Learn about active ingredients in medicine

A B vitamin that helps turn fats, carbs, and protein into energy. Popular for hair and nails, but it mainly helps people who are low. High amounts can throw off many lab tests.

Used for: Brittle nails (limited evidence) · Hair thinning linked to low biotin · Energy metabolism · General B-complex support

Needed to make DNA and red blood cells and for methylation. Critical before and during early pregnancy. Works hand in hand with B12.

Used for: Planning pregnancy and pregnancy · Folate-deficiency anemia · High homocysteine · Mood support

Needed to make NAD, a molecule every cell uses for energy and repair. It comes in two main forms that act very differently: niacin can cause flushing and affects cholesterol, while niacinamide does neither.

Used for: Energy metabolism · Skin health (niacinamide) · Cholesterol, only under a prescriber's care (niacin) · General B-complex support

Used to make coenzyme A, which cells need to make energy, fats, and some hormones. It's found in so many foods that deficiency is rare.

Used for: Energy metabolism · Stress and adrenal formulas (evidence is limited) · Cholesterol and triglycerides (pantethine, some studies) · Acne (one small study)

Helps cells make energy and recycle other B vitamins and antioxidants. Some studies support it for reducing how often migraines happen.

Used for: Migraine prevention (some studies) · Energy metabolism · Supporting B6 and folate activation

Helps turn food, especially carbohydrates, into energy and keeps nerves and the heart working normally. Deficiency is more likely with heavy alcohol use, weight-loss surgery, or long-term vomiting.

Used for: Energy metabolism · Nerve health · Nerve symptoms related to high blood sugar (benfotiamine, some studies) · Deficiency risk after weight-loss surgery

A fat-soluble vitamin that supports vision, skin, and the protective linings of the gut and airways. It comes as ready-made vitamin A (retinol) or as beta-carotene, which the body converts as needed.

Used for: Low vitamin A on a blood test · Night vision and eye health · Skin health · Immune support · Poor fat absorption, such as with celiac disease or IBD

Keeps nerves healthy and helps make red blood cells and energy. Absorption drops with age, low stomach acid, some medicines, and autoimmune gastritis.

Used for: Low B12 on a blood test · Fatigue from B12-deficiency anemia · Plant-based diets · Long-term metformin or acid-reducing medicine

Supports mood chemicals, hormone balance, and energy metabolism. Commonly used for PMS and nausea in pregnancy.

Used for: PMS · Nausea in pregnancy · Mood support

A water-soluble antioxidant the body needs to make collagen, support immune cells, and absorb iron from plant foods. The body can't make it, so it must come from food.

Used for: Immune support · Collagen, skin, and wound healing · Better iron absorption · Antioxidant support

A hormone-like vitamin that supports immunity, mood, bone strength, and hormone signaling. Low levels are common, especially in winter.

Used for: Low vitamin D on a blood test · Immune support · Bone health · Mood, especially in winter · Autoimmune conditions, where low levels are common

A fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cell membranes from damage. It has a mild blood-thinning effect, which matters if you take other blood thinners.

Used for: Antioxidant support · Skin health · Menstrual cramps (some studies) · Poor fat absorption, such as with celiac disease or IBD

Helps direct calcium into bones and teeth rather than arteries. Often paired with vitamin D3.

Used for: Bone health · Pairing with higher-dose vitamin D · Heart and artery health

A trace mineral that appears to help the body use calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. Small studies suggest it may affect hormone levels and joint comfort.

Used for: Bone health, alongside calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D · Joint comfort (limited evidence) · Bone formulas after menopause

The main mineral in bones and teeth. It also helps muscles contract, nerves signal, and blood clot. Most people do best getting much of it from food.

Used for: Bone health · Low calcium intake from diet, such as dairy-free eating · Osteopenia or osteoporosis (with your practitioner) · Pregnancy and breastfeeding (as directed)

A trace mineral that helps insulin do its job. Some studies show a modest benefit for blood sugar, while others show little effect.

Used for: Blood sugar support · Insulin resistance · Sugar cravings (limited evidence) · PCOS with insulin resistance (limited evidence)

A trace mineral needed for red blood cells, iron use, collagen, and nerve health. It works in balance with zinc, so taking one affects the other.

