Backyard Diva

Herbal Fact Sheet - Noni

This fact sheet provides basic information about noni—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Noni is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows throughout the tropical regions of the Pacific Ocean, from Southeast Asia to Australia and especially in Polynesia.

Common Names—noni, morinda, Indian mulberry, hog apple, canary wood

Latin Name—Morinda citrifolia

What It Is Used For
• Noni has been traditionally used in Polynesia as a dye, but it also has a history of use as a topical preparation for joint pain and skin conditions.

• Today, people drink noni fruit juice as a general health tonic, as well as for cancer and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

How It Is Used
• Traditionally, the leaves and fruit of noni have been used for health purposes.

• Today, the fruit is most commonly combined with other fruits (such as grape) to make juice. Preparations of the fruit and leaves are also available in capsules, tablets, and teas.

What the Science Says
• In laboratory research, noni has shown antioxidant, immune-stimulating, and tumor-fighting properties. These results suggest that noni may warrant further study for conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, noni has not been well studied in people for any health condition.

• Recent NCCAM-funded research includes a study on noni for cancer to determine its safety and potential effects on tumors and symptoms. The National Cancer Institute is funding preliminary research on noni for breast cancer prevention and treatment.

Side Effects and Cautions
• Noni is high in potassium. People who are on potassium-restricted diets because of kidney problems should avoid using noni.

• Several noni juice manufacturers have received warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about making unsubstantiated health claims.

• Although there have been few reported side effects from using noni, its safety has not been adequately studied.

• There have been reports of liver damage from using noni. It should be avoided if you have liver disease because it contains compounds that may make your disease worse.

• 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.

Sources
Morinda. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on February 7, 2007.

Noni (Morinda citrifolia). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on February 7, 2007.

Pawlus A, Bao-Ning S, Kinghorn A. Noni (Morinda citrifolia). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg
G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:1-8.

Mueller BA, Scott MK, Sowinski KM, et al. Noni juice (Morinda citrifolia): hidden potential for hyperkalemia? American Journal of Kidney Disease. 2000;35(2):310-312.

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

Herbal Fact Sheet - Yohimbe

ABOVE: Yohimbe bark

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb yohimbe—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The yohimbe tree is a tall evergreen that is native to western Africa. The bark of the tree contains a chemical called yohimbine. The amount of yohimbine in dietary supplements may vary; some yohimbe products have been found to contain very little yohimbine. However, a standardized form of yohimbine—yohimbine hydrochloride—is available as a prescription medicine that has been studied and used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Common Names—yohimbe, yohimbe bark

Latin Name—Pausinystalia yohimbe

What It Is Used For
• Yohimbe bark has traditionally been used in Africa as an aphrodisiac (to increase sexual desire).

• The herb is currently used for sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction in men.

How It Is Used
As a dietary supplement, the dried bark of the yohimbe tree is used as a tea and taken by mouth. An extract of the bark is also put into capsules and tablets.

What the Science Says
It is not known whether yohimbe is effective for any health conditions because clinical trials have not been conducted on the bark or its extract.*

Side Effects and Cautions
• Yohimbe has been associated with high blood pressure, increased heart rate, headache, anxiety, dizziness, and sleeplessness. Yohimbe can be dangerous if taken in large doses or for long periods of time.

• People should use caution if taking yohimbe with MAO inhibitors or medicines for high blood pressure. Yohimbe should not be combined with tricyclic antidepressants or phenothiazines (a group of medicines used mostly for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia).

• People with kidney problems and people with psychiatric conditions should not use yohimbe.

* Although numerous studies of the prescription medicine yohimbine hydrochloride have been
conducted, their results cannot be interpreted as evidence for the dietary supplement yohimbe.

• 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.

Sources
Yohimbe bark extract. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on February 5, 2007.

Yohimbe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on February 5, 2007.

Yohimbe bark. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:429-431.

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

Herbal Fact Sheet - St. John's Wort

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb St. John’s wort—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. St. John’s wort is a plant with yellow flowers.

