Anise for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A 2016 study found that anise oil significantly improved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared to placebo or peppermint oil over 4 weeks. Symptoms of IBS included abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation severity, gastroesophageal reflux, headache and quality of life. Anise may also help treat depression associated with IBS. Anise is an approved herb by the German Commission E. Some people may experience digestive or other side effects.

Mosaffa-Jahromi M, Lankarani KB, Pasalar M, Afsharypuor S, Tamaddon AM. Efficacy and safety of enteric coated capsules of anise oil to treat irritable bowel syndrome. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Dec 24;194:937-946. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.083. Epub 2016 Nov 1. PMID: 27815079.

Mosaffa-Jahromi M, Tamaddon AM, Afsharypuor S, Salehi A, Seradj SH, Pasalar M, Jafari P, Lankarani KB. Effectiveness of Anise Oil for Treatment of Mild to Moderate Depression in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Active and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Jan;22(1):41-46. doi: 10.1177/2156587216628374. Epub 2016 Feb 11. PMID: 26873392; PMCID: PMC5871202.

Bacopa for Memory

A 2008 study found that 300mg of Bacopa daily significantly improved memory compared to placebo over 12 weeks in people 65 years old or older. Similar trials have shown memory improvements in younger people as well. Bacopa extracts have been found to reduce β-amyloid levels (present in Alzheimer's disease) in the brain of mice. Bacopa may cause gastrointestinal or other side effects.

Calabrese C, Gregory WL, Leo M, Kraemer D, Bone K, Oken B. Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Jul;14(6):707-13. doi: 10.1089/acm.2008.0018. PMID: 18611150; PMCID: PMC3153866.

Stough C, Lloyd J, Clarke J, Downey LA, Hutchison CW, Rodgers T, Nathan PJ. The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2001 Aug;156(4):481-4. doi: 10.1007/s002130100815. Erratum in: Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2015 Jul;232(13):2427. Dosage error in article text. PMID: 11498727.

Raghav S, Singh H, Dalal PK, Srivastava JS, Asthana OP. Randomized controlled trial of standardized Bacopa monniera extract in age-associated memory impairment. Indian J Psychiatry. 2006 Oct;48(4):238-42. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.31555. PMID: 20703343; PMCID: PMC2915594.

Roodenrys S, Booth D, Bulzomi S, Phipps A, Micallef C, Smoker J. Chronic effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) on human memory. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2002 Aug;27(2):279-81. doi: 10.1016/S0893-133X(01)00419-5. PMID: 12093601.

Curcumin for Knee Osteoarthritis

A 2019 study found that an 80mg extract of curcumin twice daily significantly improved symptoms of knee osteoarthritis similar to Ibuprofen 400mg once daily over 90 days in people ages 40-65 years old. Curcumin is a major component of turmeric and gives it a distinct yellow color. Curcumin can cause gastrointestinal or other side effects.

Gupte PA, Giramkar SA, Harke SM, Kulkarni SK, Deshmukh AP, Hingorani LL, Mahajan MP, Bhalerao SS. Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of Capsule Longvida® Optimized Curcumin (solid lipid curcumin particles) in knee osteoarthritis: a pilot clinical study. J Inflamm Res. 2019 Jun 5;12:145-152. doi: 10.2147/JIR.S205390. PMID: 31239749; PMCID: PMC6559772.

Olive Leaf for Osteoarthritis

A 2025 study found that olive leaf extract, both topically and orally, was significantly more effective than control at improving symptoms of knee osteoarthritis in people aged 60-80 years old over 8 weeks. In particular, the compound Oleocanthal is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects similar to Ibuprofen, working through the inhibition of Cyclooxygenase enzymes. Olive leaf may cause digestive or other side effects.

Roshani M, Delfan B, Yarahmadi S, Saki M, Birjandi M. Impact of olive leaf extract on pain management and functional improvement in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Explore (NY). 2025 Mar-Apr;21(2):103136. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2025.103136. Epub 2025 Feb 5. PMID: 39955806.

Sea Buckthorn for Constipation

A 2026 study found that a 500mg extract of sea buckthorn significantly improved chronic idiopathic constipation compared to placebo over 28 days. Mean change in spontaneous complete bowel movements improved from 1.5 to 2.6 per week. There were also significant improvements in stool consistency, bloating and abdominal pain. Some people may be allergic to sea buckthorn. Sea buckthorn may cause digestive or other side effects.