Used for: Balancing long-term zinc use · Copper deficiency on lab testing · After bariatric surgery (as directed) · Anemia linked to low copper

A trace mineral the thyroid uses to make its hormones. Both too little and too much can cause thyroid problems, so more is not better.

Used for: Preventing iodine deficiency · Pregnancy and breastfeeding, when needs rise (as directed) · Diets low in iodized salt, dairy, and seafood

Carries oxygen in the blood. Deficiency is common with heavy periods, pregnancy, plant-based diets, celiac disease, and endurance training.

Used for: Iron-deficiency anemia · Low ferritin · Fatigue and hair shedding from low iron · Pregnancy (as directed)

A mineral involved in hundreds of reactions, including muscle relaxation, nerve signaling, sleep, and blood sugar control. Many adults don't get enough from food.

Used for: Sleep and relaxation · Stress · Muscle cramps and tension · PMS and menstrual cramps · Headaches and migraine · Constipation

A trace mineral that supports bone formation, metabolism, and one of the body's main antioxidant enzymes. Deficiency is rare, and most people get enough from food.

Used for: Bone health, as part of bone formulas · Joint and connective tissue formulas · Rounding out a multivitamin

An electrolyte that keeps heart rhythm, muscle contraction, nerve signals, and fluid balance working. Food is the main source, and supplements need more care than most minerals.

Used for: Low potassium from diet, sweating, or certain diuretics (as directed) · Blood pressure support, mainly through diet · Electrolyte replacement with heavy sweating · Muscle cramps from low electrolytes

A trace mineral the thyroid needs to activate its hormones and protect itself. Some studies show it lowers thyroid antibodies in Hashimoto's.

Used for: Thyroid support · Hashimoto's (thyroid antibodies) · Mild thyroid eye disease (with your eye doctor)

Supports immunity, skin, wound healing, thyroid function, and hormone production.

Used for: Immune support · Acne and skin healing · Thyroid support · Taste and smell changes

A succulent whose clear leaf gel is applied to the skin to soothe minor burns and sunburn. Aloe latex, the yellow layer under the leaf skin, is a harsh laxative when swallowed and isn't recommended.

Used for: Sunburn and minor burns (gel on the skin) · Dry or irritated skin · Minor scrapes · Heartburn or an irritated gut (purified inner leaf juice, limited evidence)

A mountain flower made into gels and creams that are rubbed on bruises and sore muscles. It's also sold as homeopathic pellets. The herb itself is toxic if swallowed and shouldn't go on broken skin.

Used for: Bruises · Sore muscles after exercise · Sprains and strains · Swelling after minor injuries

An adaptogenic herb used to ease stress, support sleep, and steady energy. Studied extracts are standardized for active compounds called withanolides.

Used for: Stress · Sleep · Anxious mood · Stress-related fatigue

A root from traditional Chinese medicine used to strengthen the immune system and support energy. It is usually taken to prevent illness rather than during an acute infection.

Used for: Immune support, especially through cold season · Fatigue and low energy · Recovery after illness

A bright yellow plant compound studied for blood sugar, insulin resistance, and cholesterol. It interacts with many medicines.

Used for: Blood sugar and insulin resistance · Cholesterol · PCOS (as part of a broader plan) · Gut balance protocols

A root traditionally used for menopause symptoms, especially hot flashes and night sweats. Results vary from person to person.

Used for: Hot flashes and night sweats · Menopause-related sleep and mood changes

A tree resin used in Ayurvedic medicine to calm inflammation. Studies suggest it may modestly ease osteoarthritis pain. Evidence for inflammatory bowel disease is limited.

Used for: Osteoarthritis pain and stiffness · Joint support · IBD (as part of a broader plan, limited evidence)

A root traditionally used as a cleansing herb for the skin and liver, and eaten as a vegetable in Japan. Research in people is limited.

Used for: Skin conditions such as acne and eczema (traditional use) · Liver support (traditional use) · Digestion (it contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber)

A bright orange flower made into creams, salves, and oils that are applied to minor cuts, rashes, and dry or irritated skin. Some studies suggest it may help minor wounds heal, but the evidence is limited.

Used for: Minor cuts, scrapes, and burns · Diaper rash · Dry, chapped, or irritated skin · Skin irritation from radiation treatment (some studies, with your care team)

A dark, woody growth found on birch trees in cold climates, used as an antioxidant tea and for immune support. It is very high in oxalates.

