Botanicals (Uses, Benefits, Complications)

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Across
  1. 3. use: premenstrual syndrome, menstrual pain, menopause symptoms, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis; potential interactions/complications: interacts with HIV medications, contains gamma-linolenic acid and maternal supplementation increases breastmilk content of linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid, but should not be recommended for this purpose
  2. 4. use: eight loss, anti-aging(antioxidant); potential interactions/complications: can affect MRI test results because can act as a contrast agent, currently no evidence for rapid weight loss
  3. 6. use: menstrual pain, infertility, premenstrual syndrome; potential interactions/complications: mild side effects possible including nausea, headache, itching, and GI upset, avoid with hormone-sensitive cancers, may interact with birth control pills, Parkinson’s drugs, and antipsychotics, avoid in patients with ER+ type breast cancer
  4. 7. use: sinus pain, osteoarthritis, cancer, digestion, muscle soreness; potential interactions/complications: enzymes found in pineapple, antiplatelet action–avoid with blood thinners, may increase absorption of antibiotics and sedatives, interacts with blood thinners, cross-reactivity with grass pollen, latex, celery, fennel, carrots, wheat, may be used for burns to remove dead skin and improve scarring
  5. 9. use: venous insufficiency, wound healing, inflammation, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol; potential interactions/complications: caution with blood thinners, avoid in patients undergoing chemotherapy
  6. 10. use: oral (juice): Blood pressure, prevent infections, anticancer, topical(leaves): arthritis, headache, skin issues; potential interactions/complications: also called Indian mulberry, beach mulberry, mengkudu, nono, nonu, and morinda, may cause hyperkalemia, diarrhea, or liver damage
  7. 13. use: headaches, insomnia, anxiety, depression, premenstrual syndrome, menopause symptoms; potential interactions/complications: side effects include dry mouth, GI symptoms, mental dullness, uneasiness, heart disturbances, and insomnia, avoid with liver disease and in patients undergoing chemotherapy, can enhance sedative effect of sedatives
  8. 14. use: nausea, motion sickness, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis; galactagogue; potential interactions/complications: may interact with blood thinner medications, may lead to heartburn or abdominal bloating, may increase bile flow (caution with gallstones)
  9. 17. use: oral: heartburn, nasal congestion, weight loss, appetite and digestion issues, athletic performance, topical: pain, bruises, fungal infections; potential interactions/complications: used in traditional Chinese medicine for indigestion, nausea, and constipation, considered a stimulant by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and is on the banned drug list, commonly used as a replacement for ephedra in dietary supplements, also used in cooking, beer, and spirits
  10. 19. use: decrease menopause symptoms, menstrual pain, promote labor; potential interactions/complications: studies show no estrogenic effects, increases blood clotting; avoid with blood thinners, may lead to mild GI upset and in rare cases, liver inflammation and allergic reactions, avoid in patients with ER+ type breast cancer
  11. 21. use: lupus, cancer prevention; potential interactions/complications: side effects include diarrhea and skin rash, high doses can cause balance issues, tremors, and nausea, can interact with blood thinners and increase risk of bleeding, avoid in patients with ER+ type breast cancer and bleeding disorders
  12. 24. use: sore mouth/throat, memory loss, diabetes, high blood cholesterol; potential interactions/complications: thujone, a constituent found in some species and in sage essential oil may cause seizures when ingested, contradicted during pregnancy
  13. 25. use: liver protection, diabetes, indigestion, galactagogue; potential interactions/complications: can increase metabolism of warfarin, phenytoin, and valium, may lower blood sugar–avoid with hypoglycemics, cross-reactivity with daisies, artichokes, ragweed, marigold, chrysanthemum, thistle, and kiwi, may cause diarrhea, headache, or skin reactions
  14. 27. use: diabetes, high blood cholesterol, GI issues, IBS, topical: insect repellant; potential interactions/complications: inconclusive evidence on lowering blood sugar or cholesterol, long-term use or high doses can lead to GI upset or allergic reactions, extended use of topical applications dangerous for patients with liver disease
