A
- Activated Charcoal
Use short-term; avoid inhaling or large amounts. - African Bird Pepper
Concentrated pepper products may irritate the mouth, stomach, or skin - Alfalfa
Not recommended for persons taking blood thinners or pregnant. - Alligator Pepper
Safety data limited; use with caution in pregnancy. - Aloe Vera Leaf Powder
Do not use aloe latex or whole-leaf products internally during pregnancy or breastfeeding. - Amla Powder
Generally safe; avoid excessive doses in pregnancy. - Angelica Root
Not for use if pregnant or blood thinning agents taken. - Anise Seed
Use in normal food amounts. Stop use if an allergic reaction occurs. - Arnica flowers
For external use only; avoid if sensitive or prolonged use. - Arrow Root
Generally used as a food ingredient. Follow product directions. - Ashwagandha
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding - Astragalus Root
Avoid if immunosuppressed; generally safe otherwise.
B
- Bacopa
Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding; may cause digestive upset.
- Bee Pollen
Do not use if you have an allergy to pollen, bee products, or related ingredients. - Beet Root
Generally safe; caution if prone to kidney stones or low blood pressure.
- Bitter Melon
Avoid if pregnant; may cause low blood sugar or uterine contractions.
- Black Cohosh
Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Black Pepper
Culinary use is generally well tolerated. Avoid large doses in pregnancy.
- Black Seed (Nigella Sativa)
May affect blood pressure or blood sugar. Consult a healthcare professional before use during pregnancy or when taking related medicines.
- Black Tea
Contains caffeine. Limit total caffeine intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding and avoid use late in the day if caffeine affects sleep.
- Black Walnut
Avoid if allergic to tree nuts. Do not apply to broken or irritated skin; consult a healthcare professional before internal use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Bladderwrack
Contains iodine, which may affect thyroid function. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you have thyroid disease, are pregnant, are breastfeeding, or take thyroid medicine.
- Bloodroot
Do not use internally. Bloodroot may be harmful if swallowed and may irritate skin or mouth tissues.
- Blue Vervain
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding; may sedate. - Blue Vervain Herb C/S
Do not use during pregnancy. May cause drowsiness in some people
- Bromelain
Avoid if allergic to pineapple.
- Buckthorn Bark C/S
Avoid long-term use; may cause diarrhea and cramps; avoid pregnancy.
- Burdock
Avoid if allergic to daisies, not recommended during pregnancy.
- Butcher’s Broom Root
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.
C
- Calendula Flower
Avoid if allergic to plants in the daisy family. - Cantip
May cause drowsiness or stomach upset. Avoid concentrated use during pregnancy.
- Caraway Seeds Whole
Culinary use is generally well tolerated.
- Cascara Sagrada
Not for long-term use; avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Cat’s Claw Bark
Consult a healthcare professional before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, have an autoimmune condition.
- Cayenne Pepper
May irritate the mouth, stomach, eyes, or skin. Use carefully and keep away from eyes. - Ceylon leaf tea
Contains caffeine. Limit total caffeine intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Chaparral leaf
Use cautiously if you have liver issues.
- Chaste Tree Berries
Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding, or managing a hormone-sensitive condition.
- Chia Seed
Food use is generally well tolerated. Take with enough liquid
- Chicory Root
May cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in sensitive people.
- Chlorella
Considered safe but limited data; consult healthcare provider.
- Cilantro Leaf
Culinary use is generally well tolerated. Stop use if an allergic reaction occurs.
- Cinnamon
Culinary use is generally well tolerated.
- Cloves
Culinary use is generally well tolerated.
- Coltsfoot Leaf C/S
Avoid if you have liver issues, not recommended in pregnancy.
- Comfrey Root
External use only.
- Coriander
Culinary use is generally well tolerated. Stop use if an allergic reaction occurs.
- Cornsilk powder
Safety information for supplement-level use is limited.
- Cranberry Fruit Powder
Generally used as a food ingredient. Safe in recommended amounts during pregnancy.
E
- Echinacea Purpurea Herb
May cause allergic reactions, especially in people allergic to plants in the daisy family.