Used for: Antioxidant support · Immune support · Traditional tea

A gentle, calming flower used for sleep, mild anxiety, and an unsettled stomach. One of the most widely used herbal teas.

Used for: Relaxation and mild anxiety · Sleep · Gas, bloating, and indigestion · Soothing skin (topically)

A plant made into creams and ointments that are rubbed on unbroken skin over sprains, bruises, and sore joints. It contains liver-toxic compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so it should never be taken by mouth.

Used for: Sprains and bruises · Back and muscle pain (some studies) · Osteoarthritis joint pain (some studies)

A medicinal mushroom traditionally used for energy, stamina, and lung health. Studies on exercise performance are mixed.

Used for: Energy and fatigue · Exercise stamina · Lung and breathing support · Immune support

A shrub bark traditionally used to relax muscle cramps, especially menstrual cramps. Its use is mostly traditional, with little modern research.

Used for: Menstrual cramps · Muscle tension and spasms · Traditional uterine support

A common plant whose bitter root and leaves are used for digestion. The leaf acts as a mild diuretic, and the root is traditionally used to support the liver and bile flow. Research in people is limited.

Used for: Digestion and appetite (as a bitter) · Mild fluid retention (leaf) · Liver and bile support (root, traditional use)

A root from traditional Chinese medicine used for menstrual cycle support and menopause symptoms. It is usually given in combination formulas, and research on it alone is limited.

Used for: Painful periods · Irregular cycles · Menopause symptoms, often in combination formulas

A flowering plant used at the first sign of a cold. It's meant for short-term use and stimulates the immune system.

Used for: Colds, taken at the first sign of symptoms · Short-term immune support

A dark purple berry rich in antioxidants, used to shorten colds and flu when taken early.

Used for: Colds and flu, taken early · Short-term immune support

An adaptogenic root used for stamina, stress, and mild fatigue. Despite its common name, it is not true ginseng, and studies are mixed.

Used for: Stress-related fatigue · Stamina and endurance · Immune support during stress

A seed long used for gas, bloating, and cramping. It relaxes the muscles of the gut and has a mild licorice-like taste.

Used for: Gas and bloating · Indigestion · Menstrual cramps (some studies)

A kitchen staple studied as a supplement for blood pressure, cholesterol, and immune support. Its effects are modest, and it thins the blood slightly.

Used for: Blood pressure support · Cholesterol support · Immune support · Short-term gut balance protocols

A warming root long used for nausea and digestion. It's one of the best-studied herbal remedies for nausea, including in pregnancy.

Used for: Nausea, including morning sickness and motion sickness · Indigestion and bloating · Menstrual cramps · Joint and muscle aches

An adaptogenic herb from Ayurvedic tradition used to support resilience to stress, steady mood, and balanced blood sugar.

Used for: Stress · Mood support · Blood sugar balance · Mental clarity

The flower used in brewing beer, used in herbal medicine for sleep and calm, usually with valerian. Hops also contain a plant estrogen and are studied for menopause symptoms.

Used for: Trouble sleeping, often combined with valerian · Restlessness and nervous tension · Hot flashes (early research)

A fragrant flower used for calm and sleep. A specific oral lavender oil capsule has been studied for anxiety, with good results in several trials.

Used for: Anxiety and worry · Restlessness and trouble sleeping · Stress

A lemon-scented member of the mint family used to calm the mind, ease restlessness, and settle digestion.

Used for: Stress and mild anxiety · Restless sleep · Indigestion · Cold sores (topically)

A sweet root used to soothe the stomach lining. Its DGL form is gentle; whole licorice root has strong effects on blood pressure.

Used for: Heartburn and reflux (DGL) · Soothing the stomach lining (DGL) · Sore throat (as tea)

A shaggy white medicinal mushroom studied for focus, memory, and nerve health. Human studies are small but promising.

Used for: Focus and memory · Mood support · Nerve health · Gut lining support

A root vegetable from the Andes used for energy, libido, and menopause symptoms. It does not contain hormones, and small studies show mixed results.

