a herbal remedy is safe to use, follow the instructions on the label or the instructions of a doctor.

If symptoms develop or get worse, or a person takes too much, stop using the product and seek medical attention. When looking for herbal remedies, choose brands that use third-party testing to ensure their facilities and products are high quality and contain no contaminants.

In the U. These qualities indicate a product has no hidden ingredients or harmful levels of a substance. But they do not guarantee a product will be safe or effective, so it is still important to speak with a healthcare professional about using them.

The daisy family includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. Feverfew has been used to treat fevers. Some research has shown that feverfew can prevent migraines. It is also used to treat arthritis. If the leaves are chewed, side effects include mouth ulcers and digestive upset.

Stopping feverfew suddenly may cause migraines to come back. Feverfew should not be used with NSAID medicine. These medicines may change how well feverfew works.

Feverfew should not be used with warfarin or other medicines that thin the blood. Garlic is used in cooking. And it has proven health benefits.

Garlic has been shown to fight germs, protect your heart, and reduce inflammation. It may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. But the results are mixed.

The FDA considers garlic safe. But it can increase your risk of bleeding. It should not be used with warfarin or other medicines that thin the blood. It may cause too much bleeding.

Ginger is most known for easing nausea and motion sickness. Research suggests it may help the nausea from pregnancy and chemotherapy. Ginger is in research for use in surgery and as an anticancer agent.

It has strong anti-inflammatory effects. It is also a strong antioxidant. Side effects may include bloating, gas, heartburn, and nausea. Ginkgo leaf extract is used for asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus. It is used to improve memory and to help prevent dementia.

Some studies have shown it may work slightly. But how gingko works isn't fully known. Only extract from leaves should be used. Seeds have ginkgo toxin. This toxin can cause seizures.

In large amounts, it can lead to death. Ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding. Do not use it with NSAID medicines or other medicines that thin the blood. Do not use it with anticonvulsant medicines, or tricyclic antidepressants.

Ginseng is thought to boost energy, sex drive, and balance the body. Research is still unsure about its benefits. Side effects can include high blood pressure and fast heart rate. It's safe according to the FDA, but avoid it with certain medicines.

People with diabetes should not use ginseng. Goldenseal can help with diarrhea. It can help with eye and skin irritation. It can act as an antiseptic. Use it carefully. Too much can cause irritation of the skin, mouth, and stomach.

Always follow a healthcare provider's instructions. Goldenseal can be poisonous in high doses. Milk thistle is used for liver problems and high cholesterol. It is also used to reduce the growth of cancer cells.

Study results are not clear about its real benefits for liver disease. Saint John's wort can help with mild to moderate depression.

Results for severe depression are not clear. It can make your skin sensitive to light in high doses. It can interact with other medicines in dangerous ways.

Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before using this herb. Saw palmetto is used to treat urine problems from an enlarged prostate. But recent studies have found it not to work for this.