HERB

USES

POSSIBLE REACTIONS

INTERACTIONS & CAUTIONS

St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

bronchial inflammation, burns, cancer, depression, enuresis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, hypothyroidism, insect bites and stings, insomnia, renal disorders, scabies, wound healing

dizziness, restlessness, sleep disturbances, dry mouth, constipation, Gastrointestinal distress, phototoxicity, allergic hypersensitivity        

adverse interactions with alcohol, narcotics, cold and flu remedies, MAO inhibitors, birth control pills, Cyclosporine, Digoxin, Indinavir, Paroxetine, Serotonergic drugs, drugs metabolized by the liver, drugs metabolized by  CYP3A in the intestine

Echinacea

(Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustafolia & other species)

cold, flu, upper respiratory conditions, wound healing, herpes (as a topical application)

allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, hives, swelling, maculopapular rash

not to be used in combination with immunosuppressant drugs

Saw Palmetto

(Serenoa repens)

benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, lower urinary tract Infection in men, chronic nonbacterial prostatitis

 headaches, hypertension, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, decreased libido, dysuria, impotence, urine retention, back pain

none documented

Green Tea

(Camellia sinensis)

periodontal disease, chemoprevention, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, weight loss

allergic reaction, hypertension, nervousness, insomnia, heart palpitations due to caffeine content

used with Doxorubicin, it may increase antitumorigenic activity; used with Warfarin, Green tea can be a significant source of vitamin K and thus antagonize the effects of warfarin

Ginseng

(Panax ginseng)

immune support, diabetes, mental and physical fatigue, debilitating or degenerative conditions

headaches, insomnia, nervousness,chest pain, hypertension, palpitations, nose bleed, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, impotence, mastalgia, vaginal bleeding, rashes

not to be used with Warfarin, insulin, MAO inhibitors (antidepressants)

Ginkgo

(Ginkgo biloba)

Alzheimers disease, dementia, intermittent claudication, memory enhancement, improved mental function

headache, increased bleeding, nausea, diarrhea

not to be used with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, insulin, oral hypoglycemics, Thiazide diuretics (gingko increases blood pressure)

Flax

(Linum usitatissi-mum)

constipation relief, cholesterol reduction, relief from menopausal symptoms

diarrhea, flatulence, allergic reaction, estrogenic constituents may affect reproduction cycle

use with stool softeners may cause diarrhea;  flax may decrease absorption of oral meds; hormonal interaction is possible and those with a history of estrogen dependent cancers should use caution; for chronic constipation, seek medical advice before using flax meal as it is a bulking agent and may block the intestinal tract

Aloe

(Aloe Vera)

topically for burns, genital herpes, psoriasis, wounds; internally for diabetes, laxative, ulcers

internally it may cause damage to intestinal mucosa, gastrointestinal spasms, diarrhea, spontaneous abortion, and accumulation of blood in the pelvic region;  Externally it may contact cause dermatitis, decrease wound healing of second-degree burns   

Excessive internal consumption may interfere with heart medications, corticosteroids (meds used for chronic conditions), loop diuretics (used to remove water from the body), and insulin; use on deep wounds may cause serious secondary infection; diabetics should not take internal preparations & topical application of aloe gel in advanced diabetes patients is not recommended either as wound-healing capacity is compromised; excessive consumption of aloe juice can lead to serious organ damage.

Astragalus

Astragalus membran-aceus

Immune supportive (it is widely used for serious illnesses such as cancer, Aids and HIV)

Non documented

is antihypertensive and may interfere with or increase hypotensive medications;it affects the immune system and those with autoimmune diseases should use caution; usage in palliative care should be under supervision of a health care provider.

Lavender

Lavendula angustafolia)

Antidepressant, insomnia, antibacterial, antifungal, carminative (an aid to expel gas from the intestinal tract), migraine headache, insect repellents

Ingestion of large dosages may induce confusion, drowsiness, headache, constipation, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression or contact dermatitis

CNS sedatives such as alcohol, benzodiazepines and narcotics may increase in effect when taken with products containing lavender; lavender can be very irritating topically to some individuals; first time users may want to keep their initial exposure to a small test area to evaluate their personal sensitivity to this herb; a health care professional should evaluate migraines to rule out serious underlying conditions.