Common Names—St. John’s wort, hypericum, Klamath weed, goat weed

Latin name—Hypericum perforatum

What It Is Used For
• St. John’s wort has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders and nerve pain.

• In ancient times, herbalists wrote about its use as a sedative and a treatment for malaria, as well as a balm for wounds, burns, and insect bites.

• Today, St. John’s wort is used by some for depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders.

How It Is Used
The flowering tops of St. John’s wort are used to prepare teas and tablets containing concentrated extracts.

What the Science Says
• There is some scientific evidence that St. John’s wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression. However, two large studies, one sponsored by NCCAM, showed that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity.

• NCCAM is studying the use of St. John’s wort in a wider spectrum of mood disorders, including minor depression.

Side Effects and Cautions
• St. John’s wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Other side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, or sexual dysfunction.

• Research shows that St. John’s wort interacts with some drugs. The herb affects the way the body processes or breaks down many drugs; in some cases, it may speed or slow a drug’s breakdown. Drugs that can be affected include:

Indinavir and possibly other drugs used to control HIV infection
Irinotecan and possibly other drugs used to treat cancer
Cyclosporine, which prevents the body from rejecting transplanted organs
Digoxin, which strengthens heart muscle contractions
Warfarin and related anticoagulants
Birth control pills

Antidepressants
• When combined with certain antidepressants, St. John’s wort may increase side effects such as nausea, anxiety, headache, and confusion.

• St. John’s wort is not a proven therapy for depression. If depression is not adequately treated, it can become severe. Anyone who may have depression should see a health care provider. There are effective proven therapies available.

• It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including St. John’s wort. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

Sources
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St. John’s Wort and the Treatment of Depression. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed at Really Long Link on June 30, 2005.

St. John’s Wort. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on June 30, 2005.

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on June 30, 2005.

St. John’s wort. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:359-366.

De Smet PA. Herbal remedies. New England Journal of Medicine. 2002;347(25):2046-2056.
Hypericum Depression Trial Study Group. Effect of Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2002;287(14):1807-1814.

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

 

Herbal Fact Sheet - Saw Palmetto

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb saw palmetto—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Saw palmetto grows in the southern United States.

Common Names—saw palmetto, American dwarf palm tree, cabbage palm

Latin Names—Serenoa repens, Sabal serrulata

What It Is Used For
• Saw palmetto is used mainly for urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate gland (also called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH).

• Saw palmetto is also used for other conditions, including chronic pelvic pain, bladder disorders, decreased sex drive, hair loss, and hormone imbalances.

How It Is Used
The ripe fruit of saw palmetto is used in several forms, including ground and dried fruit or whole berries. It is available as a liquid extract, tablets, capsules, and as an infusion or a tea.

What the Science Says
• Several small studies suggest that saw palmetto may be effective for treating BPH symptoms.

• In 2006, a large study of 225 men with moderate-to-severe BPH found no improvement with 320 mg saw palmetto daily for 1 year versus placebo. NCCAM cofunded the study with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

• There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of saw palmetto for reducing the size of an enlarged prostate or for any other conditions.

• Saw palmetto does not appear to affect readings of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. PSA is protein produced by cells in the prostate. The PSA test is used to screen for prostate cancer and to monitor patients who have had prostate cancer.

Side Effects and Cautions
• Saw palmetto may cause mild side effects, including stomach discomfort.

• Some men using saw palmetto have reported side effects such as tender breasts and a decline in sexual desire.

• Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including saw palmetto. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

Sources
Saw palmetto. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on March 30, 2006.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens [Bartran] Small). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on March 30, 2006.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005;635-644.

De Smet PA. Herbal remedies. New England Journal of Medicine. 2002;347(25):2046-2056.
National Cancer Institute. The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Questions and Answers. National Cancer Institute Web site. Accessed at Really Long Link on March 30, 2006.

Saw palmetto berry. In: Blumenthal, M, Goldberg, A, Brinckman, J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:335-340.

Bent S, Kane C, Shinohara K, et al. Saw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2006;354(6):557-566.

