Commonly Used Herbs and Dietary Supplements
Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
Aloe vera–Used to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis. People use aloe topically for osteoarthritis, burns, and sunburns.
Cranberry–Commonly used to prevent or treat urinary tract infections.
Echinacea–Believed to stimulate the immune system to help fight infections.
Garlic–Used to treat high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure as well as to prevent certain types of cancer, including stomach and colon cancers.
Ginger–Used to alleviate postsurgery nausea as well as nausea caused by motion, chemotherapy, and pregnancy.
Ginkgo–People use ginkgo leaf extracts hoping to improve memory, to treat or help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, and other health conditions.
Green Tea–Used to prevent and treat a variety of cancers, including breast, stomach, and skin cancers.
Lavender–This herb is used for conditions such as anxiety, restlessness,
insomnia, and depression.
Mistletoe–Used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat seizures, headaches, and other conditions.
Peppermint Oil–Used to treat headaches, muscle and nerve pain, and stomach and bowel conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Soy–People use soy products to prevent or treat a variety of health conditions, including high cholesterol levels and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.
St. John’s Wort–Used by some for depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders.
Valerian–Commonly used for sleep disorders and anxiety.
