Walk into any health food or nutrition store, and you will see shelves and shelves of supplements and herbs. Many of these substances have been used for thousands of years in other cultures to treat various illnesses or as homeopathic remedies. While many are natural and safe, they do have the potential to possibly interact with medications. Prior to taking any supplements or herbs, it is best to consult with your health care provider to help prevent any adverse interactions.
Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil comes from the flax plant and has both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which provide numerous health benefits. Both types of omega fatty acids help lower bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol levels, as well as help lower blood pressure. More studies need to be performed to see if flaxseed oil provides these same benefits. This supplement may also be helpful for individuals with the autoimmune condition Sjoren's syndrome. In affected individuals, taking 1 to 2 g of flaxseed oil has been shown to alleviate symptoms of dry eye, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a supplement found in health food stores that has also been used medicinally for years in various cultures. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that milk thistle is said to have protective effects on the liver and is often used to help treat cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis and gallbladder problems. Its health properties come from the flavonoid substance called silymarin, which also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Valerian
Valerian is an herb that is also marketed as a health food supplement that can be used as a sedative. It may also be dried and used in teas and tinctures. According to the National Institutes of Health valerian has been used since the second century for insomnia, nervousness, trembling, headaches and heart palpitations. It has also been used to help treat gastrointestinal spasms, epileptic seizures and attention deficit disorder, but more studies need to be done to provide scientific evidence of its effectiveness. Pregnant or nursing women, as well as children under the age of 3 should not use valerian because of possible risks to the fetus or child, and its safety has not been established in very young children.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is commonly found in health food stores as a juice but is also available in capsules or tablets and tinctures. It contains chlorophyll, which is said to raise the body's oxygen levels, and has been used to treat gout, cystitis, the common cold, mouth and throat inflammation, constipation, and chronic skin disorders, according to the American Cancer Society. Many people use it as a replacement for a daily serving of vegetables or as a dietary supplement. There have been claims that wheatgrass boosts the immune system and can cure or prevent cancer, but these are not true, according to the American Cancer Society. While wheatgrass is full of vitamins and minerals, there have been no clinical trials that support extended survival of cancer patients from consuming wheatgrass.
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