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

 

Herbal Fact Sheet - Red Clover

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb red clover—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Like peas and beans, red clover belongs to the family of plants called legumes. Red clover contains phytoestrogens—compounds similar to the female hormone estrogen.

Common Names—red clover, cow clover, meadow clover, wild clover

Latin Name—Trifolium pratense

What It Is Used For
• Historically, red clover has been used for cancer and respiratory problems, such as whooping cough, asthma, and bronchitis.

• Current uses of red clover are for menopausal symptoms, breast pain associated with menstrual cycles, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, and symptoms of prostate enlargement.

How It Is Used
The flowering tops of the red clover plant are used to prepare extracts available in tablets and capsules, as well as in teas and liquid forms.

What the Science Says
• Although several small studies of red clover for menopausal symptoms had mixed results, a large study found that red clover had no beneficial effects on menopausal symptoms.

• There is not enough scientific evidence to determine whether red clover is effective for any other health conditions.

• NCCAM is studying red clover to learn more about its active components and how they might work in the body, including a clinical trial investigating the safety and effectiveness of red clover for menopausal symptoms.

Side Effects and Cautions
• Red clover seems to be safe for most adults when used for short periods of time. No serious adverse effects have been reported.

• Because red clover contains estrogen-like compounds, there is a possibility that its long-term use would increase the risk of women developing cancer of the lining of the uterus. However, studies to date have been too brief (less than 6 months) to evaluate whether red clover has estrogen-like effects on the uterus.

• It is unclear whether red clover is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers.

• Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including red clover. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

Sources
Red clover. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on May 30, 2006.

Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Red clover (Trifolium pratense). MedlinePlus Web site. Accessed at http://medlineplus.gov on May 30, 2006.

Fugh-Berman A, Kronenberg F. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) for menopausal women: current state of knowledge. Menopause. 2001;8(5):333-337.

Tice JA, Ettinger B, Ensrud K, et al. Phytoestrogen supplements for the treatment of hot flashes: the Isoflavone Clover Extract (ICE) study. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2003;290(2):207-214.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:587-602.

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

Herbal Fact Sheet - Mistletoe

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb European mistletoe—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. European mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that grows on several types of trees in temperate regions worldwide. Where the term “mistletoe” is used in this fact sheet, it refers to European mistletoe. (European mistletoe is different from American mistletoe, which is used as a holiday decoration.)

Common Names—European mistletoe, mistletoe

Latin Name—Viscum album

What It Is Used For
• Mistletoe has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat seizures, headaches, and other conditions.

• Mistletoe is used mainly in Europe as a treatment for cancer.

How It Is Used
• The leafy shoots and berries of mistletoe are used to make extracts that can be taken by mouth.

• In Europe, mistletoe extracts are prescription drugs that are given by injection. In the United States, mistletoe by injection is available only in clinical trials.

What the Science Says
• Laboratory studies have found that mistletoe kills cancer cells and stimulates the immune system.

• The use of mistletoe to treat cancer has been studied in Europe in more than 30 clinical trials. Although improvements in survival or quality of life have been reported, almost all of the trials had major weaknesses in their design that raise doubts about the findings. For example, many of the studies had a small number of participants or did not have a control group.

• NCCAM is sponsoring a clinical trial of mistletoe, given in combination with the drug gemcitabine, for cancer. The study will look at toxicity, safety, and immune system effects of mistletoe extract when combined with this chemotherapy drug.

Side Effects and Cautions
• Raw, unprocessed mistletoe is poisonous. Eating raw, unprocessed European mistletoe or American mistletoe can cause vomiting, seizures, a slowing of the heart rate, and even death. American mistletoe is unsafe for medicinal use.

• In countries where commercial mistletoe is available by injection, such as Germany, those extracts are considered to be generally safe when used according to product directions and under the supervision of a health care provider.

• Injected mistletoe extract may cause itching or redness in the area of the injection. Less commonly, side effects may include more extensive skin reactions, low-grade fevers, or flu-like symptoms. There have been very rare reports of more serious allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing.

