Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Moringa powder is made from the dried leaves of the Moringa oleifera tree, sometimes called the “drumstick tree” or “miracle tree.” It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and various bioactive compounds. Moringa is used traditionally for numerous health purposes including nutrition, inflammation reduction,…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Castor oil is derived from the seeds of Ricinus communis and contains ricinoleic acid as its primary active component. It has been used medicinally as a strong laxative and traditionally to induce labor. Topically, it’s used for skin conditions, hair growth, and…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Sunflower lecithin is a phospholipid complex derived from sunflower seeds, containing phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and other compounds. It functions as an emulsifier in food products and supplements. Unlike soy lecithin, it’s free from soy allergens and is used for cardiovascular health, cognitive function,…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Homeopathy is a complementary and alternative medicine system based on the principle that “like cures like” and extreme dilution increases potency. Homeopathic remedies are made by repeatedly diluting substances in water or alcohol, often to the point where no molecules of the…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Avoid Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Kava (Piper methysticum) and kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) are plant-derived substances used for their psychoactive effects. Kava contains kavalactones that produce sedative, anxiolytic, and mild euphoric effects, while kratom contains mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine that bind to opioid receptors, producing both stimulant and sedative…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a compound formed in the body during the digestion of indole-3-carbinol, which is found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and kale. As a supplement, DIM is marketed for hormone balance, particularly for estrogen metabolism, and is used for…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Beta-glucans are complex polysaccharides found in the cell walls of certain fungi, yeasts, bacteria, algae, and cereal grains like oats and barley. As supplements, they’re used to support immune function, reduce cholesterol, manage blood sugar, and potentially enhance wound healing. Sources vary…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulfur compound found naturally in small amounts in various foods. As a supplement, it’s commonly used for joint pain, inflammation, and allergies due to its purported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. For individuals trying to conceive, MSM receives a…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Safe Breastfeeding: Safe What We Know: Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down food into smaller, absorbable components. Supplemental digestive enzymes may include pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase, protease), plant-derived enzymes (bromelain, papain), and other specific enzymes. They’re used to address digestive discomfort, enzyme insufficiency conditions, and general digestive…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep-wake cycles. As a supplement, it’s commonly used for sleep disorders, jet lag, and shift work adaptation. Melatonin has antioxidant properties and also plays roles in reproductive physiology and seasonal…