Some common herbal remedies

Chamomile

Uses: Flowering tops of the plant are used to make teas, liquid extracts, capsules or tablets for sleeplessness, anxiety and gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, gas and diarrhea.

Can be applied to the skin as a cream or an ointment for various skin conditions, or used as a mouth rinse to treat mouth ulcers resulting from cancer treatment.

The science: Has not been well studied in people, so there is little evidence to support its use for any condition.

Side effects: Allergic reactions can include skin rashes, throat swelling, shortness of breath and anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Cinnamon

Uses: Orally, cassia cinnamon is used for Type 2 diabetes, gas, muscle and gastrointestinal spasms, preventing nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, infections, the common cold and loss of appetite.

Also used for impotence, bed-wetting, rheumatic conditions, testicle hernia and menopausal symptoms.

The science: Cinnamon is a good source of manganese, an important component of a healthful diet. It contains a substance that activates formerly inhibited insulin receptors.

Side effects: Its anti-clotting properties can cause profuse bleeding in conjunction with other blood thinners if a patient is injured, menstruating excessively or has surgery.

Garlic

Uses: High cholesterol, heart disease, high blood pressure and certain types of cancer, including stomach and colon cancers.

Garlic cloves can be eaten raw or cooked. They can be dried or powdered and used in tablets and capsules. Raw, the cloves can be used to make oils and liquid extracts.

The science: Garlic may slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and may slightly lower blood pressure.

Side effects: Breath and body odor, heartburn, upset stomach and allergic reactions all more common with raw garlic.

Aloe vera

Uses: Clear gel from the leaves is often used as a topical ointment for burns and other conditions. The green part of the leaf that surrounds the gel can be used to produce a juice or a dried substance taken orally for diabetes, asthma, epilepsy and osteoarthritis.

The science: Topical aloe gel may help heal burns and abrasions. Other uses have not been heavily researched.

Side effects: Gel can inhibit healing of deep surgical wounds. Abdominal cramps and diarrhea have been reported with oral use, which can decrease the absorption of many drugs.

St. John's wort

Uses: Sleep disorders, nerve pain and mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Also can be used as a sedative, to treat malaria and as a balm for wounds, burns and insect bites.

The science: Studies have shown varied degrees of success in treating depression.

Side effects: May cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. Other side effects can include anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache or sexual dysfunction.

Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, http://nccam.nih.gov