• Because mistletoe has not yet been proven to be a safe and effective cancer treatment, it should not be used outside of clinical trials.

• It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including mistletoe. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

Sources
National Cancer Institute. Mistletoe Extracts (PDQ). National Cancer Institute Web site. Accessed at Really Long Link on June 30, 2005.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Frequently Asked Questions About the Mistletoe- Gemcitabine Study. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed at Really Long Link on June 30, 2005.

European mistletoe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at
http://www.naturaldatabase.com on June 30, 2005.

American mistletoe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at
http://www.naturaldatabase.com on June 30, 2005.

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

Herbal Fact Sheet - Milk Thistle

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb milk thistle—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Milk thistle is a plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for a variety of ailments, especially liver problems.

Common Names—milk thistle, Mary thistle, holy thistle. Milk thistle is sometimes called silymarin, which is actually a mixture of the herb’s active components, including silybinin (also called silibinin or silybin).

Latin Name—Silybum marianum

What It Is Used For
Milk thistle is believed to have protective effects on the liver and improve its function. It is typically used to treat liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), and gallbladder disorders. Treatment claims also include:

• Lowering cholesterol levels
• Reducing insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosis
• Reducing the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate cancers

How It Is Used
Milk thistle is a flowering herb. Silymarin, which can be extracted from the seeds (fruit), is believed to be the biologically active part of the herb. The seeds are used to prepare capsules containing powdered herb or seed; extracts; and infusions (strong teas).

What the Science Says
• There have been some studies of milk thistle on liver disease in humans, but these have been small. Some promising data have been reported, but study results at this time are mixed.

• Although some studies conducted outside the United States support claims of oral milk thistle to improve liver function, there have been flaws in study design and reporting. To date, there is no conclusive evidence to prove its claimed uses.

• NCCAM is supporting a phase II research study to better understand the use of milk thistle for chronic hepatitis C. With the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NCCAM is planning further studies of milk thistle for chronic hepatitis C and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (liver disease that occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol).

• The National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Nursing Research are also studying milk thistle, for cancer prevention and to treat complications in HIV patients.

Side Effects and Cautions
• In clinical trials, milk thistle generally has few side effects. Occasionally, people report a laxative effect, upset stomach, diarrhea, and bloating.

• Milk thistle can produce allergic reactions, which tend to be more common among people who are allergic to plants in the same family (for example, ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, and daisy).

• It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including milk thistle. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

Sources
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Milk Thistle: Effects on Liver Disease and Cirrhosis and Clinical Adverse Effects. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment no. 21. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; 2000. 01-E024. Also accessible at Really Long Link

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:467-482. Accessed at http://www.dekker.com on August 22, 2005.

Milk thistle. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on August 22, 2005.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), silymarin. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at
http://www.naturalstandard.com on August 22, 2005.

Milk thistle fruit. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins:2000;257-263.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Hepatitis C and Complementary and Alternative Medicine: 2003 Update. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed at Really Long Link on August 22, 2005.

This document is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

Herbal Fact Sheet - Licorice

ABOVE: Botanical illustration of licorice root

This fact sheet provides basic information about licorice root—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Most licorice is grown in Greece, Turkey, and Asia. Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin (or glycyrrhizic acid).

Common Names—licorice root, licorice, liquorice, sweet root, gan zao (Chinese licorice)

Latin Names—Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese licorice)

What It Is Used For
Licorice root has been used as a dietary supplement for stomach ulcers, bronchitis, and sore throat, as well as infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis.

How It Is Used
• Peeled licorice root is available in dried and powdered forms.

• Licorice root is available as capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts.

• Licorice can be found with glycyrrhizin removed; the product is called DGL (for “deglycyrrhizinated licorice”).

What the Science Says
• A review of several clinical trials found that glycyrrhizin might reduce complications from hepatitis C in some patients. However, there is not enough evidence to confirm that glycyrrhizin has this effect.

• There are not enough reliable data to determine whether licorice is effective for stomach ulcers.

