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Natural Ingredients at a Glance: Evidence and Safety Table

One table of the ingredients in this library: what each is, the evidence label on its profile page, and its best-documented safety caution, with links to read more. Not a ranking.

Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.

Safety first. Natural products can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Read natural ingredient safety before you use anything on this page.

Not a ranking, and not advice. This table gathers, in one place, what each profile page in the library concludes. The evidence snapshot repeats the labels used on that profile page, so open the page before relying on a row. The caution column gives one well-documented safety point from a named source; it is never the full list. No ingredient here is recommended over another, and a result for one form (food, oil, capsule, dressing, lotion) does not carry over to another. If someone has swallowed something harmful, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (US), or 911 for collapse, seizure, trouble breathing or if the person cannot be awakened. [1]

Evidence labels are explained in the Glossary of Natural Ingredient Terms. "Natural" does not always mean "safe." [2] For the safety rules that apply to every row, see Natural Ingredient Safety: The Essentials, and before using any product with medicines or before surgery, ask a pharmacist or clinician. [2]

Bee-derived ingredients

IngredientWhat it isEvidence snapshot (from the profile page)One documented caution
HoneyMade by honeybees, Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758. [3]Mixed by use: established for partial-thickness burns with honey dressings in the trials reviewed; promising but limited for cough in children and for lab markers; insufficient for long-term wounds.Never for a baby under 12 months: swallowing honey is a risk factor for infant botulism. [4]
Manuka honeyHoney from bees using nectar of Leptospermum scoparium Forst. [3]Wound findings come mostly from honey dressings in general; manuka-specific wound and dry-eye evidence is promising but limited; lab findings are preclinical.Same infant botulism warning. [4] The UMF value by itself may not be a reliable indicator of antibacterial effect. [5]
PropolisResin bees collect from plants.Promising but limited for wounds and inflammation markers; insufficient for dental use; preclinical for fighting infection.Called a potent sensitizer that should not be used by people with an allergic predisposition, especially pollen allergy. [6]
Royal jellyA honeybee secretion.No good evidence of benefit for blood sugar and weight in the meta-analyses read; promising but limited for lab markers.People with allergic disease, including asthma, should be cautioned against it. [7]
Bee pollenPollen packed by honeybees.No single label; the page covers allergy reports, weight-loss product warnings and what clinical trials have covered.Providers should be aware of severe allergic reaction risk, especially in people with pollen allergy. [8]
BeeswaxA secretion of worker bees, used on skin.Insufficient evidence in people.Contact allergy occurs; 14 of 17 beeswax-positive patients in one study also reacted to propolis. [9]

Sea vegetables, algae and salts

IngredientWhat it isEvidence snapshot (from the profile page)One documented caution
Spirulina and chlorellaArthrospira platensis Gomont and Chlorella vulgaris Beij. [3]Spirulina: small blood pressure change, promising but limited; cholesterol insufficient. "Detox," energy and immunity claims: Proper evidence not found.Some products are contaminated with a species that makes microcystins, liver toxins. [10]
Seaweed, sea moss and kelpMarine algae; "sea moss" includes Chondrus crispus Stackhouse. [3]Insufficient evidence for general health; preclinical for gut findings; no good evidence of benefit for thyroid "support."The American Thyroid Association advises against iodine and kelp supplements containing more than 500 mcg iodine daily. [11]
Sea salt, Himalayan salt and mineral claimsSalt.Established that cutting sodium lowers blood pressure; insufficient evidence that Himalayan salt is better.The trace minerals in specialty salts are not enough to offer substantial nutritional benefit. [12]

Food-based ingredients

IngredientWhat it isEvidence snapshot (from the profile page)One documented caution
Apple cider vinegarVinegar from apples, Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh. [3]Mixed to promising but limited for blood sugar and weight; one widely quoted weight trial was retracted; no good evidence of benefit for skin soaks.A case report links daily vinegar to erosive tooth wear, [13] and another links large amounts to low potassium. [14]
Cacao and cocoaBeans of Theobroma cacao L. [3] [15]Promising but limited for blood pressure (small effect).Cocoa and chocolate can contain cadmium and lead, [16] and chocolate is a caffeine source. [17]
Colloidal oatmealFrom oats, Avena sativa L. [3]An FDA-recognized skin protectant (a labeling status); promising but limited for eczema in children. [18]Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms last more than 7 days. [18]
Aloe veraAloe vera (L.) Burm.f.: leaf gel, latex or whole crushed leaf. [3] [19]Mixed to limited; insufficient for many uses.Oral aloe latex can cause abdominal pain, cramps and diarrhea; aloe leaf extracts have been related to acute hepatitis. [19]
Lemon waterJuice of Citrus × limon (L.) Osbeck. [3]No good evidence of benefit for the "detox" claim; promising but limited for kidney stones.Acidic drinks and natural acidic fruit juice may increase risk for dental erosion. [20]