Morone MV, Spadarella G, Di Minno A, Cordara M, Cerqua A, De Lellis LF, Buccato DG, Baldi A, Piccinocchi R, Ullah H, Piccinocchi G, Xiao X, Sacchi R, Daglia M. Hippophae rhamnoides L. Fruit Extract Relieves Chronic Idiopathic Constipation and Improves Bowel Function: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2026 Feb 28;18(5):806. doi: 10.3390/nu18050806. PMID: 41829976; PMCID: PMC12987243.

Caraway for Weight Loss in Women

A 2013 study found that 30ml per day of caraway extract significantly reduced weight (mean 76.86kg to 75.0kg vs mean 71.96kg to 72.77kg) in overweight and obese women compared to placebo over 90 days. Caraway is thought to enhance the breakdown of fat cells and improve the gut microflora. Caraway may cause digestive or other side effects.

Kazemipoor M, Radzi CW, Hajifaraji M, Haerian BS, Mosaddegh MH, Cordell GA. Antiobesity effect of caraway extract on overweight and obese women: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:928582. doi: 10.1155/2013/928582. Epub 2013 Nov 10. PMID: 24319489; PMCID: PMC3844184.

Fennel Seed for Infantile Colic

A 2003 study found that fennel seed oil significantly improved infantile colic compared to placebo. Fennel seed oil eliminated colic in 65% of infants compared to 23.7% of infants in the placebo group. Fennel seed oil is thought to reduce intestinal spasms and increase motility of the small intestine. Fennel seed may cause digestive or other side effects.

Alexandrovich I, Rakovitskaya O, Kolmo E, Sidorova T, Shushunov S. The effect of fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare) seed oil emulsion in infantile colic: a randomized, placebo-controlled study. Altern Ther Health Med. 2003 Jul-Aug;9(4):58-61. PMID: 12868253.

Andrographis for Ulcerative Colitis

A 2013 study found that 1800mg daily of andrographis paniculata significantly improved symptoms of ulcerative colitis (60% vs 40%) compared to placebo over 8 weeks. Another study found similar clinical remission and response after 8 weeks with 1200mg daily of andrographis paniculata compared to 4500mg daily of mesalamine. Andrographis paniculata is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects. Andrographis paniculata may cause digestive or other side effects.

Tang T, Targan SR, Li ZS, Xu C, Byers VS, Sandborn WJ. Randomised clinical trial: herbal extract HMPL-004 in active ulcerative colitis - a double-blind comparison with sustained release mesalazine. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2011 Jan;33(2):194-202. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04515.x. Epub 2010 Nov 30. PMID: 21114791.

Sandborn WJ, Targan SR, Byers VS, Rutty DA, Mu H, Zhang X, Tang T. Andrographis paniculata extract (HMPL-004) for active ulcerative colitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2013 Jan;108(1):90-8. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2012.340. Epub 2012 Oct 9. PMID: 23044768; PMCID: PMC3538174.

Spearmint for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Recent studies have found that spearmint tea significantly decreased free testosterone and increased luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol in women with hirsutism compared to placebo. The longest duration trial was 30 days. Spearmint may cause acid reflux or other side effects.

Akdoğan M, Tamer MN, Cüre E, Cüre MC, Köroğlu BK, Delibaş N. Effect of spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism. Phytother Res. 2007 May;21(5):444-7. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2074. PMID: 17310494.

Grant P. Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. A randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2010 Feb;24(2):186-8. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2900. PMID: 19585478.

Bergamot for High Cholesterol

A 2023 study found that 700mg of bergamot extract daily significantly improved total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) compared to placebo over 12 weeks. Another study found that 500mg of bergamot extract significantly reduced visceral fat compared to placebo over 12 weeks. There are no significant studies assessing heart attack risk, stroke risk or mortality with bergamot. Bergamot is thought to activate AMP kinase and inhibit HMG‐CoA reductase (similar to statin medications). Bergamot may cause digestive or other side effects.

Fogacci F, Giovannini M, Imbalzano E, Grandi E, Rizzoli E, D'Addato S, Cicero AFG. Metabolic and vascular effect of a new standardized bergamot phytocomplex: a three-arm, placebocontrolled, double-blind clinical trial. Arch Med Sci. 2023 May 4;19(5):1228-1235. doi: 10.5114/aoms/163368. PMID: 37732063; PMCID: PMC10507770.