Side Effects and Cautions
• In large amounts, licorice containing glycyrrhizin can cause high blood pressure, salt and water retention, and low potassium levels, which could lead to heart problems. DGL products are thought to cause fewer side effects.

• The safety of using licorice as a supplement for more than 4 to 6 weeks has not been thoroughly studied.

• Taking licorice together with diuretics (water pills) or other medicines that reduce the body’s potassium levels could cause dangerously low potassium levels.

• People with heart disease or high blood pressure should be cautious about using licorice.

• When taken in large amounts, licorice can affect the body’s levels of a hormone called cortisol and related steroid drugs, such as prednisone.

• Pregnant women should avoid using licorice as a supplement or consuming large amounts of licorice as food, as some research suggests it could increase the risk of preterm labor.

• Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including licorice root. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

Sources
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Hepatitis C and Complementary and Alternative Medicine: 2003 Update. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed at Really Long Link on May 30, 2006.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:391-399.

Licorice. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on May 30, 2006.

Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) and DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). MedlinePlus Web site. Accessed at http://medlineplus.gov on May 30, 2006.

Licorice root. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:233-239.

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

Herbal Fact Sheet - Lavender

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb lavender—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region. It was used in ancient Egypt as part of the process for mummifying bodies. Lavender’s use as a bath additive originated in Persia, Greece, and Rome. The herb’s name comes from the Latin lavare, which means “to wash.”

Common Names—lavender, English lavender, garden lavender

Latin Name—Lavandula angustifolia

What It Is Used For
• Historically, lavender was used as an antiseptic and for mental health purposes.

• Today, the herb is used for conditions such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and depression.

• Lavender is also used for headache, upset stomach, and hair loss.

How It Is Used
• Lavender is most commonly used in aromatherapy, in which the scent of the essential oil from the flowers is inhaled.

• The essential oil can also be diluted with another oil and applied to the skin.

• Dried lavender flowers can be used to make teas or liquid extracts that can be taken by mouth.

What the Science Says
• There is little scientific evidence of lavender’s effectiveness for most health uses.

• Small studies on lavender for anxiety show mixed results.

• Some preliminary results indicate that lavender oil, combined with oils from other herbs, may help with hair loss from a condition called alopecia areata.

Side Effects and Cautions
• Topical use of diluted lavender oil or use of lavender as aromatherapy is generally considered safe for most adults. However, applying lavender oil to the skin can cause irritation.

• Lavender oil is poisonous if taken by mouth.

• When lavender teas and extracts are taken by mouth, they may cause headache, changes in appetite, and constipation.

• Using lavender with sedative medications may increase drowsiness.

• 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.

Sources
Lavender. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on December 28, 2006.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Miller). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at
http://www.naturalstandard.com on December 28, 2006.

Lavender flower. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:226-229.

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

Herbal Fact Sheet - Kava

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb kava—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Kava is native to the islands of the South Pacific and is a member of the pepper family.

Common Names—kava kava, awa, kava pepper

Latin Name—Piper methysticum

What It Is Used For• 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.

How It Is Used
The root and rhizome (underground stem) of kava are used to prepare beverages, extracts, capsules, tablets, and topical solutions.

What the Science Says
• Although scientific studies provide some evidence that kava may be beneficial for the management of anxiety, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that using kava supplements has been linked to a risk of severe liver damage.

• Kava is not a proven therapy for other uses.

• NCCAM-funded studies on kava were suspended after the FDA issued its warning.

Side Effects and Cautions
• 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 supplement you are using, including kava. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

Sources
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Kava Linked to Liver Damage. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed at Really Long Link on March 30, 2006.

Kava. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturaldatabase.com on March 30, 2006.

Kava (Piper methysticum G. Forst). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on March 30, 2006.

Kava kava rhizome (root). In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:221-225.

Kava (Piper methysticum). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:373-380.

Pittler MH, Ernst E. Kava extract versus placebo for treating anxiety. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2003. Accessed at http://www.cochrane.org on April 25, 2006.

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