Oils, fats and butters

IngredientWhat it isEvidence snapshot (from the profile page)One documented caution
Coconut oilFrom Cocos nucifera L. [3]Established that eating it raises LDL cholesterol (a lab marker); skin and hair promising but limited.In a meta-analysis, coconut oil raised LDL cholesterol compared with non-tropical vegetable oils. [21]
Olive oilFrom Olea europaea L. [3]Food: promising but limited. Skin: insufficient evidence, with one small study of concern.In a small randomized study, olive oil on adult forearms for 4 weeks reduced skin barrier integrity and caused mild redness. [22]
Castor oilRicinus communis L., labeled "Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil." [3] [23]A potent laxative; labor induction insufficient to mixed; no good evidence of benefit for hair growth.A Cochrane review calls it "a potent cathartic"; [24] the beans contain ricin, a toxin. [25]
Jojoba oilSimmondsia chinensis (Link) C.K.Schneid.; a liquid wax, about 98% wax. [3] [26]Insufficient evidence for jojoba on its own.A case report describes contact dermatitis from jojoba oil. [27]
Shea butterFrom Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn. [3]Insufficient evidence.A cosmetic safety panel judged shea-derived ingredients safe in present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-sensitizing. [28]
Cocoa butterFat of Theobroma cacao L. [3]Listed by the FDA as a skin protectant (a labeling status); no good evidence of benefit for stretch marks.The FDA skin-protectant rule includes the warning not to use it on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns. [18]
Black seed oilFrom Nigella sativa L. [3]Promising but limited for blood sugar and blood pressure (lab markers).A case report describes a large bruise in a person in a trial of the oil, possibly a drug reaction; [29] it can cause allergic contact dermatitis. [30]
Argan oilAccepted name Sideroxylon spinosum; often written Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels. [3]Promising but limited; no good evidence of benefit for some claims.Allergic contact dermatitis from argan oil is reported, including in an infant. [31]
Beef tallowA rendered animal fat.Insufficient evidence; a marketing claim.A 2025 analysis of social media posts found evidence remains insufficient to support the claims. [32]
Oil pullingSwishing edible oil in the mouth.Very low certainty evidence for gum health.Lipoid pneumonia, from oily substances entering the lungs, is linked in case reports. [33]

Resins and complex substances

IngredientWhat it isEvidence snapshot (from the profile page)One documented caution
Mastic gumResin of Pistacia lentiscus L. [3]Promising but limited; insufficient for H. pylori, where standard treatment did better.A 2026 lab study says authenticity is increasingly challenged by adulteration with chemically similar resins. [34]
ShilajitA black mineral-organic material, not a single plant; composition not known with certainty. [35]Promising but limited to mixed; preclinical for cancer.A review says consuming it without knowing permissible metal levels is not safe. [36]
Fulvic and humic acidSubstances from decayed organic matter.Preclinical or insufficient evidence.Quality varies with raw materials and extraction. [37]

Clays, charcoal, salts and mineral products

IngredientWhat it isEvidence snapshot (from the profile page)One documented caution
Bentonite clayA clay.Preclinical plus promising but limited; Proper evidence not found for treating a skin disease with a mask; the page finds detox claims unsupported.Large oral amounts have the potential to cause bowel obstruction and electrolyte abnormalities. [38]
Kaolin clayA clay.Insufficient evidence.Powder products carry the warning to keep away from face and mouth to avoid breathing it. [18]
Activated charcoalCarbon used in hospitals for some poisonings.No good evidence of benefit for "detox."Do not try to treat a poisoning with it at home. [39]
Epsom saltPrimarily magnesium sulfate. [40]Insufficient evidence for baths.A case report describes weakness, a slow heartbeat and low blood pressure after swallowing it as a laxative. [40]
Baking sodaSodium bicarbonate, an antacid. [41]Established as an antacid; evidence of harm with misuse.Acute massive ingestion was often complicated by gastric rupture. [42]
Diatomaceous earthFossilized remains of diatoms. [43]No good evidence of benefit.Long-term inhalation of the crystalline form is associated with silicosis. [43]

Popular home remedies, checked

IngredientWhat it isEvidence snapshot (from the profile page)One documented caution
Colloidal silverSilver particles in liquid.No good evidence of benefit.NCCIH says evidence supporting health claims is lacking, and it can cause argyria, usually permanent. [44]
Hydrogen peroxide taken by mouth"Food-grade" is 35% hydrogen peroxide. [45]Poison Control says uses of swallowed peroxide are not based on scientific evidence. [45]It is not food and can cause serious internal burns if swallowed. [45]
Raw milkUnpasteurized milk. [46]No good evidence of benefit for the claims checked; evidence of harm.The FDA says the perceived health benefits have not been scientifically substantiated while the risks are clear. [47]
"Detox" claimsCleanses, charcoal, clays.Insufficient evidence that detox diets remove toxins or help weight; short-term weight change mixed.NCCIH reports no compelling research to support "detox" diets for weight management or eliminating toxins from the body. [48]

What this table leaves out

Frequently asked questions

Does a row in this table mean an ingredient is recommended?