Rondanelli M, Peroni G, Riva A, Petrangolini G, Allegrini P, Fazia T, Bernardinelli L, Naso M, Faliva MA, Tartara A, Gasparri C, Infantino V, Perna S. Bergamot phytosome improved visceral fat and plasma lipid profiles in overweight and obese class I subject with mild hypercholesterolemia: A randomized placebo controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2021 Apr;35(4):2045-2056. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6950. Epub 2020 Nov 13. PMID: 33188552; PMCID: PMC8246838.

Rikkunshito for Functional Dyspepsia

A 2018 study found that a traditional Japanese herbal medicine called rikkunshito significantly improved functional dyspepsia compared to placebo over 8 weeks. Rikkunshito is comprised of eight herbal medicines including Atractylodes lancea rhizome, Ginseng, Pinellia tuber, Poria sclerotium, Jujube, Citrus unshiu peel, Glycyrrhiza, and Ginger. Functional dyspepsia includes bloating and feeling full early on in a meal. These herbs are thought to relax the stomach muscles and enhance ghrelin secretion (increase appetite). These herbs may interact with medications and could cause digestive or other side effects.

Tominaga K, Sakata Y, Kusunoki H, Odaka T, Sakurai K, Kawamura O, Nagahara A, Takeuchi T, Fujikawa Y, Oshima T, Kato M, Furuta T, Murakami K, Chiba T, Miwa H, Kinoshita Y, Higuchi K, Kusano M, Iwakiri R, Fujimoto K, Tack JF, Arakawa T. Rikkunshito simultaneously improves dyspepsia correlated with anxiety in patients with functional dyspepsia: A randomized clinical trial (the DREAM study). Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2018 Jul;30(7):e13319. doi: 10.1111/nmo.13319. Epub 2018 Mar 2. PMID: 29498457.

Inokuchi K, Masaoka T, Kanai T. Rikkunshito as a Therapeautic Agent for Functional Dyspepsia and its Prokinetic and Non-Prokinetic Effects. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Jun 8;12:640576. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.640576. PMID: 34168558; PMCID: PMC8217963.

Saffron for Depression in Women

A 2020 study found that 15mg of saffron twice daily significantly improved symptoms of mild to moderate depression in women compared to placebo over 12 weeks. Saffron has been found to inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Saffron may also increase glutamate levels. High doses of saffron may cause headaches, nausea or other side effects.

Akhondzadeh S, Mostafavi SA, Keshavarz SA, Mohammadi MR, Hosseini S, Eshraghian MR. A placebo controlled randomized clinical trial of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on depression and food craving among overweight women with mild to moderate depression. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2020 Feb;45(1):134-143. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.13040. Epub 2019 Oct 10. PMID: 31602695.

Dormal V, Suchareau M, Copine S, Simar L, Deldicque L. The Effects of Combined Scutellaria and Saffron Supplementation on Mood Regulation in Participants with Mild-to-Moderate Depressive Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2025 Feb 26;17(5):809. doi: 10.3390/nu17050809. PMID: 40077679; PMCID: PMC11901551.

Ginger for Nausea & Vomiting in Pregnancy

A 2004 study found that 1.05g of ginger daily was equivalent to 75mg of vitamin B6 for reducing nausea and vomiting in the first trimester of pregnancy. The study lasted for 3 weeks. Ginger is thought to affect serotonin receptors related to nausea and vomiting. Ginger may cause digestive or other side effects.

Smith C, Crowther C, Willson K, Hotham N, McMillian V. A randomized controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Apr;103(4):639-45. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000118307.19798.ec. PMID: 15051552.

Black Cohosh for Menopause

A 2005 study found that a 40mg extract of black cohosh daily significantly improved menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes, compared to placebo over 12 weeks. Women closer to onset of menopause had more benefit than those in a later phase. Black cohosh may act as a selective estrogen receptor modulator and may affect serotonin. Black cohosh may cause digestive or other side effects.

Osmers R, Friede M, Liske E, Schnitker J, Freudenstein J, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH. Efficacy and safety of isopropanolic black cohosh extract for climacteric symptoms. Obstet Gynecol. 2005 May;105(5 Pt 1):1074-83. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000158865.98070.89. Erratum in: Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Sep;106(3):644. PMID: 15863547.

Wobser RW, Takov V. Black Cohosh. [Updated 2023 May 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470187/

St. John’s Wort for Depression

A 2008 study found that a standardized extract of 300mg of St. John’s wort three times daily significantly improved symptoms of depression and helped reduce relapse of a depressive episode compared to placebo over 26 weeks. St. John's Wort is a reuptake inhibitor of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. St. John’s wort can interact with many medications. St. John’s wort may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, digestive or other side effects.