  15. 29. use: diuretic, liver or kidney ‘tonic’, digestive issues, galactagogue; potential interactions/complication: avoid in patients with gallbladder or bile duct issues, may cause GI upset or allergic reactions in some, used as a salad green, in wine and teas, and roasted dandelion root used as a coffee substitute, cross-reactivity with ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies
  16. 31. use: menopausal symptoms, bone health, memory, high blood pressure, high cholesterol; potential interactions/complications: contains phytoestrogen ingredients, side effects include stomach pain and diarrhea, long-term use of supplements may increase risk of endometrial hyperplasia, avoid in patients undergoing chemotherapy and patients with ER+ type breast cancer
  17. 32. use: topical only: acne, athlete’s foot, lice, cuts; potential interactions/complications: oral intake leads to confusion, ataxia, breathing problems, and coma
  18. 34. use: depression and anxiety, stress, adaptogen; potential interactions/complications: may cause dizziness, dry mouth, or excessive saliva production, avoid in patients undergoing radiation therapy
  19. 35. use: arthritis, digestive issues, respiratory infection, allergies, liver disease, skin issues (topical paste); potential interactions/complications: major ingredient in curry powder, but also marketed as a dietary supplement, may interact with warfarin and antiplatelet drugs and can cause stomach upset
  20. 36. use: anxiety, blood pressure, heart disease, digestive issues, kidney problems; potential interactions/complications: may interact with heart failure drugs to increase risk of heart failure progression, may cause dizziness, nausea, and upset stomach
  21. 37. use: Improve microcirculation (varicose veins, venous insufficiency), eye problems, diarrhea, menstrual cramps; potential interactions/complications: ‘European’ blueberry, folk remedy for stopping lactation, toxic in high doses, do not use if allergic to bilberry, cranberry, or blueberry
  22. 44. use: stimulant laxative; potential interactions/complications: found in over-the-counter laxatives; can reduce intestinal absorption of medications
  23. 47. use: ulcers, menopause symptoms, cough, infections, galactagogue; potential interactions/complications: can increase blood pressure and decrease potassium levels, avoid with diuretics and antihypertensives, in patients with kidney disease, and in patients with ER+ type breast cancer, high doses during pregnancy associated with premature birth
  24. 48. use: colds and flu, COVID-19; potential interactions/complications: leaves, stem, and unripe berries are toxic, cooking eliminates toxin, the US FDA and FTC took legal action in 2020 against companies marketing elderberry for COVID-19 treatment
  25. 49. use: stimulant laxative; potential interactions/complications: approved for over-the-counter use, diarrhea may reduce intestinal absorption of medications
  26. 50. use: appetite suppressant; potential interactions/complications: may cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and strange skin sensations
  27. 52. use: oral: migraine prevention, menstrual pain, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, allergies, asthma, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, topical: skin cleanser, toothaches; potential interactions/complications: side effects include mild GI upset and mouth sores if chewed, cross reactivity with chrysanthem, daisies, and marigolds, abrupt cessation after prolonged use may lead to sleeplessness, headaches, anxiety, and stiff or painful muscles
  28. 53. use: menstrual pain, postpartum depression; potential interactions/complications: avoid with warfarin, aspirin, and during pregnancy and lactation, avoid in patients with ER+ type breast cancer, can cause photosensitivity reactions, common as a ‘female tonic’ in traditional Chinese medicine, including postpartum use
  29. 55. use: constipation, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, cancer, menopause symptoms; potential interactions/complications: consumption of raw or unripe flaxseeds can lead to toxicity, avoid with pregnancy, can lead to intestinal blockage if not taken with plenty of water
  30. 59. use:impotence, weight loss, chest pain, diabetic neuropathy, high blood pressure, athletic performance; potential interactions/complications: side effects include GI upset, tachycardia, anxiety, and high blood pressure, the yohimbe tree contains yohimbine in the bark, a standardized form of yohimbine is approved in the US as a prescription erectile dysfunction drug
  31. 60. use: postpartum ‘tonic’ for anemia; galactagogue; potential interactions/complications: can cause hives with topical use
  32. 61. use: oral: colds and hay fever, fatigue, immune system, galactagogue, topical: wound healing; potential interactions/complications: often combined with ginseng, angelica, and licorice in Eastern medicine as a ‘heart and immune tonic', may interact with immunosuppressives taken for cancer treatment, anti-rejection drugs, may lead to mild GI upset or allergic reactions