- Eucalyptus Leaf C/S
Internal use of concentrated eucalyptus products should be discussed with a healthcare professional, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Elecampane Root C/S
Avoid if allergic to plants in the daisy family. Avoid during pregnancy insufficient safety evidence available.
- Elderberries
Safe cooked; raw toxic risk.
F
- Fennel Seed
Culinary use is generally well tolerated.
- Fenugreek
Do not use supplement-level amounts during pregnancy.
- Feverfew
Do not use during pregnancy. Consult a healthcare professional before use if taking medicines that affect bleeding or before surgery.
G
- Galangal Root
Culinary use is generally well tolerated.
- Garcinia Cambogia
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.
- Garlic
Safe in moderation (in culinary amount).
- Gentian Root
May cause digestive discomfort in some people. Consult a healthcare professional before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medicines.
- Ginger
Food use is generally well tolerated
- Ginkgo
Use cautiously. May affect bleeding risk and can interact with medicines.
- Ginseng
May affect blood sugar, blood pressure, sleep, or medicines. Avoid during pregnancy unless advised by a qualified healthcare professional.
- Goldenseal
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Gotu Kola
May cause drowsiness or digestive upset in some people. Avoid during pregnancy unless advised by a qualified healthcare professional.
- Grape Seed
May interact with medicines that affect bleeding. Consult a healthcare professional before use if taking blood thinners or before surgery.
- Grapefruit Peel
Grapefruit products can interact with some prescription medicine.
- Graviola (Soursop)
Safety for long-term or concentrated use is not established. Consult a healthcare professional before use, particularly if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medicines for blood pressure or blood sugar.
- Green Cardamom
Culinary use is generally well tolerated. Stop use if an allergic reaction occurs.
- Green Tea
Contains caffeine. Limit total caffeine intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Guarana Seed
Contains high levels of caffeine. Avoid if sensitive to caffeine and consult a healthcare professional if pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a heart condition.
- Guava Leaves
May affect blood sugar.
H
- Hawthorne Berries
May interact with heart or blood-pressure medicines. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you have a heart condition.
- Hibiscus Flower
May affect blood pressure. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you take blood-pressure medicine or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Horehound
Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.
- Horny Goat Weed
May affect heart rate or blood pressure in some people.
- Horseradish
May irritate the mouth, stomach, or skin. Use cautiously and avoid concentrated use during pregnancy or with kidney or digestive conditions.
- Hwentia
Limited safety data available; potential for gastrointestinal upset.
- Hydrangea
Do not use without professional guidance.
- Hyssop
Avoid during pregnancy and nursing.
I
- Irish Breakfast Tea
Contains caffeine. Limit total caffeine intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Irish Sea Moss
Contains iodine, which may affect thyroid function.
J
- Jasmine Tea
May contains caffeine. - Jiaogulan
May cause gastrointestinal upset; avoid with blood thinners or diabetes medications without supervision.
- Juniper Berries
Avoid during pregnancy and with kidney disease. Concentrated use may irritate the kidneys or stomach.
K
- Kale
High in vitamin K; may interfere with blood thinner medications like warfarin.
- Kava Root
Do not use if you have liver disease.
- Kelp
Contains iodine, which may affect thyroid function.
L
- Lavender Flowers
Stop use if an allergic reaction occurs. Consult a healthcare professional before using concentrated products with sedatives or during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Lecithin
Generally well tolerated. May cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in sensitive people.
- Lemongrass
Culinary use is generally well tolerated.
- Licorice
May raise blood pressure and lower potassium levels.
- Linden Flowers
May cause allergic reactions; can affect heart rate; avoid before surgery.
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom
May cause digestive upset or allergic reactions. Consult a healthcare professional before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medicines.
- Lobelia
Use under qualified professional guidance.
M
- Maca Root
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you have a hormone-sensitive condition.
- Magnesium Citrate
Strong laxative effect; can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
- Marjoram
Culinary use is generally well tolerated.
- Marshmallow Root
May affect absorption of oral medicines. Take it separately from medicine.
