Why natural doesn't always mean safe
June 2006 - Campbelltown City Council
- Health Tips
Mix herbal supplements with prescription drugs or over-the-counter
medicines, and you could unwittingly produce a dangerous - or even deadly
- cocktail.
Although frequently heralded as safe, natural alternatives
by their manufacturers, many herbal supplements come with a range of
possible side effects, similar to conventional drug-based treatments.
And when combined with other treatments (whether they are conventional
or alternative), herbal supplements can interfere in the effectiveness,
actions, and/or safety of your medications.
Drug-herb interactions can, for example, impact on the effectiveness
of anything from birth control pills to antibiotics or anticoagulant
(blood thinning) drugs, while others may result in liver damage, uncontrolled
bleeding, or even death.
Be sure to check with your health professionals before taking any new
remedy. In the interim, here is a brief guide to some of the most popular
herbal supplements and their individual precautions, side effects, and
known interactions.
Dong Quai:
most commonly used for various menstrual disorders.
Should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people taking
blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin as with this combination there
is an increased risk of uncontrolled bleeding.
Hypersensitivity to the herb may lead to excessive bleeding and fever,
and in some cases may have a laxative effect, or increase your skin's
sensitivity to the sun.
Echinacea: used to treat
colds, flu, and respiratory tract infections.
Some allergic reactions have been reported, including rashes, increased
asthma, and anaphylaxis, particularly in people who are also allergic
to plants belonging to the aster family.
The long term use of Echinacea is controversial as it's believed this
may have a detrimental effect on the immune system, and is therefore
not recommended for people with autoimmune related diseases.
It's not recommended for use by pregnant women, and may
aggravate asthma or interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Garlic: used to reduce
blood levels of cholesterol, and may be included in cold remedies.
Garlic supplements may interfere with the action of hypoglycaemic
therapies, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressant treatments, and
warfarin, aspirin and other blood-thinning medications.
Its use, especially before surgery, may promote heavy bleeding, even
haemorrhage. These supplements can also affect blood sugar levels, and
even menstrual cycles.
Ginger: used to prevent
nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness.
May cause heartburn, and cause further problems in people with
gallstones. While generally considered quite safe, ginger may
increase bleeding particularly after surgery, and in excessive quantities,
may interfere with cardiac, antidiabetic, or anticoagulant therapy.
Gingko Biloba:
used to improve memory, and treat/prevent a variety of ailments
including Alzheimer's disease, asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and
tinnitus.
Common side effects may include headache, nausea, gastrointestinal
upset, diarrhoea, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions.
It may increase bleeding risk, so caution is warranted in people
with bleeding disorders, those taking blood thinning medication,
and anyone with scheduled surgery or dental procedures.
Gingko may have an effect on insulin levels, and the level of certain
anti-depressants in the blood.
Ginseng: common uses
include boosting the immune system, fighting fatigue or stress,
and improving general vitality.
Side effects including gastrointestinal problems, sleep disturbances,
high blood pressure, headache, vaginal bleeding, and breast tenderness
have been reported.
Some types of ginseng may heighten the effect of blood-thinning,
diabetic, antidepressant, and immunosuppressant medications, so
it's important to know which type of ginseng you are taking.
Asian or Korean ginseng (panax) should be avoided by people with
high blood pressure, pregnant women, and those with acute infections,
and should be used with caution in people with cardiac disorders,
asthma, or diabetes.
Siberian ginseng is not recommended for use by highly energetic,
anxious, nervous, tense or manic individuals, and should not be
taken with other kinds of stimulants, including coffee.
Kava: used to promote
relaxation, aid sleep, and reduce anxiety.
There is a potential risk of severe liver damage (including
hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure) from using any supplement
containing kava.
People with liver problems, or those taking medications which can
affect the liver should be especially cautious.
Sedatives, sleeping pills, anti-psychotics, and alcohol may increase
kava's effects (particularly its sedative action) and the likelihood
of adverse side effects.
Should obviously be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
St John's Wort: used
to treat mild to moderate depression.
Never take this supplement without seeking medical advice as it
can have very significant interactions with a wide range of prescription
medicines.
It is especially dangerous when combined with certain cancer, heart,
blood pressure, and immunosuppressant drugs.
Asthmatics should take note that it may interfere with the action
of medications containing theophylline.
It should be avoided by people with high blood pressure, those taking
anti-depressants, and is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
St John's Wort may weaken the effectiveness of antibiotics and birth
control pills, and can also cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Other common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, diarrhoea,
nausea, and fatigue.
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