The top five-rated plant-based health supplements for 2009 are Echinacea, Garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, St. John's Wort and Ginseng, according to Family Doctor Online.

Americans spent $23 billion on supplements to improve their health in 2008. Hundreds of different types line shelves across the United States making choice difficult. The truth is supplements can cause health problems and interact with drugs.

ECHINACEA, or coneflower, is known to prevent colds, flu, infections. Echinacea is beneficial in treating upper respiratory infections, wounds and skin problems, such as acne or boils.

NCCAM clinical trials show gastrointestinal side effects were most common. Skin rashes, asthma and anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction) may occur. Abstain if allergic to plants in the daisy family.

GARLIC, is in the lily family. It has been used as a medicine and spice for thousands of years and is processed raw, cooked, dried or powdered. It is used in tablets, capsules, oils and liquid extracts.

Benefits include prevention of stomach and colon cancers, as well as high cholesterol, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Garlic causes breath and body odor. In quantity, it can cause heartburn, upset stomach, and allergic reactions. Garlic thins the blood (reducing the ability of blood to clot). As a precaution before surgery or dental work avoid taking garlic one week prior. Garlic can also interfere with Saquinavir, a drug used to treat HIV infection.

GINKGO BILOBA, also called maidenhair or Japanese silver apricot, uses leaves for extracts, tablets, capsules or teas.

This herb treats asthma, bronchitis, fatigue and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Other uses are to improve memory, Alzheimers, sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis and decrease leg pain caused by narrowing arteries.

Side effects include headache, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, allergic skin reactions and an increase in bleeding risk. Caution is advised for people taking anticoagulant drugs and those with bleeding disorders.

ST. JOHN'S WORT, a plant with yellow flowers, has been used for centuries to treat mental disorders and nerve pain. It is a sedative, a treatment for malaria and an ointment for wounds.

St. John's Wort is used for depression, anxiety and sleep disorder treatments.

Side effects are a sensitivity to sunlight, fatigue, anxiety, dizziness, headache, sexual dysfunction, dry mouth and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Research shows that St. John's Wort interacts

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