No. It repeats what the profile page concludes and one documented caution. It is not a ranking or advice.

Why do some rows say "Proper evidence not found"?

Because we searched the sources named on the profile page and found no usable human research for that claim.

Does "natural" mean the cautions here do not apply to me?

No. NCCIH says "natural" does not always mean "safe," and supplements may interact with medicines or pose risks with certain conditions or before surgery. [2]

Why is the same ingredient listed with different labels for different uses?

Evidence depends on the use, the form and the population studied. For example, honey dressings for burns and honey for cough were judged separately.

Where do I go if something goes wrong?

Use the Natural Ingredient Safety Quick Reference: 911 for emergencies, Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 for possible poisoning. [1]

References
  1. Poison Control (America's Poison Centers). Poison Control home page. Read 2026-10-23.
  2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Using Dietary Supplements Wisely. Read 2026-10-23.
  3. GBIF Secretariat. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, species match service. Names checked 2026-10-23. Read 2026-10-23.
  4. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, National Library of Medicine. Infant botulism. Read 2026-10-23.
  5. Girma A, Seo W, She RC. Antibacterial activity of varying UMF-graded Manuka honeys. PLoS One. 2019;14(10):e0224495. PubMed 31652284. Laboratory study. Read 2026-10-23.
  6. Menniti-Ippolito F, et al. Surveillance of suspected adverse reactions to natural health products: the case of propolis. Drug Saf. 2008;31(5):419-23. PubMed 18422383. Italian national surveillance, 18 reports. Read 2026-10-23.
  7. Studies of royal jelly and associated cross-reactive allergens in atopic dermatitis patients. PLoS One 2020. PubMed 32484810. Read 2026-10-23.
  8. Choi JH and colleagues. Bee pollen-induced anaphylaxis: a case report and literature review. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res, 2015. Read 2026-10-23.
  9. Nyman GSA, Tang M, Inerot A, Osmancevic A, Malmberg P, Hagvall L. Contact allergy to beeswax and propolis among patients with cheilitis or facial dermatitis. Contact Dermatitis. 2019;81(4):264-272. PubMed 31066083. Read 2026-10-23.
  10. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Spirulina. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; record dated 2021-06-21. PubMed 30000909. Read 2026-10-23.
  11. American Thyroid Association. ATA Statement on the Potential Risks of Excess Iodine Ingestion and Exposure. Published 2013, updated 2024. Read 2026-10-23.
  12. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, The Nutrition Source. Salt and Sodium. Last reviewed March 2023. Read 2026-10-23.
  13. Gambon DL et al., Ned Tijdschr Tandheelkd (2012), English abstract of a Dutch article. Unhealthy weight loss. Erosion by apple cider vinegar. Read 2026-10-23.
  14. Lhotta K, Hofle G, Gasser R, Finkenstedt G. Hypokalemia, hyperreninemia and osteoporosis in a patient ingesting large amounts of cider vinegar. Nephron. 1998;80(2):242-3. Case report; title only was read. PubMed 9736833. Read 2026-10-23.
  15. US Food and Drug Administration, 21 CFR Part 163, Cacao Products (eCFR). Title 21, Part 163 Cacao Products, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Read 2026-10-23.
  16. Abt E, Robin LP. Perspective on Cadmium and Lead in Cocoa and Chocolate. J Agric Food Chem. 2020;68(46):13008-13015. PubMed 32293881. Authors are at the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Read 2026-10-23.
  17. US Food and Drug Administration, consumer update (page undated). Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?. Read 2026-10-23.
  18. US Food and Drug Administration, 21 CFR Part 347, Skin Protectant Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use (eCFR). Title 21, Part 347 Skin Protectant Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Read 2026-10-23.
  19. Aloe Vera: Usefulness and Safety, NCCIH (NIH). Read 2026-10-23.
  20. Dental Erosion, American Dental Association. Read 2026-10-23.
  21. Neelakantan N, Seah JYH, van Dam RM. Circulation. 2020;141(10):803-814. The Effect of Coconut Oil Consumption on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. PubMed 31928080. Meta-analysis of 16 trials. Read 2026-10-23.
  22. Danby SG, et al. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013;30(1):42-50. Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care. PubMed 22995032. Nineteen adult volunteers. Read 2026-10-23.
  23. Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Int J Toxicol. 2007;26(Suppl 3):31-77. Final report on the safety assessment of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glyceryl Ricinoleate and related ingredients. PubMed 18080873. Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel report; abstract read. Read 2026-10-23.
