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Honey eye drops have recently gained popularity and have been touted to treat a variety of eye conditions, such as floaters, inflammation, cataracts, and glaucoma. Application of honey eye drops can not only be painful, but may cause damage to the eye.
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Morning sickness is common during pregnancy and can lead to severe complications for some women. Fortunately, there are multiple treatment options available, including both prescription and non-prescription medications.
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The California poppy (Echscholzia californica) has been used as an herbal product and can be purchased as as capsules, tablets, loose leaves for tea, and an extract. The plant contains several alkaloids which some believe can help with sleep, anxiety, and pain. However, there are no useful studies conducted in humans that support these claims.
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N-acetylcysteine may have a role in detoxification, immune function, and cellular health, and is often used as a dietary supplement. More research is needed to better understand how N-acetylcysteine can affect human health.
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Valerian is an herbal dietary supplement sold over-the-counter (OTC) for its sedative and calming effects. It is generally considered safe and well-tolerated; however, scientific evidence showing its effectiveness is inconclusive.
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Turmeric is a popular spice that has been used for centuries as an herbal medicine due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite its popularity, turmeric is actually poorly absorbed by the human body. Although some have advocated for its use as a treatment for COVID-19, data to support the use of turmeric for COVID-19 are lacking.
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Melatonin occurs naturally in the body and is involved in the natural regulation of sleep. Melatonin is sometimes used as a dietary supplement to help people sleep. Like other dietary supplements, there are few studies that have examined its effectiveness. Toxicity from melatonin appears to be mild.
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St. John's wort has been used for centuries and is generally regarded as safe when taken alone and in recommended doses. However, it is well known to have several drug interactions that can result in serious adverse effects or other problems with medications you might already be taking. Consult your physician and pharmacist before starting herbal products or dietary supplements.
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"Natural" does not always mean "safe." Like all medicines, herbal products and supplements are expected to have some side effects, and ginseng is no exception. Some side effects are related to the natural toxicity of the plants they come from or from problems in manufacturing.
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Sleep deprivation is a common condition among US adults. Non-drug approaches should be tried first. Medicines for sleep include prescription agents, OTC drugs, and dietary supplements. Many sleep aids can cause dependence or next-day drowsiness. Dietary supplements and herbals promoted to help sleep are not approved by the FDA as safe or effective.
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