Prilosec, a brand name for the drug omeprazole, is available both over the counter and in a higher-strength prescription form. Prilosec is used to treat disorders involving stomach acid, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD, and frequent heartburn.
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Escitalopram, sold as the brand Lexapro, is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Lexapro increases levels of serotonin in the brain by preventing the reabsorption of serotonin into nerve cells and thus is called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI.
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Castor oil is derived from seeds of the plant Ricinus communis. These seeds, commonly called beans, are poisonous, but castor oil labeled as edible or for internal use is safe to consume in small amounts, as long as you buy from reputable manufacturers.
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The herb chamomile has a role in traditional and alternative health practices. Two types of this plant are used to make teas. German chamomile and Roman or English chamomile each purport to offer relief for digestive problems.
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Apple cider vinegar is a folk remedy with many purported benefits. You can drink it diluted with water or take it as a supplement in tablets or capsules to avoid the flavor. Apple cider vinegar in any form has the potential to cause side effects related to its acidity.
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Bupropion is a prescription antidepressant medication available as the brand Wellbutrin. In contrast, 5-hydroxytryptophan is an over-the-counter supplement used for a variety of health conditions, including for relieving depression. Known as 5-HTP, the supplement raises serotonin levels in the brain.
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Withania somnifera, known as ashwagandha, has a role in ayurvedic medicine for a wide range of health conditions. Ashwagandha is purported as useful for relieving stress, fatigue, pain and gastrointestinal problems, and treating diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and epilepsy.
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The plant Curcuma longa is the source of turmeric, one of the spices in curry and a substance also used as an herbal remedy for various health conditions. The chemical curcumin in turmeric provides the herb's taste, distinctive yellow color and potential medicinal properties.
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The supplement methylsulfonylmethane, sometimes called MSM, is a sulfur compound promoted as useful for health conditions involving pain and inflammation.
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The over-the-counter supplement 5-hydroxytryptophan and the prescription drug alprazolam, available under the brand Xanax, are substances people take for some similar uses, including relieving anxiety. The two have different effects on brain function, however.
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In supplements and fortified foods, vitamin D is available as either ergocalciferol, known as D-2, or cholecalciferol, known as D-3. Large doses of either D vitamin can lead to high calcium blood levels, a condition called hypercalcemia.
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The flavorful herb garlic shows promise for some health benefits, including strengthening the immune system, protecting against cancer and slowing the progression of cardiovascular disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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Amlodipine besylate is a long-acting calcium channel blocker prescribed for lowering blood pressure and for preventing occurrences of certain types of angina. Some types of blood pressure medication can cause potassium levels to become too high, but amlodipine is not one of them.
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Garcinia cambogia is an herb included in several supplements for weight loss and fat burning. Derived from the rind of the gamboge fruit, which is native to Asia, Garcinia cambogia extract also is used to lower high cholesterol.
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Fumaric acid is a common food additive included in many processed foods to keep them stable and to add tartness. The substance has a more sour flavor than citric acid, another common food additive. Fumaric acid occurs naturally in fumitory, bolete mushrooms, lichen and Iceland moss.
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As a natural fruit-derived additive to foods and beverages, bergamot oil brings a distinctive citrus flavor to items such as Earl Grey tea.
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Derived from seeds of the plant Oenothera biennis, evening primrose oil is a traditional herbal memory for several health conditions.
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Fucus vesiculosus, a type of seaweed known as bladderwrack, has a role in alternative medicine for treating many health disorders. Fucus vesiculosus is available as a supplement in tablets, capsules and extract, and people also use this vegetable in salads, soups and stews.
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Frankincense oil comes from the resin of Boswellia serrata trees. Some aromatherapy oils, perfumes and certain types of incense contain this oil. Ayurvedic medicine, the traditional health care of India, also uses frankincense oil to treat several conditions.
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Aloe vera is a succulent plant with long, thick, waxy leaves containing inner gel and outer gel, along with latex liquid from the inner leaf skin. People use aloe vera gel and juice for topical and oral health remedies.
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