Herbs & Botanicals

Herbs and botanicals are supplements made from plants, roots, berries and mushrooms, many with a long traditional history. Here you'll find turmeric and curcumin, ashwagandha, elderberry, echinacea, ginger, milk thistle, ginseng and other adaptogens, functional mushrooms and herbal teas, as capsules, powders, extracts and teas.

What to look for on the label

Look for the plant's common and Latin name, the part used (root, leaf, berry or fruiting body) and whether it's whole herb or extract. Extracts may be standardized to a marker compound, such as curcuminoids in turmeric, shown as a percentage. In a proprietary blend, only the total weight of the blend must be listed, not the amount of each herb.

Good to know

Natural doesn't automatically mean safe. Herbs can interact with medications: St. John's wort affects many drugs, and ginkgo may raise bleeding risk with blood thinners. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement, especially if you're pregnant or nursing, take medication, or have a medical condition. Related: Sleep & Stress Support, Immune Support and Greens & Superfoods, and Supplement safety.

Frequently asked questions

What does "standardized extract" mean?

The extract is adjusted to contain a set amount of a marker compound, shown as a percentage. It keeps batches consistent; it doesn't by itself show that a product works.

Who should be careful with ashwagandha?

People who are pregnant, have thyroid or liver conditions, or take medication should ask their doctor first. Rare cases of liver injury have been reported.

Can I eat raw elderberries?

No. Raw or unripe elderberries, and the plant's leaves and stems, can cause nausea and vomiting. Supplements use cooked or processed berries.