Is it Safe to Take Herbal Drugs?

Herbal drugs, also called botanicals, have been used for medical purposes for many centuries and continue to gain population today. Flaxseed to lower cholesterol, Ginkgo to improve memory, Evening primrose to treat skin conditions, Echinacea to prevent colds, Saw palmetto to treat urinary problems. The list is not limiting and goes on and on.

However, herbal drugs aren’t subjected to the same scientific scrutiny and aren’t as strictly regulated as common prescription medications, including both brand name and cheapest generic drugs. Although the manufacturers of herbal medications must follow good manufacturing practices, they don’t have to get approval from the FDA. Yet, all herbal products may interact with prescription medications and have drug-like effects. So it is important to know how herbal drugs can interact with prescription medications and what side effects they may spur.

It is of particular importance to consult your doctor before using herbal drugs if you’re receiving conventional medications because some herbs may cause serious side effects when combined with aspirin, blood thinners or medications for high blood pressure.  

Below are given examples of such dangerous interactions:

• NSAIDs and anticoagulants: Ginkgo, Ginseng, garlic, Saw palmetto, cranberry, ginger, St. John’s wort
• Anticonvulsants: St. John’s wort, Ginkgo, valerian
• Oral contraceptives: kava, St. John’s wort
• Hypoglycemic agents: Ginkgo, Ginseng, cranberry, garlic
• Chemotherapy: Ginseng, St. John’s wort, cranberry, kava
• Cradiac glycosides and non-glycoside cardiotonic agents: Ginseng, St. John’s wort, ginger
• Antiviral HIV drugs: Ginseng, St. John’s wort, cranberry, garlic.

• Echinacea: dizziness, fatigue, headache, gastrointestinal disorders
• Ginkgo: dyspepsia, nausea, heart palpitations, headache
• Saw palmetto: diarrhea, headache
• Garlic: nausea, halitosis, burning sensation in the mouth, throat or stomach
• Ginseng: headache, rash, changes in blood pressure, anorexia
• St. John’s wort: dry mouth, dizziness, confusion, photosensitivity.

Be sure to investigate all potential benefits and side effects of herbal drugs before use and don’t fail to talk to your doctor, especially if you have chronic health problems or allergies, are pregnant or breastfeeding or take other medications.