Explore common medications, their uses, and natural alternatives backed by research
Learn about common pharmaceuticals, their uses, mechanisms of action, and potential natural alternatives. This information is provided for educational purposes only.
Many common drugs deplete essential nutrients like CoQ10 and B12. Use our calculator to see if you're at risk.
Alprazolam
Anxiety disorders, panic disorder, insomnia
Enhances the effect of GABA neurotransmitter at the GABA-A receptor
Valerian Root, Passionflower, Kava, Lemon Balm
Lorazepam
Anxiety disorders, insomnia, status epilepticus, pre-surgical sedation
Enhances the effect of GABA neurotransmitter at the GABA-A receptor
Passionflower, Valerian Root, Lemon Balm, California Poppy
Diazepam
Anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, seizure disorders
Enhances the effect of GABA neurotransmitter at the GABA-A receptor
Valerian Root, Kava, Passionflower, California Poppy
Clonazepam
Seizure disorders, panic disorder, anxiety, akathisia
Enhances the effect of GABA neurotransmitter at the GABA-A receptor
Valerian Root, Kava, Lemon Balm, Passionflower
Fluoxetine
Depression, OCD, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa
Selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the CNS
St. John's Wort, SAMe, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Saffron
Sertraline
Depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, PMDD
Selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the CNS
St. John's Wort, Rhodiola, Saffron, SAMe
Citalopram
Depression, anxiety disorders
Selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the CNS
St. John's Wort, SAMe, Saffron, 5-HTP
Escitalopram
Major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety
Selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the CNS
St. John's Wort, Saffron, Rhodiola, SAMe
Atorvastatin
Hypercholesterolemia, prevention of cardiovascular disease
Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, reducing cholesterol synthesis in the liver
Red Yeast Rice, Plant Sterols, Berberine, Artichoke Extract
Ibuprofen
Pain relief, fever reduction, anti-inflammatory
Inhibits COX enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis
Turmeric/Curcumin, Ginger, White Willow Bark, Boswellia
Naproxen
Pain management, inflammation, fever reduction, menstrual cramps
Inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis
Boswellia, Turmeric/Curcumin, Ginger, Devil's Claw
Celecoxib
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, ankylosing spondylitis
Selectively inhibits COX-2 enzyme, reducing inflammation with less GI effects
Boswellia, Curcumin, Ginger, Devil's Claw
Diclofenac
Pain and inflammation from arthritis, acute injuries, menstrual cramps
Inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes with preference for COX-2
Curcumin, Boswellia, White Willow Bark, Ginger
Levothyroxine
Hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement
Synthetic T4 thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism
Ashwagandha, Guggul, Seaweed/Iodine rich foods, Selenium-rich foods
Furosemide
Edema, heart failure, hypertension, kidney disorders
Inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the ascending loop of Henle
Dandelion, Horsetail, Parsley, Hibiscus
Amoxicillin
Bacterial infections including respiratory, ear, urinary tract, skin
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins
Garlic, Oregano Oil, Manuka Honey, Echinacea
Lisinopril
Hypertension, heart failure, post-myocardial infarction, diabetic nephropathy
Inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme, preventing conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
Hibiscus Tea, Garlic, Fish Oil, Hawthorn
Esomeprazole
GERD, erosive esophagitis, peptic ulcer disease, H. pylori infection (as part of combination therapy)
Irreversibly inhibits the gastric H+/K+ ATPase pump, reducing gastric acid production
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL), Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root, Aloe Vera
Montelukast
Asthma, seasonal allergies, exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Selectively blocks leukotriene D4 receptors in the lungs, reducing inflammation and bronchoconstriction
Quercetin, Butterbur, Boswellia, Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Metoprolol
Hypertension, angina, heart failure, post-heart attack, migraine prevention
Blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors, reducing heart rate and blood pressure
Hawthorn, Hibiscus Tea, Garlic, CoQ10, Magnesium
Propranolol
Hypertension, angina, tremors, anxiety, migraine prevention, performance anxiety
Non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker affecting both beta-1 and beta-2 receptors
L-theanine, Passionflower, Magnesium, Lemon Balm, Lavender
Amitriptyline
Depression, anxiety, chronic pain, migraine prevention, insomnia
Increases levels of norepinephrine and serotonin by blocking their reuptake
St. John's Wort, 5-HTP, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Saffron, SAMe
Nortriptyline
Depression, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, smoking cessation
Inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin with stronger effect on norepinephrine
Rhodiola, SAMe, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, B-Complex Vitamins, NAC
Venlafaxine
Depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder
Inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine
Rhodiola, St. John's Wort, SAMe, Ashwagandha, Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Duloxetine
Depression, generalized anxiety disorder, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain
Balanced inhibition of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake
Turmeric, Boswellia, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, St. John's Wort, Magnesium
Amlodipine
Hypertension, coronary artery disease, angina
Blocks L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle and heart, reducing calcium influx
Hibiscus Tea, Garlic Extract, Fish Oil, Magnesium, Hawthorn
Diltiazem
Hypertension, angina pectoris, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter
Blocks L-type calcium channels in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle
Hawthorn, Garlic, CoQ10, Magnesium, L-Carnitine