Lavender at Godolphin House, Godolphin Cross, Helston
Herbal medicines can be as potent as pharmaceutical drugs, with side effects to match. Here are some examples of herbs considered benign, based on scientific studies - and others that should carry warning labels.
Safe for most people:
Feverfew May prevent migraines and reduce migraine-related pain, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and noise.
Milk thistle Possibly effective for lowering blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Lavender Likely effective for a type of hair loss (alopecia areata) when used on the scalp in combination with thyme, rosemary and cedarwood oils. (May disrupt hormones in young boys.)
Use with caution, or not at all:
Black cohosh Used to treat symptoms of menopause (efficacy has not been established). Side effects may include headaches and gastrointestinal complaints. Some products containing black cohosh have been associated with liver toxicity.
Licorice root Possibly effective for heartburn when used in combination with other herbs. Long-term daily use may cause high blood pressure and a life-threatening drop in potassium.
Pennyroyal A mint-like plant steeped as tea to treat colds and pneumonia (efficacy is unknown). Pennyroyal oil may cause liver and kidney damage, seizures, lung failure and brain damage.
Source: U.S. National Institutes of Health