Used for: Libido · Energy and stamina · Menopause symptoms · Mood

The root of a flowering plant rich in mucilage, a gel-like fiber that coats and soothes the throat and digestive tract. It's not related to the candy you buy today.

Used for: Dry cough and sore throat · Heartburn and an irritated stomach · Soothing the gut lining (in blends)

A seed extract traditionally used to support the liver. Its active compounds, silymarin, act as antioxidants in liver cells.

Used for: Liver support · Fatty liver (as part of a broader plan) · Supporting the liver during medication or alcohol recovery (with your provider)

The unripe oat top (milky oat) or stem (oat straw), traditionally used as a gentle, nourishing herb for frayed nerves and stress. Research is limited.

Used for: Stress and nervous exhaustion (traditional use) · Feeling wired and tired · General nourishment in herbal teas

A mint-family herb traditionally used for anxiety, a racing heart from nerves, and menstrual and menopause complaints. Research in people is limited.

Used for: Anxiety and nervous tension (traditional use) · Heart fluttering linked to stress (after a medical check) · Menstrual cramps and menopause symptoms (traditional use)

A mineral-rich leaf used as a nourishing tea and for seasonal allergies. Freeze-dried leaf is the form most used for allergies.

Used for: Seasonal allergies · A nourishing, mineral-rich tea · Joint aches

An extract from olive tree leaves, rich in an antioxidant called oleuropein. Small studies suggest it may help blood pressure and blood sugar.

Used for: Blood pressure support · Blood sugar support · Immune support · Antioxidant support

A strong essential oil from wild oregano with antimicrobial compounds such as carvacrol. It is meant for short-term use and can irritate the mouth, skin, and stomach.

Used for: Short-term gut balance protocols · Short-term support during colds · Sinus and throat support

A climbing vine whose leaves and flowers are used to quiet a busy mind and support sleep.

Used for: Mild anxiety · Racing thoughts at bedtime · Sleep

A cooling oil that relaxes the muscles of the gut. Enteric-coated capsules are among the best-studied natural options for IBS.

Used for: IBS cramping, bloating, and pain · Gas · Tension headaches (applied to the temples)

A flowering plant rich in isoflavones, plant compounds with weak estrogen-like effects. It is used for menopause symptoms, though study results are mixed.

Used for: Hot flashes and night sweats · Menopause support · Bone health after menopause (evidence is limited)

A leaf tea traditionally used to tone the uterus, most often in the last weeks of pregnancy to prepare for labor. Research on its benefits is small and mixed.

Used for: Late pregnancy, with your midwife or provider's guidance · Menstrual cramps (traditional use) · General uterine tonic (traditional use)

A woody medicinal mushroom traditionally used to calm the mind, support sleep, and balance the immune system.

Used for: Stress and sleep support · Immune balance · Recovery and resilience

An adaptogenic herb used for mental fatigue and stress-related exhaustion. It tends to be energizing, so it's usually taken in the morning.

Used for: Mental fatigue · Stress-related exhaustion · Focus under stress

The spice from the crocus flower, studied as an extract for low mood, PMS, and stress. Results so far are promising but come from fairly small studies.

Used for: Low mood (some studies) · PMS mood symptoms (some studies) · Stress and sleep quality (early research)

A palm berry that may lower the effect of androgens (male-type hormones). In women, it is sometimes used for androgen-related hair thinning or PCOS, but evidence is limited.

Used for: Hair thinning linked to androgens (female pattern hair loss) · PCOS-related symptoms such as excess hair growth (limited evidence) · Acne linked to androgens (limited evidence)

A small red berry used as an adaptogen for stress and mental stamina, and to support the liver. It can change how the body clears some medicines.

Used for: Stress and mental fatigue · Focus and endurance · Liver support

A root from the asparagus family used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic for women's health. Traditional use is long, but human research is small and early.

Used for: Menopause symptoms (early research) · Overall female reproductive support in Ayurveda · Breast milk supply (mixed evidence) · Digestive comfort

A mint-family herb traditionally used to calm nervous tension and support sleep. Research is limited, and product quality matters because some products have been contaminated.

Used for: Nervous tension and anxiety (traditional use) · Trouble sleeping · Muscle tension linked to stress

The inner bark of a North American elm tree. Mixed with water, it forms a soothing gel that coats the throat and digestive tract.