- Milk Thistle Seed
Can cause allergic reactions; may interact with medications metabolized by liver enzymes.
- Mistletoe
Can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, cardiovascular issues, and death if ingested. - Moringa
Food use is generally well tolerated.
- Moroccan Mint Tea
Generally well tolerated.
- Motherwort
Do not use during pregnancy.
- Mugwort
Avoid during pregnancy. May cause allergic reactions, especially in people sensitive to plants in the daisy family.
- Muira Puama
Safety information is limited. Consult a healthcare professional before use if pregnant, breastfeeding, have a heart condition, or take medicines.
- Mullein Leaf
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.
- Mushroom (Cordyceps)
May interact with medicines that affect blood sugar, bleeding, or the immune system. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
- Mustard Seed
Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions; may irritate digestive tract.
N
- Neem Leaf
Avoid internal use during pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Nettle
May affect fluid balance, blood pressure, or blood sugar.
- Noni Fruit
Consult a healthcare professional before use if you have kidney disease or take medicines that affect potassium levels.
O
- Oat Straw
Generally well tolerated. Avoid if you have an oat allergy.
- Olive Leaf
May lower blood pressure and blood sugar.
- Oolong Tea
Contains caffeine. Limit total caffeine intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Oregano
Culinary use is generally well tolerated.
- Organic Black Seed Oil
May affect blood pressure or blood sugar.
P
- Papaya Leaf
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.
- Parsley
Culinary use is generally well tolerated.
- Passion Flower
May cause drowsiness.
- Passion Fruit Tea
Generally well tolerated. Stop use if an allergic reaction occurs.
- Pau D’arco Bark
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. - Pea Protein
Generally well tolerated. May cause bloating or digestive upset; avoid if allergic to peas or legumes.
- Peppermint Leaf
May worsen heartburn in some people. Use in limit amount.
- Plantain Leaf
Avoid during pregnancy. High vitamin K interferes with warfarin and blood thinning medications.
- Pomegranate
Food use is generally well tolerated.
- Poppy Seeds
Food use is generally well tolerated.
- Prekese
Safety information for supplement-level use is limited.
- Psyllium
Take with plenty of water. It may cause choking if taken without enough liquid.
- Pumpkin Seed
Food use is generally well tolerated. High-fiber intake may cause gas or bloating in some people.
- Pygeum Bark
Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.
S
- Senna
Stimulant laxative; not for long-term use. - Sesame Seed
Avoid if allergic to sesame. Food use is generally well tolerated.
- Shavegrass (Horsetail)
Do not use long term without professional guidance. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Sheep Sorrel
Contains oxalates. Avoid concentrated use if you have kidney disease or a history of kidney stones. - Shikakai Powder
For external use only - Shilajit
Use only products that have been tested for heavy metals and contaminants.
- Skullcap
May cause drowsiness; can interact with sedatives.
- Slippery Elm Bark
Take it separately from medicines and consult a healthcare professional if taking prescription drugs.
- Spearmint
Culinary and tea use are generally well tolerated. Stop use if an allergic reaction occurs.
- Spinach
A food ingredient. If you take warfarin, keep vitamin K intake consistent and consult your healthcare professional before making major dietary changes.
- Spirulina
Generally safe but may contain contaminants; can cause allergic reactions and digestive upset.
- St. John’s Wort
Interacts with many medications.
- Stevia Leaf
Generally well tolerated. Consult a healthcare professional before use if taking diabetes or blood-pressure medicines.
- Suma Root
Generally well tolerated. Consult a healthcare professional before use if taking diabetes or blood-pressure medicines.
T
- Thyme
Culinary use is generally well tolerated.
- Tongkat Ali
May increase testosterone level. Safety information is limited.
- Tribulus Terrestris
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding for safety
- Turmeric
Food use is generally well tolerated.
U
- Uva Ursi
Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Use only short term.
V
- Valerian Root
Safety unknown in pregnancy; avoid breastfeeding; may cause drowsiness.
- Vitamin C
Excessive intake causes diarrhea, nausea, stomach discomfort.
W
- West Indian Bay Leaves
Use as a culinary ingredient only unless advised otherwise.
