This herb is used to treat anxiety and because of its sedative/hypnotic effect, it is used as a sleeping pill. In one study, 400 mg of valerian extract produced a significant improvement in sleep quality in 128 patients. Although considered safe in the recommended dosages (a teaspoon of the dried herb in a cup of tea, or 400 mg of the extract at bedtime), toxic amounts may result in increased muscle relaxation, ataxia (lack of muscle coordination), and abnormally low body temperatures. Other side effects include uneasiness, excitability, headaches and heart irregularities. Patients who drink alcohol regularly and those who are taking psychoactive drugs (like benzodiazepines) should seek medical advice before taking valerian.

This herb is commonly used for depression and anxiety, gastritis (inflamed stomach), and weight loss (probably because it increases the flow of urine). Several clinical studies that compared the effects of St. John's wort with placebo and standard antidepressant drugs (a total of 1,757 patients) have proved the herb to be an effective antidepressant, with much fewer side effects. Patients taking St. John's wort become hypersensitive to sunlight, so that they are cautioned to use sunscreen and to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. The herb should not be taken with other antidepressants. If used with serotonergic drugs like prozac and paxil, it may cause changes in mental state, muscle rigidity, high body temperatures, and fast heart rates. Foods rich in tyramine (like red wine and cheese) are best avoided. Because depression may be a symptom or part of a more serious medical problem, the use of St. John's wort for this condition should be under medical supervision. The usual dose is 300 mg 3 times a day, or 1-2 cups daily of tea containing 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb for up to 6 weeks.

Its most common use is for wound healing and stimulation of the immune system; other uses include treating influenza and the common cold, bacterial infections and even as additional treatment for colon cancer. Although there are no known side effects to date, it is recommended that patients with autoimmune disorders (like multiple sclerosis) should not use echinacea. Because of its possible suppressive effects on T-cell function, echinacea should not be used in patients with tuberculosis or HIV infection, and should not be used longer than 8 weeks. Except for possible depletion of vitamin E stores in the body, there are no known adverse drug interactions caused by the herb. The recommended dose is 0.75 to 1.5 mL of the tincture 2- 5 times a day, or 2-3 capsules a day.

This herb has been in use for over 2 thousand years, and is believed to prevent fatty deposits in artery walls (atherosclerosis). Possibly because of its antioxidant effect, it also helps relieve symptoms related to aging, cancer, and senility. A few studies have shown beneficial effects including lower sugar and cholesterol levels, better ability to adapt to stress and earlier recovery from surgery. The usual dose is 100 to 300 mg of the extract 3 times a day (up to a total of 1-2 gm. a day). High doses (over 3 gm a day) may cause "ginseng abuse syndrome" characterized by skin rashes, diarrhea, weakness, high blood pressure, nervousness and tremor. In some cases, ginseng may cause an estrogen-like effect, such as vaginal bleeding, increased "lumpiness" of the breasts in women, and enlargement of the breasts in men (gynecomastia). Diabetic patients taking insulin or oral antidiabetic medications should be warned against possible reactions due to excessive lowering of blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Women with a history of breast cancer should be warned of the danger of ginseng's estrogen-like effects.

This fan palm has been used to relieve urinary problems in patients with enlarged prostate glands, and for its aphrodisiac properties (increases sex desire). Side effects are rare, with headaches, nausea and diarrhea seen with higher than usual doses. Because of its hormonal effects, it should not be taken with other hormone therapies. The recommended dose is 80 mg of the standardized extract twice daily.

The roots of this herb have been used to help in digestion and to treat stomach upset, intestinal distress, nausea and motion sickness. Other beneficial effects seen in animal studies include decreased platelet adhesiveness or stickiness (decreasing blood clotting) and relief of joint inflammation. Toxicity from ginger has not been shown, but its effect on the blood platelets may prolong bleeding time, hence it should not be used just before or after surgery. Likewise, high doses of ginger may interact with anticoagulants. The maximum daily dose is 2 - 4 gm and to prevent motion sickness, the dose is 1 gram 30 minutes before travel.

It is the most prescribed herbal remedy in Europe. Its main beneficial effects are on the blood vessels, improving blood flow to the brain. Gingko helps improve mental function and memory loss associated with aging; it relieves tinnitus (or ringing of the ears), vertigo and improves blood circulation in the legs. One clinical trial in the U.S. documented the effectiveness of gingko in improving the mental and social function of demented patients (those with Alzheimer's disease) for 6 months to a year. Gingko also reduces the tendency of blood to clot, just like aspirin and anticoagulants, so it should not be used with the latter drugs nor with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to minimize the risk of bleeding complications. Side effects are rare, including headaches, dizziness or vertigo. The usual dose is 60 to 80 mg.of the extract 2-3 times a day.

In recent reports, garlic has been documented to lower blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol and sugar levels, help fight infection and reduce tumor activity. Its main active ingredient, allicin, has been shown to possess antioxidant and antiplatelet effects that thin the blood and protect from heart problems. Garlic rarely causes allergic reactions, but its concomitant use with aspirin or anticoagulants may increase the risk for bleeding. Patients taking garlic and antihypertensive and antidiabetic drugs should have the doses of their medicines adjusted. The recommended dose is 2-5 mg of allicin extract daily.