Used for: Sore throat and cough · Heartburn and an irritated stomach · IBS symptoms (in blends, limited evidence)

A flowering herb studied for mild to moderate low mood. It interacts with many prescription medicines, including birth control, so it should only be used with a practitioner's guidance.

Used for: Mild to moderate low mood · Mood changes around menopause or PMS (some studies)

An essential oil from the leaves of an Australian tree. It's applied to the skin, always diluted, for its antimicrobial effects. It is toxic if swallowed.

Used for: Mild acne (some studies) · Athlete's foot and fungal skin infections · Nail fungus (limited evidence) · Dandruff (in shampoos)

An Ayurvedic blend of three dried fruits, traditionally used as a gentle bowel regulator. Small studies suggest it may help constipation.

Used for: Constipation and regularity · General digestion · Gum health (as a mouth rinse, some studies)

A striped, fan-shaped mushroom rich in beta-glucans that stimulate the immune system. Extracts from it are used alongside cancer care in Japan.

Used for: Immune support · Gut balance (acts as a prebiotic) · Support alongside cancer care, with your oncologist's approval

A golden root whose active compounds, curcuminoids, support a healthy inflammatory response. Curcumin is poorly absorbed on its own, so the form matters.

Used for: Joint pain and stiffness · Inflammation · Digestive comfort · Muscle soreness after exercise

A root used for centuries to help people fall asleep. Its earthy smell is strong, so most people take it as a capsule.

Used for: Trouble falling asleep · Restlessness · Mild anxiety

A berry used for PMS and cycle support. It works gradually through the pituitary gland and usually takes about three cycles to judge.

Used for: PMS, including breast tenderness and mood changes · Irregular cycles · Short second half of the cycle (luteal phase)

A plant extract used as an astringent on the skin. It's applied to soothe minor skin irritation, insect bites, and hemorrhoids.

Used for: Hemorrhoids (pads or wipes) · Minor skin irritation and insect bites · Oily skin (as a toner) · Minor swelling after childbirth (pads, with your provider)

Dried adrenal gland tissue, usually from cows or pigs, sold for fatigue and stress. Evidence is very limited, and testing has found that some products contain real steroid and thyroid hormones.

Used for: Marketed for fatigue and low energy · Marketed for stress and 'adrenal fatigue', which most medical groups don't recognize as a diagnosis · Some naturopathic adrenal protocols (with a practitioner)

A hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands that the body converts into testosterone and estrogen. Levels naturally fall with age.

Used for: Low DHEA-S on a blood test · Adrenal insufficiency (alongside medical care) · Vaginal dryness after menopause (prescription vaginal form) · Some fertility protocols (with a specialist)

The main estrogen the ovaries make before menopause. As a treatment it's a prescription medicine, used mainly for menopause symptoms and to protect bone.

Used for: Hot flashes and night sweats · Vaginal dryness and painful sex (vaginal forms) · Preventing bone loss after menopause · Early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency

The hormone your brain releases in the evening to signal that it's time to sleep. Supplements mainly help shift the timing of sleep rather than knock you out.

Used for: Jet lag · Shift work and shifted sleep schedules · Trouble falling asleep · A body clock that runs late (delayed sleep phase)

A hormone the body makes from cholesterol and turns into other hormones, including DHEA, progesterone, cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. Research on supplements is limited and mixed.

Used for: Low pregnenolone on a blood test · Mood and memory (early, mixed research) · Some adrenal and hormone protocols (with a practitioner)

An over-the-counter skin cream that contains real progesterone, a hormone made by the ovaries after ovulation. It is a hormone, not an herb, and strength varies widely between products.

Used for: Perimenopause symptoms, such as sleep changes and heavy or irregular cycles (mixed research) · PMS (limited research) · Hot flashes (some studies, mixed results)

A hormone women make in the ovaries and adrenal glands, in much smaller amounts than men. As a treatment it's prescription-only and needs female-range dosing.

Used for: Low sexual desire after menopause, the main use with good evidence in women · Low testosterone with symptoms, confirmed by blood tests · Some cases of early or surgical menopause

Dried thyroid tissue from cows or pigs, sold over the counter as 'thyroid support'. Testing has found that many contain real thyroid hormone, which can push the thyroid into an overactive state.