- Wheat Grass
May cause nausea or digestive upset.
- White Pomegranate Tea
Generally well tolerated as tea.
- Wild Yam Root
May have hormone-like effects; avoid with hormone-sensitive users.
- Witch Hazel
For external use only unless a healthcare professional directs otherwise.
- Wormwood
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Y
- Yarrow Flowers
Avoid during pregnancy. May cause allergic reactions, especially in people sensitive to plants in the daisy family.
- Yellow Root
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Yellow Dock Root
May cause diarrhea; can interfere with medication absorption; avoid prolonged use.
- Yohimbe
May Increases blood pressure and heart rate.
- Young Hyson Green Tea
Contains caffeine. Limit total caffeine intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Yucca Root
May cause digestive upset. Consult a healthcare professional before using concentrated products during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or when taking medicines.
Herbal Capsules & Supplements
- Follow dosage instructions carefully – more is not better.
- Take with food if stomach upset occurs (unless otherwise directed).
- Store in original containers to preserve potency.
- Check expiration dates regularly.
- Some capsules may be used with food/liquid if swallowing is difficult.
Herbal Teas & Loose Herbs
- Use proper water temperature (boiling for roots/bark, hot but not boiling for leaves/flowers).
- Don’t over-steep; follow recommended times.
- Start with 1 cup daily to assess tolerance.
- Certain herbs (senna, cascara sagrada) are laxatives – use only as directed, short-term.
- Loose herbs for topical use should never be applied to broken skin unless specified.
Herb Category-Specific Safety Guidelines
Sea Moss (Gold, Irish, Purple)
- Iodine Content: High in iodine – may affect thyroid function. Consult doctor if you have thyroid conditions.*
- Allergies: Avoid if allergic to seaweed or iodine.*
- Dosage: Typical serving is 1-2 tablespoons of gel daily. Do not exceed recommended amounts. Follow the label direction.
Soursop (Graviola) – Leaves, Bitters, Capsules
- Pregnancy/Nursing: Not recommended.
- Blood Pressure: May lower blood pressure; monitor if on hypertension medication.*
- Parkinson’s Concerns: Long-term use may affect dopamine production.*
- Liver/Kidney: Use cautiously if you have liver or kidney disease.*
- Duration: Consider cycling use (2 weeks on, 1 week off) for long-term supplementation.*
Turmeric & Turmeric Honey
- Blood Thinners: May enhance effects of anticoagulant drugs; consult doctor.*
- Diabetes: May lower blood sugar; monitor glucose levels.*
- Gallbladder: Avoid if you have gallstones or bile duct obstruction.*
- Surgery: Stop use 2 weeks before scheduled surgery.*
- Iron Absorption: High doses may interfere with iron absorption.*
- Best Absorption: Take with black pepper and healthy fats for better curcumin absorption.*
Shilajit (Resin, Powder, Capsules)
- Purity Critical: Only use purified, lab-tested shilajit (heavy metal contamination risk).*
- Iron Overload: Avoid if you have hemochromatosis or high iron levels.*
- Pregnancy/Nursing: Safety not established; avoid use.*
- Start Small: Begin with small doses as it’s very potent.*
- Heat Sensitive: Do not mix with boiling water; use warm water only.*
Herbal Bitters (Digestive, Detox, Mushroom Complex)
- Empty Stomach: Best taken 15-30 minutes before meals.*
- Acid Reflux: May worsen symptoms in some individuals with GERD.*
- Pregnancy: Many bitter herbs not recommended during pregnancy.*
- Medications: May affect absorption of certain medications.*
Storage Guidelines
Dried Herbs & Spices
- Cool, dark, dry place
- Airtight containers
- Away from heat sources
- Use within 36 month
Capsules & Tablets
- Original containers
- Tightly sealed
- Avoid humidity
- Check expiration dates
Bitters & Tonics
- Cool, dark location
- Some require refrigeration after opening
- Follow label instructions
- Keep caps tight
Sea Moss & Gels
- Dried: room temperature
- Gel: always refrigerate
- Use gel within 2-3 weeks
- Discard if mold appears