Kasper S, Volz HP, Möller HJ, Dienel A, Kieser M. Continuation and long-term maintenance treatment with Hypericum extract WS 5570 after recovery from an acute episode of moderate depression--a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled long-term trial. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2008 Nov;18(11):803-13. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2008.06.006. Epub 2008 Aug 9. PMID: 18694635.

Peterson B, Nguyen H. St. John's Wort. [Updated 2023 May 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557465/

Milk Thistle for Liver Disease

A 1989 study found that 140mg of silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle, three times daily significantly improved survival in people with liver disease (cirrhosis) compared to placebo over a 2 year treatment period. Participants were observed for a mean of 41 months. The trial included a mix of people with alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease. No side effects were observed but silymarin or milk thistle may cause digestive or other side effects.

Ferenci P, Dragosics B, Dittrich H, Frank H, Benda L, Lochs H, Meryn S, Base W, Schneider B. Randomized controlled trial of silymarin treatment in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. J Hepatol. 1989 Jul;9(1):105-13. doi: 10.1016/0168-8278(89)90083-4. PMID: 2671116.

Peppermint for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A 2015 study found that 180mg of peppermint oil three times daily significantly improved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome compared to placebo over 4 weeks. Peppermint has been shown to inhibit smooth muscle (intestinal) contractions. Peppermint is also anti-inflammatory and helps reduce bloating. Peppermint may cause acid reflux or other side effects.

Cash BD, Epstein MS, Shah SM. A Novel Delivery System of Peppermint Oil Is an Effective Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms. Dig Dis Sci. 2016 Feb;61(2):560-71. doi: 10.1007/s10620-015-3858-7. Epub 2015 Aug 29. PMID: 26319955; PMCID: PMC4729798.

Mace Spice for Urinary Incontinence

A 2018 study found that 1.5g of mace, a spice made from the arils of the same plant as nutmeg, twice daily significantly improved mixed urinary incontinence compared to placebo over 3 months in women. Pelvic floor physical therapy was included in both groups. It is thought that mace may increase urethral muscle tone by blocking serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake in the sacral spinal cord. High doses and excessive use can cause coma or other serious toxic effects, especially in children.

Najeeya AGF, Sultana A. Efficacy of mace (Arils of Myristica fragrans Houtt) plus PFMT on symptoms in mixed urinary incontinence: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Integr Med Res. 2018 Dec;7(4):307-315. doi: 10.1016/j.imr.2018.10.001. Epub 2018 Oct 26. PMID: 30519527; PMCID: PMC6260249.

Imtiaz A, Almutairy BM, Almutairi TM, Aloufi MM, Almutairi AH. Mace Poisoning: Accidental Toxic Ingestion in a Child Leading to a Reversible Coma. Cureus. 2024 Dec 23;16(12):e76284. doi: 10.7759/cureus.76284. PMID: 39850188; PMCID: PMC11754422.

Cytisine for Smoking Cessation

A 2025 study found that 3mg cytisnicline (cytisine) three times daily significantly improved smoking abstinence compared to placebo during the 12 week intervention. Cytisine is a natural plant alkaloid that binds selectively to α4β2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Smoking abstinence was maintained for 20.5% of participants in the cytisine group vs 4.2% in the placebo group for up to 24 weeks (12 weeks after the cytisine was stopped). Cytisine may cause insomnia, nausea, headache or other side effects.

Rigotti NA, Benowitz NL, Prochaska JJ, Rubinstein M, Clarke A, Blumenstein B, Cain DF, Jacobs C. Cytisinicline for Smoking Cessation: The ORCA Phase 3 Replication Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2025 Jun 1;185(6):648-655. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2025.0628. PMID: 40257755; PMCID: PMC12012700.

Chrysanthemum for Rosacea

A 2005 study found that a cream with chrysanthemum extract significantly improved moderate rosacea compared to placebo over 12 weeks. The topical cream was applied twice per day. Chrysanthemum may help strengthen the walls of vasculature and is anti-inflammatory. Some people may be allergic to chrysanthemum. Side effects include itching and increased sun sensitivity among others.

Rigopoulos D, Kalogeromitros D, Gregoriou S, Pacouret JM, Koch C, Fisher N, Bachmann K, Brown M, Schwarz E, Camel E, Katsambas A. Randomized placebo-controlled trial of a flavonoid-rich plant extract-based cream in the treatment of rosacea. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2005 Sep;19(5):564-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2005.01248.x. PMID: 16164709.

“Chrysanthemum | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.” Mskcc.org, 6 June 2023, www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/chrysanthemum