Used for: Marketed for low energy, weight, and a sluggish thyroid · Marketed for people with normal thyroid labs who still feel hypothyroid

An antioxidant your cells use to make energy. It's mainly used to support blood sugar balance and nerve health.

Used for: Blood sugar balance · Nerve pain and tingling from diabetes (some studies) · Antioxidant support · Energy and mitochondrial support

Supports the gut and liver pathway that packages used estrogen and other compounds for removal, so they aren't reabsorbed.

Used for: Estrogen-dominance patterns · Supporting estrogen clearance alongside fiber

An essential nutrient for the brain, liver, and cell membranes. It's especially important in pregnancy, and many prenatals contain little.

Used for: Pregnancy and breastfeeding (baby's brain and spinal cord) · Liver health · Memory and focus · Low intake from a plant-based or egg-free diet

A protein broken into small pieces so it digests easily. It supplies the building blocks for skin, joints, and connective tissue.

Used for: Skin hydration and elasticity (some studies) · Joint comfort · Hair and nails · Adding protein to your day

A compound your cells use to make energy, especially in the heart and muscles. Levels drop with age and with statin medicines.

Used for: Heart health · Muscle aches while taking a statin (results are mixed) · Migraine prevention · Low energy · Egg quality and fertility (early research)

Proteins that help break down the protein, carbohydrates, and fats in your meals. They may ease bloating and heaviness after eating.

Used for: Bloating or heaviness after meals · Trouble digesting dairy (lactase) · Gas from beans and vegetables (alpha-galactosidase) · Digestive support with age

A compound formed when you digest cruciferous vegetables. It's used to support how the liver processes estrogen.

Used for: Estrogen-dominance patterns (with fiber and cruciferous vegetables) · Heavy, painful, or tender-breast cycles · Hormonal acne

A seed oil rich in GLA, an omega-6 fat the body uses to make anti-inflammatory compounds. Evidence for most uses is mixed.

Used for: Cyclical breast pain (mixed evidence) · PMS (limited evidence) · Dry skin · Joint stiffness (GLA, some studies)

A small amino acid with a calming effect. It's also a main building block of collagen and glutathione.

Used for: Sleep quality · Calm and relaxation · Collagen and connective tissue support · Glutathione support (often paired with NAC)

An amino acid that fuels the cells lining your gut. It's often used to support the gut lining and recovery.

Used for: Gut lining support · Digestive symptoms and IBS (some studies) · Recovery from illness or intense exercise · Sugar cravings (limited evidence)

A calming amino acid from tea leaves. It may ease stress and support relaxed focus without making you drowsy.

Used for: Stress and a busy mind · Calm focus · Sleep quality · Smoothing out coffee jitters

A vitamin-like nutrient that helps cells respond to insulin. It's one of the better-studied supplements for PCOS.

Used for: PCOS: cycle regularity, ovulation, and insulin sensitivity · Egg quality during fertility treatment (some studies) · Blood sugar in pregnancy (some studies) · Mood and anxiety (limited evidence)

A form of the amino acid cysteine that your body uses to make glutathione, a key antioxidant. It also helps thin mucus.

Used for: Glutathione and antioxidant support · Liver support · Thinning mucus in the airways · PCOS (some studies) · Compulsive habits like hair pulling or skin picking (mixed evidence)

Essential fats that support the heart, brain, mood, skin, and a healthy inflammatory response. Important in pregnancy.

Used for: Heart health and triglycerides · Mood · Joint pain and inflammation · Dry eyes · Pregnancy and breastfeeding (DHA)

Live beneficial microbes that support digestion, regularity, and immune balance. Effects depend on the specific strain.

Used for: Recovery after antibiotics · Diarrhea and irregular bowels · IBS symptoms (specific strains) · Vaginal and urinary health (specific strains)

A soluble fiber from the husk of plantago seeds. It forms a gel in water that helps keep bowels regular and supports cholesterol and blood sugar.

Used for: Constipation · Loose stools (it adds bulk) · Lowering LDL cholesterol · Blood sugar after meals · IBS (soluble fiber helps some people)

A plant pigment found in onions, apples, and berries. It may help calm histamine release and support a healthy inflammatory response.

Used for: Seasonal allergies (early research) · Histamine-related symptoms · Antioxidant support · Immune support