  33. 62. use: extract injections sold as prescriptions for cancer; potential interactions/complications: different than American mistletoe (common holiday decoration), not approved in the US for treatment of any medical condition including cancer
  34. 63. use: menopause symptoms, high blood cholesterol, osteoporosis; potential interactions/complications: contains phytoestrogen, belongs to legume family, contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation
Down
  1. 1. use: galactagogue; potential interactions/complications: different species than Asparagus officinalis (food species)
  2. 2. use: prevent urinary tract infections; may be taken to prevent ulcers from H. pylori infections or for its antioxidant activity; potential interactions/complications: can lead to kidney stones at high doses; can cause diarrhea and stomach upset in some people, avoid if allergic to blueberries or cranberries
  3. 5. use: used for indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, anxiety, sleeplessness; potential interactions/complications: also used topically for wound healing including mouth sores from chemotherapy but may also lead to contact dermatitis in those sensitized to chamomile and have cross-reactivity with echinacea, feverfew, and milk thistle, internal ingestion can exacerbate skin rashes
  4. 8. use: oral: IBS, common cold, sinus infection, digestive issues, headaches, topical: headache, muscle aches, joint pain, itching, aromatherapy: coughs, colds, pain, mental acuity, stress; potential interactions/complications: may cause heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, dry mouth, enteric-coated capsules should not be taken with antacids, topical application can cause skin rashes. Serious side effects in children from inhaling menthol from peppermint oil
  5. 11. use: heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, cancer, diabetes; potential interactions/complications: may cause diarrhea and allergic reactions, pomegranate root, stem, and peel contain toxins
  6. 12. use: diabetes, menstrual cramps, galactagogue; potential interactions/complications: cross-reactivity with chickpeas, peanuts, and other legumes, large doses can lead to hypoglycemia–avoid with diabetes medications, can interact with warfarin to increase bleeding, GI upset common, and liver toxicity possible.
  7. 14. use: appetite suppressant, weight loss, rheumatism, intestinal issues; potential interactions/complications: active ingredient studied is hydroxycitric acid, found in the fruit rind
  8. 15. use: mental alertness, digestive issues, headaches, weight loss, heart disease, cancer, topical: genital warts; potential interactions/complications: note that green tea, black tea, and oolong tea are all from the same green tea plant, avoid supplement form with liver disease and patients undergoing chemotherapy, can interact with β blockers
  9. 16. use: oral: Decrease cold symptoms, topical: skin issues; potential interactions/complications: may cause GI upset or skin rash, avoid with chemotherapy (aka purple coneflower)
  10. 18. use: rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus; potential interactions/complications: side effects include decreased bone mineralization with long-term use, infertility, menstrual cycle changes, hair loss, skin rash, diarrhea, and headache, incorrect preparation can lead to toxicity as thunder god vine can be poisonous
  11. 20. use: high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol; common cold, anticancer, galactagogue; potential interactions/complications: can decrease blood clotting-avoid with blood thinners, especially warfarin, interacts with HIV medications, cross-reactivity can occur with hyacinth, tulip, onion, leek, and chives, topical application can lead to dermatitis and burns, side effects from oral use include mild GI upset and characteristic body odor and breath
  12. 22. use: oral: depression, menopausal symptoms, ADHD, OCD, topical: bruises, muscle pain, wounds; potential interactions/complications: interacts with many medications and may make them less effective (including antidepressants, birth control pills, heart medications, HIV drugs, cancer medications, blood thinners, statins, and anti-rejection medications), side effects include photosensitivity, insomnia, anxiety, dry mouth, GI symptoms, fatigue, headache, and dizziness, not recommended for use during pregnancy
  13. 23. use: oral(gel): weight loss, diabetes, hepatitis, IBD, immune boost, gastric ulcers, oral (leaf, latex): laxative, topical (gel): skin conditions(i.e. acne, psoriasis), burns; potential interactions/complications: banned from over-the-counter laxatives in 2002 by the FDA, can still be prepared at home -resulting diarrhea can reduce intestinal absorption of some drugs, gel has an antiplatelet effect and can enhance the antiplatelet effect of certain medications, gel used externally to soothe burns and abrasions but can cause contact dermatitis reactions in some individuals
