Yew

Also known as: Chinwood, common yew, Pacific yew, taxus.

Potential uses: The drug Taxol (chemical name: paclitaxel) is made from the bark of Pacific yew trees. The drug Taxotere (chemical name: docetaxel) is made from the needles of European yew trees. Taxol and Taxotere are approved by the FDA to treat breast and other cancers. Yew should not be taken as a supplement.

Usual dose: There is no typical dose.

Are there any risks? Taking yew orally is poisonous.

What does the research say? When administered by a doctor, Taxol and Taxotere are effective cancer treatments. Yew should never be taken any other way.