Certain herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other compounds may help control cholesterol, blood pressure, and anxiety.

High cholesterol, high blood pressure, and anxiety are three common conditions that are often treated with medication. But sometimes people can’t tolerate those drugs or are reluctant to use them. In these instances, dietary supplements may be an option, says Dr. Donald Levy, medical director at the Osher Clinical Center for Integrative Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and assistant clinical professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Studies have shown that some herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other substances, alone or in combination with traditional treatments, may be effective in treating these conditions, and are largely safe to use — provided your doctor approves.