  14. 26. use: adaptogen, diabetes (Asian ginseng), immune boost; potential interactions/complications: common side effects include headache, high blood pressure, diarrhea, skin rash, and sleeplessness, may interact and decrease effectiveness of warfarin while increasing effect of sedatives, long-term use can lead to nervousness, diarrhea, confusion, and depression, avoid with hypoglycemic medications, avoid in patients undergoing chemotherapy and patients with ER+ type breast cancer
  15. 28. use: diabetes; galactagogue; potential interactions/complications: caution with hypoglycemic medications
  16. 30. use: constipation; potential interactions/complications: bulk laxative for chronic constipation, psyllium husk approved as an over-the-counter medication in the US
  17. 33. use: boost immunity, reduce stress, adaptogen; potential interactions/complications: called Siberian ginseng but not related to true ginseng, can increase blood pressure and blood sugar, can decrease blood clotting, avoid with blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood thinner medications (aka Siberian ginseng)
  18. 38. use: galactagogue; potential interactions/complications: contains a phytoestrogen, can cause skin and respiratory allergic reaction
  19. 39. use: anxiety, insomnia; potential interactions/complications: can lead to liver failure; avoid in those with liver disease, can enhance effect of sedative drugs, avoid in patients undergoing chemotherapy
  20. 40. use: circulatory stimulant, digestion stimulant; potential interactions/complications: exacerbates an upset stomach, stomach ulcers, can lead to irritable bowel symptoms, can increase bleeding risk, caution with kidney disease, high blood pressure medications, blood thinners, seizure medication, migraine medication, sedatives, or muscle relaxants, avoid if allergic to potatoes, tomatoes, paprika, Jimson weed
  21. 41. use: oral: Anxiety, sleeplessness, pain, heart rhythm disorders, menopause symptoms, ADHD, topical: burns, hemorrhoids; potential interactions/complications: may cause ataxia, confusion, and drowsiness, can induce uterine contractions in pregnancy
  22. 42. use: viral infections, memory, cancer, arthritis, GI issues (e.g. diverticulitis, peptic ulcers); potential interactions/complications: can cause dizziness, vomiting, and headache, can increase autoimmune symptoms, avoid with HIV antivirals
  23. 43. use: urinary symptoms from prostate enlargement, migraine, hair loss, chronic pelvic pain; potential interactions/complications: acts as a diuretic and may cause problems if taken with diuretic medications, side effects in some people include mild GI upset or headache
  24. 45. use: oral: decrease nervousness, topical: pain; potential interactions/complications: sale of oral comfrey products banned in the US due to risk of liver damage, topical use contraindicated for breastfeeding mothers
  25. 46. use: colds and hay fever, ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, sore gums, eye inflammation, skin rashes; potential interactions/complications: alters absorption and/or metabolism of some prescription medications
  26. 51. use: chronic venous insufficiency, IBS, male infertility; potential interactions/complications: may cause dizziness, nausea, and GI symptoms, bark, flowers, leaves, and raw seeds are toxic
  27. 54. use: anxiety, allergies, eye problems, dementia, vasodilation, blood pressure, tinnitus, memory; potential interactions/complications: leaf extract used in Europe for tinnitus, vertigo, cold peripheries, ginkgo extract interacts with blood thinners: avoid with warfarin, consumption of cooked gingko seeds can lead to seizures and death, avoid in patients undergoing chemotherapy and with ER+ type breast cancer
  28. 56. use: weight loss, increase energy; potential interactions/complications: ephedrine alkaloids banned as a dietary supplement in the US in 2004, active ingredient has amphetamine-like effects, can lead to high blood pressure, tachycardia, heart attack, and stroke (aka ma huang)
  29. 57. use: anxiety, depression, GI issues; potential interactions/complications: topical use may cause allergic reactions
  30. 58. use: urinary tract infection, stomach upset, hay fever, migraines; potential interactions/complications: products may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) which can lead to liver toxicity and lung damage, banned in some countries due to concern for liver toxicity, only consider “PA-free”, products though some “PA-free” products have led to liver damage, cross-reactivity with ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies, can lead to headache, fatigue, drowsiness, and GI upset