People often feel since herbs are natural, they are safe and do not inform their healthcare providers of their intake. Another mistake is taking excessive or “therapeutic” doses without professional advice, thinking “if a little is good, a lot must be better.” Some herbs are beneficial, as well as harmless in any amount, but others can be dangerous. You must know the difference before adding anything to your diet.
A number of prescription drugs are derived from plant sources. Aspirin, for example, comes from willow trees and digitalis (a heart medicine) is produced from foxglove which, in its raw form, is poisonous. Early man used trial and error to find what was healing and what was not, passing that information to the next generation.
Even most doctors today are aware that natural herbs certainly can improve some conditions as well or better than prescription drugs. However, you must be knowledgeable about side effects of any natural remedies you take and inform your healthcare professionals as to what you are consuming. Licorice root, for example, often relieves menopausal symptoms without the side effects of medications. For more examples, see article, “Health Aspects of Herbs”.
Below is a sample of how some more common herbs can cause health problems rather than preventing them. For a more complete list, see University of Michigan’s website.
Side Effects
- Bitter orange (often used in herbal weight loss formulas) is a stimulant and, therefore, could put the elderly or heart patients at risk.
- Chamomile blocks iron absorption and possibly interferes with blood thinner activity.
- Ephedrine alkaloids (ephedra) was banned from dietary supplements by the FDA in 2004 as posing serious risks, i.e. heart attack and stroke, according to Dr. Nancy Snyderman in Medical Myths That Can Kill You (Crown Publishers, 2008).
- Feverfew can interfere with blood thinners, as well as iron absorption.
- Kava increases sedatives’ effects and can be toxic to the liver.
- Saw Palmetto may block iron absorption and possibly increases effects of estrogen
- St.-John’s-wort may block iron absorption and increases the risk of sunburn.
- Turmeric contains curcumin which may potentiate (augment the activity of) antiplatelet (platelets are responsible for blood clotting, i.e. when you cut yourself) activity, according to the University of Michigan’s website.
- Valerian may enhance the effects of prescription sedatives.
Use Natural Remedies When Possible
Herbs have been used since the beginning of time for healing and still work today, many without the side effects of prescription drugs. However, know their side effects and drug interactions. Remember to always keep healthcare professionals informed of what you take. Your pharmacist also should be able to advise you on possible herbal effects or interactions.
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