  24. Kelly AJ, Kavanagh J, Thomas J. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(7):CD003099. Castor oil, bath and/or enema for cervical priming and induction of labour. PubMed 23881775. Three trials, 233 women. Read 2026-10-23.
  25. Bradberry SM, et al. Toxicol Rev. 2003;22(1):65-70. Ricin poisoning. PubMed 14579548. Read 2026-10-23.
  26. Gad HA, et al. Polymers (Basel). 2021;13(11):1711. Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. PubMed 34073772. Read 2026-10-23.
  27. Wantke F, et al. Contact Dermatitis. 1996;34(1):71-72. Contact dermatitis from jojoba oil and myristyl lactate/maleated soybean oil. PubMed 8789240. Title read; no abstract available. Read 2026-10-23.
  28. Burnett CL, et al. Int J Toxicol. 2024;43(1_suppl):82S-95S. Safety Assessment of Butyrospermum parkii (Shea)-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics. PubMed 38166445. Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel report, sponsored by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review per its conflict statement; abstract read. Read 2026-10-23.
  29. Arab A, et al. Extensive subcutaneous hematoma in a patient receiving Nigella sativa oil, dual antiplatelet therapy, and oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy: a case report. Hosp Pharm. 2026 (online ahead of print). PubMed 42682876. Read 2026-10-23.
  30. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). Black Seed. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; updated 2025-07-15. PubMed 30000936. Read 2026-10-23.
  31. Veraldi S, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by argan oil. Dermatitis. 2016;27(6):391; and Barrientos N, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by argan oil in an infant. Contact Dermatitis. 2014;71(5):316-317. Case reports; titles read, no abstracts available. PubMed 27775969. Read 2026-10-23.
  32. Almatroud L, et al. Beef tallow-based skincare claims in social media: a cross-sectional analysis. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(12):e70544. PubMed 41312576. Read 2026-10-23.
  33. Kuroyama M, et al. Exogenous lipoid pneumonia caused by repeated sesame oil pulling: a report of two cases. BMC Pulm Med. 2015;15:135. PubMed 26518258. Read 2026-10-23.
  34. An NMR-based metabolomics strategy for adulteration detection of natural resins: application to Chios mastic gum. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2026. PubMed 41319570. Laboratory analysis. Read 2026-10-23.
  35. A comprehensive review on shilajit: what we know about its chemical composition. Crit Rev Anal Chem. 2025. PubMed 38133965. Narrative review. Read 2026-10-23.
  36. Hussain A, Saeed A. Hazardous or Advantageous: Uncovering the Roles of Heavy Metals and Humic Substances in Shilajit. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2024;202(12):5794-5814. PubMed 38393486. Review. Read 2026-10-23.
  37. Advances in fulvic acid extraction from lignite: techniques, challenges, and applications. Environ Monit Assess. 2026. PubMed 41860641. Review. Read 2026-10-23.
  38. Severe hypokalemia caused by oral and rectal administration of bentonite in a pediatric patient. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2006. PubMed 16871112. Case report. Read 2026-10-23.
  39. Poison Control. Activated charcoal. Read 2026-10-23.
  40. Epsom Salt Ingestion Leading to Severe Hypermagnesemia Necessitating Dialysis. J Emerg Med. 2020. PubMed 32389435 (abstract read). Case report. Read 2026-10-23.
  41. MedlinePlus Drug Information (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists). Sodium Bicarbonate. Last revised 2017-04-15. Read 2026-10-23.
  42. Inokuchi R, Maeda A, Komaru Y, et al. Severe metabolic alkalosis and hypernatremia induced by excessive sodium bicarbonate intake: a case report and literature review. Am J Emerg Med. 2026. PubMed 41650758. Read 2026-10-23.
  43. Bunch TR, Bond C, Buhl K, Stone D. Diatomaceous Earth General Fact Sheet. National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services. Reviewed January 2013. Read 2026-10-23.
  44. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Colloidal Silver: What You Need To Know. Read 2026-10-23.
  45. Poison Control. Hydrogen peroxide. Read 2026-10-23.
  46. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Dangers of Raw Milk: Unpasteurized Milk Can Pose a Serious Health Risk. Read 2026-10-23.
  47. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Food Safety and Raw Milk. Content current as of 2024-03-05. Read 2026-10-23.
  48. NCCIH. Detoxes and Cleanses: What You Need To Know. Read 2026-10-23.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.