Evening primrose oil is a dietary supplement that contains essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) and has been investigated in-depth for its effectiveness for conditions that are associated with a deficiency in essential fatty acids. Evening primrose oil has a good safety profile with mild side effects and rare serious adverse events. Evening primrose oil should not be taken during pregnancy, prior to surgery, in patients at risk for seizures or taking phenothiazine-related medications, antiplatelets, thrombolytics, low-molecular-weight heparins, or anticoagulants. There have been no reports of toxic ingestion, mortality, or teratogenicity with Evening primrose oil supplementation, and usage during lactation is presumed to be safe. The German Commission E has not approved the use of Evening primrose oil for any condition at this time. Evening primrose oil is possibly effective for essential fatty acid deficiency and breast pain, and for rheumatoid arthritis after 6 months of treatment. Efficacy of Evening primrose oil has not been clearly established for the following: atopic eczema, premenstrual syndrome, hot flashes, night sweats, preeclampsia, shortening duration of labor, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

The evening primrose can be found in North America east of the Rocky Mountains, and was naturalized into Europe and Asia from North America in the early 17th century. The entire plant can be eaten (e.g., roots, leaves, flowers, buds, seedpods); leaves are cooked and eaten like spinach and the roots are boiled and taste sweet. Evening primrose was a staple food for many Native American tribes and a famine food for Chinese farmers. European settlers and Native Americans used the whole plant to ameliorate ailments such as bruising, stomachaches, and shortness of breath. Evening primrose oil (Evening primrose oil) is derived from the plant's small, dark seeds. China is now the major grower of evening primrose seed in the world, supplying an estimated 90% of the world's crop. A total of approx 400 ton of seeds are processed each year in the United States and Canada. One major supplier of Evening primrose oil derives the oil from specially selected and hybridized forms of Oenothera species. Today, the oil is used medicinally to treat a myriad of conditions related to essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiencies, low dietary intake of linoleic acid, and a variety of reproductive, cardiovascular, inflammatory, and neurological disorders. It is added to foods as a source of essential fatty acids and used in topical products such as soaps and cosmetics.

Clinical evidence of nutritional supplementation with Evening primrose oil to correct dermal conditions is mixed. One theory for the mixed results is that in some persons, once sensitized, immunological factors may override what help Evening primrose oil can offer. Very high doses of Evening primrose oil or linoleic acid, with corresponding correction of plasma EFA levels, produce some clinical improvement. Results showed that arachidonic acid were consistently and significantly lower in children who later had atopic eczema. Some studies have shown that Evening primrose oil administration can improve the percentage of body surface involvement, itch, dryness, scaling, and inflammation associated with atopic eczema. A meta-analysis of nine controlled trials involving Evening primrose oil in the treatment of atopic eczema showed a highly significant improvement in the symptom of itch over placebo.

Echinacea is a group of American coneflowers in the Family Asteraceae Compositae. There are nine species of the plant included in the genus. Three of these are typically seen in herbal preparations: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida. Common preparations consist of freshly pressed or ethanolic extracts of the roots, leaves, and flowers as well as dried portions of the plants. E. purpurea is the most commonly used species, although it is often seen in combination with E. angustifolia. Echinacea was first used by Native Americans for treatment of many conditions. These included pain relief, cough and sore throat, fever, smallpox, mumps, measles, rheumatism, arthritis, and as an antidote for poisons and venoms. As early as 1762, Echinacea was mentioned for use on saddle sores on horses. Until 1885, no further study is documented in the literature.

Orally, bilberry is used for improving visual acuity including night vision, degenerative retinal conditions, varicose veins, atherosclerosis, venous insufficiency, chronic fatigue syndrome, and hemorrhoids. It is also used orally for angina, diabetes, arthritis, gout, dermatitis, and prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal, kidney, and urinary tract symptoms and diseases. Topically, it is used for mild inflammation of the mouth and throat mucous membranes.

Hawthorn is a spiny, small tree or bush with white flowers and red berries (haws), each containing one to three nuts, depending on the species. Hybridization is common among individual species, making them difficult to identify. Hawthorn is a member of the rose family and is found in Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. It can reach heights of 25-30 ft and is used as a hedge. The flowers grow in clusters and bloom from April to June, and the deciduous leaves are divided into three, four, or five lobes.

Cranberry juice has been widely used for the prevention, treatment, and symptomatic relief of urinary tract infections. Also, cranberry juice has been given to patients to help reduce urinary odors in incontinence. Another potential benefit of the use of cranberry is a decrease in the rates of kidney stone formation.

Ginseng is commonly used for a variety of conditions where it is purported to have positive effects on mental, physical, & sexual performance. There are some data to suggest it may have some small positive effects on mental & sexual activities, but the data remain conflicting. Ginseng also can reduce glycemic concentrations after glucose challenge. It should be used with caution & never try to overuse.

Cholesterol can be a concern for everyone. Beginning as early as at age 20, everyone should have their cholesterol checked, and should continue to have cholesterol screenings at least every five years. Starting early can put you on track for a healthy lifestyle in the future.  But most importantly you need to be aware of the common false perceptions about cholesterol.