pharmacists planning service, inc.
NAME OF HERB |
SOME COMMON USES |
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS or DRUG INTERACTIONS |
|
External: used for muscle spasm and soreness |
External: potential for skin ulceration and blistering with greater than 2 days of use. Internal: overuse may cause severe hypothermia. |
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Echinacea boosts the immune system and helps fight colds and flu. Aids wound healing. |
Echinacea may cause inflammation of the liver if used with certain other medications, such as anabolic steroids, methotrexate or others. |
|
Ephedra is also called Ma-Huang. It is used in many over-the-counter diet aids as an appetite suppressant. It is also used for asthma or bronchitis. |
Ephedra may interact with certain antidepressant medications or certain high blood pressure medications to cause dangerous elevation in blood pressure or heart rate. It could cause death in certain individuals. |
|
Feverfew is used to ward offf migraine headaches and for arthritis, rheumatic disease and allergies. |
Feverfew may increase bleeding, especially in patients already taking certain anti-clotting medications. |
|
Garlic is used for lowering blood cholesterol, triglyceride levels and blood pressure. |
Garlic may increase bleeding, especially in patients already taking certain anti-clotting medications. |
|
Ginger is used for reducing nausea, vomiting and vertigo |
Ginger may increase bleeding, especially in patients already taking certain anti-clotting medications. |
|
Ginkgo, also called ginkgo biloba, is used for increasing blood circulation and oxygenation and for improving memory and mental alertness. |
Ginkgo may increase bleeding, especially in patients already taking certain anti-clotting medications. |
|
Ginseng increases physical stamina and mental concentration. |
Ginseng may cause decreased effectiveness of certain anti-clotting medications. Persons using ginseng see increased heart rate or high blood pressure. It may cause bleeding in women after menopause. |
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Goldenseal is used aas a mild laxative and also reduces inflammation. |
Goldenseal may worsen swelling and/or high blood pressure. |
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Kava-kava is used for nervousness, anxiety or restlessness; it is also a muscle relaxant. |
Kava-kava may increase the effects of certain anti-seizure medications and/or prolong the effects of certain anesthetics. it can enhance the effects of alcohol. It may increase the risk of suicide for people with certain types of depression. |
|
Licorice is used for treating stomach ulcers. |
Certain licorice compounds may cause high blood pressure, swelling or electrolyte imbalances. |
|
Saw Palmetto is used for enlarged prostate and urinary inflammations. |
People using saw palmetto may see effects with other hormone therapies. |
|
St. John's Wort is used for mild to moderate depression or anxiety and sleep disorders. |
St. John's Wort may prolong the effect of certain anesthetic agents. |
|
Valerian is used as a mild sedative or sleep-aid. It is also a muscle relaxant. |
Valerian may increase the effects of certain anti-seizure medications or prolong the effects of certain anesthetic agents. |
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Date of Last Update: 11/29/06
