Herbs (F-K)

*This information is provided for your convenience. It is not intended as medical advice or as a guide to self-medication. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice on using medicinal herbs.

HERB NAMES:   A - E   |   F - K   |   L - Y

HERB	POSSIBLE USES	PRECAUTIONS
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)	Historically, fenugreek was used for a variety of health conditions, including menopausal symptoms and digestive problems. It was also used for inducing childbirth. Today, it is used for diabetes and loss of appetite, and to stimulate milk production in breast-feeding women. It is also applied to the skin to treat inflammation.	Possible side effects of fenugreek when taken by mouth include gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Fenugreek can cause irritation when applied to the skin. Given its historical use for inducing childbirth, women should use caution when taking fenugreek during pregnancy. 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.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)	Feverfew has been used for centuries for fevers, headaches, stomach aches, toothaches, insect bites, infertility, and problems with menstruation and labor during childbirth. Recently, feverfew has been used for migraine headaches and rheumatoid arthritis. Feverfew has also been used for psoriasis, allergies, asthma, tinnitus (ringing or roaring sounds in the ears), dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.	No serious side effects have been reported for feverfew. Side effects can include canker sores, swelling and irritation of the lips and tongue, and loss of taste. Less common side effects can include nausea, digestive problems, and bloating. People who take feverfew for a long time and then stop taking it may have headaches, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, stiff muscles, and joint pain. Women who are pregnant should not use feverfew because it may cause the uterus to contract, increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature delivery. People can have allergic reactions to feverfew. Those who are allergic to other members of the daisy family (which includes ragweed and chrysanthemums) are more likely to be allergic to feverfew. 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.
Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatissimum)	Flaxseed is most commonly used as a laxative. Flaxseed is also used for hot flashes and breast pain. Flaxseed oil is used for different conditions than flaxseed, including arthritis. Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil have been used for high cholesterol levels and in an effort to prevent cancer.	Flaxseed and flaxseed oil supplements seem to be well tolerated. Few side effects have been reported. Flaxseed, like any supplemental fiber source, should be taken with plenty of water; otherwise, it could worsen constipation or, in rare cases, even cause intestinal blockage. The fiber in flaxseed may lower the body's ability to absorb medications that are taken by mouth. Flaxseed should not be taken at the same time as any conventional oral medications or other dietary supplements. Tell your health care providers about any herb you are using, including flaxseed or flaxseed oil. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
Garlic (Allium sativum)	Garlic's most common uses as a dietary supplement are for high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Garlic is also used to prevent certain types of cancer, including stomach and colon cancers.	Garlic appears to be safe for most adults. Side effects include breath and body odor, heartburn, upset stomach, and allergic reactions. These side effects are more common with raw garlic. Garlic can thin the blood (reduce the ability of blood to clot) in a manner similar to aspirin. This effect may be a problem during or after surgery. Use garlic with caution if you are planning to have surgery or dental work, or if you have a bleeding disorder. A cautious approach is to avoid garlic in your diet or as a supplement for at least 1 week before surgery. Garlic has been found to interfere with the effectiveness of saquinavir, a drug used to treat HIV infection. Its effect on other drugs has not been well studied. 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.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)	Ginger is used in Asian medicine to treat stomach aches, nausea, and diarrhea. Many digestive, antinausea, and cold and flu dietary supplements sold in the United States contain ginger extract as an ingredient. Ginger is used to alleviate postsurgery nausea as well as nausea caused by motion, chemotherapy, and pregnancy. Ginger has been used for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and joint and muscle pain.	Few side effects are linked to ginger when it is taken in small doses. Side effects most often reported are gas, bloating, heartburn, and nausea. These effects are most often associated with powdered ginger. Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including ginger. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
Gingko (Ginkgo biloba)	Ginkgo seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and cooked seeds are occasionally eaten. More recently, ginkgo leaf extract has been used to treat a variety of ailments and conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).	Side effects of ginkgo may include headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions. More severe allergic reactions have occasionally been reported. There are some data to suggest that ginkgo can increase bleeding risk, so people who take anticoagulant drugs, have bleeding disorders, or have scheduled surgery or dental procedures should use caution and talk to a health care provider if using ginkgo. Uncooked ginkgo seeds contain a chemical known as ginkgotoxin, which can cause seizures. Consuming large quantities of seeds over time can cause death. Ginkgo leaf and ginkgo leaf extracts appear to contain little ginkgotoxin. It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including ginkgo. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)	Treatment claims for Asian ginseng are numerous and include the use of the herb to support overall health and boost the immune system. Traditional and modern uses of ginseng include: Improving the health of people recovering from illness. Increasing a sense of well-being and stamina, and improving both mental and physical performance. Treating erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms related to menopause. Lowering blood glucose and controlling blood pressure.	When taken by mouth, ginseng is usually well tolerated. Some sources suggest that its use be limited to 3 months because of concerns about the development of side effects. The most common side effects are headaches and sleep and gastrointestinal problems. Ginseng can cause allergic reactions. There have been reports of breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and high blood pressure associated with ginseng products, but these products' components were not analyzed, so effects may have been due to another herb or drug in the product. Ginseng may lower levels of blood sugar; this effect may be seen more in people with diabetes. Therefore, people with diabetes should use extra caution with Asian ginseng, especially if they are using medicines to lower blood sugar or taking other herbs, such as bitter melon and fenugreek, that are also thought to lower blood sugar. It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including Asian ginseng. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis)	Historically, Native Americans have used goldenseal for various health conditions such as skin diseases, ulcers, and gonorrhea. Now, goldenseal is used for colds and other respiratory tract infections, infectious diarrhea, eye infections, and vaginitis (inflammation or infection of the vagina). It is occasionally used to treat cancer. It is also applied to wounds and canker sores, and is used as a mouthwash for sore gums, mouth, and throat.	Goldenseal is considered safe for short-term use in adults at recommended dosages. Rare side effects may include nausea and vomiting. There is little information about the safety of high dosages or the long-term use of goldenseal. Although drug interactions have not been reported, goldenseal may cause changes in the way the body processes drugs, and could potentially increase the levels of many drugs. However, a study of goldenseal and indinavir, a drug used to treat HIV infection, found no interaction. Other herbs containing berberine, including Chinese goldthread (Coptis trifolia) and Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), are sometimes substituted for goldenseal. These herbs may have different effects, side effects, and drug interactions than goldenseal. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using goldenseal. The berberine in the herb may cause the uterus to contract, increasing the risk of premature labor or miscarriage. Berberine may also be transferred through breast milk, causing life-threatening liver problems in nursing infants. Goldenseal should not be given to infants and young children. 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.
Grape Seed Extract (Vitis vinifera)	Grape seed extract is used for conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and poor circulation. Other reasons for the use of grape seed extract include complications related to diabetes, such as nerve and eye damage; vision problems, such as macular degeneration (which can cause blindness); and swelling after an injury or surgery. Grape seed extract is also used for cancer prevention and wound healing.	Grape seed extract is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth. It has been used safely for up to 8 weeks in clinical trials. Side effects that have been reported most often include headache; a dry, itchy scalp; dizziness; and nausea. The interactions between grape seed extract and medicines or other supplements have not been carefully studied. 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.
Green Tea (Camilia sinensis)	Green tea and green tea extracts, such as its component EGCG, have been used to prevent and treat a variety of cancers, including breast, stomach, and skin cancers. Green tea and green tea extracts have also been used for improving mental alertness, aiding in weight loss, lowering cholesterol levels, and protecting skin from sun damage.	Green tea is safe for most adults when used in moderate amounts. Green tea and green tea extracts contain caffeine. Caffeine can cause insomnia, anxiety, irritability, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, or frequent urination in some people. Caffeine can also raise blood pressure, and in very high doses, it can cause seizures, delirium, or irregular heart rhythms. Green tea contains small amounts of vitamin K, which can make anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin, less effective. Tell your health care providers about any herb you are using, including green tea. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monygyna)	Hawthorn fruit has been used for heart disease since the first century. It has also been used for digestive and kidney problems. More recently, hawthorn leaf and flower have been used for heart failure, a weakness of the heart muscle that prevents the heart from pumping enough blood to the rest of the body, which can lead to fatigue and limit physical activities. Hawthorn is also used for other heart conditions, including symptoms of coronary artery disease (such as angina).	Hawthorn is considered safe for most adults when used for short periods of time. Side effects are usually mild and can include upset stomach, headache, and dizziness. Drug interactions with hawthorn have not been thoroughly studied. It was once thought that hawthorn interacted with the heart medicine digoxin. However, a very small study in people without heart conditions found no interaction, but evidence is limited. 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.
Hoodia (Hoodia gordonii)	Kalahari Bushmen have traditionally eaten hoodia stems to reduce their hunger and thirst during long hunts. Today, hoodia is marketed as an appetite suppressant for weight loss.	Hoodia's safety is unknown. Its potential risks, side effects, and interactions with medicines and other supplements have not been studied. The quality of hoodia products varies widely. News reports suggest that some products sold as hoodia do not contain any hoodia. 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.
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)	For centuries, horse chestnut seeds, leaves, bark, and flowers have been used for a variety of conditions and diseases. Horse chestnut seed extract has been used to treat chronic venous insufficiency (a condition in which the veins in the legs do not efficiently return blood to the heart). This condition is associated with varicose veins, pain, ankle swelling, feelings of heaviness, itching, and nighttime leg cramping. The seed extract has also been used for hemorrhoids.	Homemade preparations of horse chestnut should not be used. Raw horse chestnut seeds, leaves, bark, and flowers contain esculin, which is poisonous. When properly processed, horse chestnut seed extract contains little or no esculin and is considered generally safe. However, the extract can cause some side effects, including itching, nausea, or gastrointestinal upset. Tell your health care providers about any herb you are using, including horse chestnut. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
Kava (Piper methysticum)	Kava has been used as a ceremonial beverage in the South Pacific for centuries. Kava has also been used to help people fall asleep and fight fatigue, as well as to treat asthma and urinary tract infections. Topically (on the skin), kava has been used as a numbing agent. Today, kava is used primarily for anxiety, insomnia, and menopausal symptoms.	Kava has been reported to cause liver damage, including hepatitis and liver failure (which can cause death). Kava has been associated with several cases of dystonia (abnormal muscle spasm or involuntary muscle movements). Kava may interact with several drugs, including drugs used for Parkinson's disease. Long-term and/or heavy use of kava may result in scaly, yellowed skin. Avoid driving and operating heavy machinery while taking kava because the herb has been reported to cause drowsiness. Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplementA product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs. you are using, including kava. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

HERB NAMES:   A - E   |   F - K   |   L - Y