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By Root 9981 0

for thousands of years to promote health. Green tea is used to relieve stomach problems (including vomiting and diarrhea), to prevent tooth decay, and to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Because green tea contains cancer-fighting antioxidants, some researchers think it may protect against some cancers. Research is ongoing to understand the effects of green tea against cancer. In some people, green tea can cause allergic reactions. Because green tea contains caffeine, you should not drink more than 2 cups a day if you have an irregular heartbeat or panic attacks.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil, extracted from the seeds of the primrose plant (a tiny wildflower), is sometimes used for breast pain and the skin conditions allergic dermatitis and eczema. It is also used to reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause, rheumatoid arthritis, nerve damage from diabetes, asthma, and headaches. There is no scientific evidence showing that the supplement is beneficial. Do not use evening primrose oil with an antiseizure medication because it can lower the medication’s effectiveness.

Feverfew

The herb feverfew is a folk remedy used to help regulate the menstrual cycle. Some people take it to treat migraine headaches and the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Do not use feverfew with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or with anticlotting medications such as warfarin or aspirin because it can increase bleeding. Because feverfew can induce menstruation, it should not be used during pregnancy.

Garlic

The cloves of the garlic plant are thought to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. These immune-boosting effects may also help prevent some cancers. People use garlic to treat a variety of conditions including colds and other upper respiratory infections. Garlic contains an ingredient that has been shown to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, help prevent blood clots, and possibly help lower blood pressure.

The only known side effects of garlic are allergic reactions in some people, stomach upset, and bad breath. You should not use garlic with anticlotting medications such as warfarin or aspirin (because it can increase bleeding) or if you are breastfeeding (because it can alter the taste of breast milk and possibly cause colic in your infant).

Ginger

Ginger ingested as a powder or in liquids is taken to prevent motion sickness and to relieve nausea and vomiting, including that caused by chemotherapy, pregnancy, or anesthesia. It is considered a natural anti-inflammatory and can be helpful for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger can cause mild stomach upset or allergic reactions in some people. Do not use ginger with anticlotting medications such as warfarin or aspirin because it can increase bleeding.

Ginkgo Biloba

The dried leaf of the ginkgo tree taken internally as a powder or dissolved in liquids is an antioxidant that may help improve blood circulation. Scientific studies have shown that ginkgo biloba may be helpful for people who have mild to moderate dementia, but it appears to be ineffective in enhancing memory in healthy older people. Do not use ginkgo biloba with anticlotting medications such as warfarin or aspirin because it can increase bleeding.

Ginseng

Ginseng is taken internally to increase stamina, lower blood cholesterol, stimulate immune function, and lower blood glucose. Ginseng may also heighten the effects of the female hormone estrogen or corticosteroids (which relieve inflammation). Do not take ginseng if you have diabetes (unless your doctor says it’s OK to do so), if you have high blood pressure (because it can raise blood pressure), or if you are taking anticlotting medications such as warfarin or aspirin (because it can increase bleeding). When used with the antidepressant phenelzine sulfate, ginseng can cause headaches and possibly manic episodes.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is taken to treat colds, flu, sore throat, and other upper respiratory or sinus infections and to relieve digestive problems such