Before
using an herb you are unfamiliar with, find out its
medicinal properties. Research it thoroughly and/or
consult with an appropriately qualified practitioner or
expert.
If you are taking prescription drugs, or have a
medical condition check with an appropriately qualified
practitioner before using herbs medicinally. Herbs
have shown overwhelming evidence that they work.
Just because a small amount works well does NOT mean
that more is better. As individuals we all have
different constitutions, sensitivities, allergic
reactions and possible health conditions. The following
are merely guidelines. They include herbs offered on
many websites. This list does not help with
administering information on possible interactions and
contraindications with prescription medicine. This needs
to be discussed with your physician.
SHOULD I CHECK WITH MY DOCTOR OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
BEFORE USING A SUPPLEMENT?
This is a good idea, especially for certain population
groups. Dietary supplements may not be risk-free under
certain circumstances. If you are pregnant, nursing a
baby, or have a chronic medical condition, such as,
diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, be sure to
consult your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing or
taking any supplement. While vitamin and mineral
supplements are widely used and generally considered
safe, you may wish to check with your doctor or
pharmacist before taking these or any other dietary
supplements. If you plan to use a dietary supplement in
place of drugs or in combination with any drug, tell
your health care provider first. Many supplements
contain active ingredients that have strong biological
effects and their safety is not always assured in all
users. If you have certain health conditions and take
these products, you may be placing yourself at risk.
SOME SUPPLEMENTS MAY INTERACT WITH PRESCRIPTION AND
OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES:
Taking a combination of supplements or using these
products together with medications (whether prescription
or OTC drugs) could under certain circumstances produce
adverse effects. Be alert to advisories about these
products, whether taken alone or in combination. For
example: Coumadin (a prescription medicine), ginkgo
biloba (an herbal supplement), aspirin (an OTC drug) and
vitamin E (a vitamin supplement) can each thin the
blood, and taking any of these products together can
increase the potential for internal bleeding.
SOME SUPPLEMENTS CAN HAVE UNWANTED EFFECTS DURING
SURGERY:
It is important to fully inform your doctor about the
vitamins, minerals, herbals or any other supplements you
are taking, especially before elective surgery.
You may
be asked to stop taking these products at least 2-3
weeks ahead of the procedure to avoid potentially
dangerous supplement/drug interactions -- such as
changes in heart rate, blood pressure and increased
bleeding - that could adversely affect the outcome of
your surgery.
NOT TO BE USED DURING PREGNANCY, OR IF YOU ARE
NURSING:
Alkanet, Aloe, Angelica, Anise, Anise Star, Arnica,
Ashwaganda, Barley Grass, Barberry, Basil, Bitter Melon,
Black Cohosh, Bladderwrack, Blessed Thistle, Blood Root,
Blue Cohosh, Blue Flag, Blue Vervain, Borage, Buckthorn,
California Poppy, Cascara Sagrada, Catnip, Celandine,
Celery, Chervil, Cinnamon, Club Moss, Comfrey,
Coltsfoot, Cubeb, Dong Quai, Elecampane, Ephedra, False
Unicorn, Fenugreek, Feverfew, Ginger, Golden Seal,
Gravel, Guarana, Gymnema, Horehound, Horsetail, Hyssop,
Juniper, Lemongrass, Licorice, Lobelia, Lovage,
Lungwort, Mace, Motherwort, Mugwort, Muira Puama, Myrrh,
Neem, Oregon Grape, Osha, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Pleurisy,
Prickly Ash, Red Clover, Rhodiola, Rosemary, Rue, Sage,
Sassafras, Sarsaparilla, Senna, Shepherds Purse,
Spikenard, Turkey Rhubarb, Turmeric, Uva Ursi, Vitex,
Watercress, White Sage, Wormwood, Yarrow
NOT FOR PERSONS WITH HISTORY OF KIDNEY STONES, LIVER
DISORDERS, RENAL DYSFUNCTION OR INFLAMMATION:
Cubeb, Essiac, Horsetail, Hydrangea, Juniper Berries,
Kava Kava, Parsley Root, Pennyroyal, Sheep Sorrel,
Shepherds Purse, Suma, Sumac, Uva Ursi, Yellowdock,
Yohimbe
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PERSON CURRENTLY TAKING BLOOD
THINNING MEDICATIONS:
Alfalfa, Angelica, Cramp Bark, Cubeb, Dong Quai, Ginkgo,
Meadowsweet, Red Clover, Sarsaparilla, Yohimbe
NOT FOR PERSONS WITH STOMACH INFLAMMATION/ULCERS
SERIOUS DIGESTION AND/OR LIVER PROBLEMS. MAY CAUSE
GASTROINTESTINAL UPSET:
Black Haw, Blue Flag, Chaparral, Club Moss, Crampbark,
Devils Claw, Eucalyptus, Elecampane, Essiac, Gentian,
Ginger, Licorice, Lobelia, Parsley Root, Pleurisy,
Pygeum, Solomans Seal, Tribulus, Turmeric, Yohimbe
NOT FOR LONG-TERM USE:
Bilberry Leaf, Black Walnut, Blessed thistle, Borage,
Cascara Sagrada, Comfrey, Coltsfoot, Chaparral,
Elecampane, Ephedra, Flax, Horsetail, Gentian,
Goldenseal, Guarana, Juniper berries, Licorice, Lobelia,
Lungwort, Mullein, Nettle Root, Rhubarb, Sage,
Sassafras, Sarsaparilla, Senna, Sheep Sorrel, Wild
Cherry, Wormwood, Uva Ursi, Yohimbe
TO BE USED ONLY UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF AN EXPERT
QUALIFIED IN THE APPROPRIATE USE OF THIS SUBSTANCE:
Calamus, Horse Chestnut, Lobelia, Licorice, Mandrake,
Poke, Tonka
DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE ABDOMINAL PAIN OR DIARRHEA,
DISCONTINUE IF THESE OCCUR. CONSULT HEALTH PRACTITIONER
PRIOR TO USE IF PREGNANT, NURSING, AND TAKING MEDICATION
OR HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION. DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED
DOSE. NOT FOR LONG TERM USE:
Aloe, Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, Senna, Turkey Rhubarb,
Yohimbe
MAY CAUSE PHOTO TOXICITY IN SOME INDIVIDUALS AT HIGH
DOSAGE. AVOID LONG EXPOSURE TO SUN IF USING INTERNALLY:
Angelica, Celery Seed, Orange Peel, Rue, St. Johns Wort
SEEK ADVICE FROM HEALTH PRACTITIONER PRIOR TO USE IF
PREGNANT, NURSING, HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, HEART OR
THYROID DISEASE, DIABETES, DIFFICULTY IN URINATION DUE
TO PROSTATE ENLARGEMENT, OR IF TAKING MAO INHIBITOR OR
OTHER PRESCRIPTION DRUG. REDUCE/DISCONTINUE USE IF
NERVOUSNESS, TREMOR, SLEEPLESSNESS, LOSS OF APPETITE OR
NAUSEA OCCUR. DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSE. KEEP OUT
OF REACH OF CHILDREN:
Ephedra, St. Johns Wort, Yohimbe
SEEK ADVICE FROM A HEALTH PRACTITIONER BEFORE USE IF
YOU HAVE/MAY HAVE HAD KIDNEY OR LIVER DISEASE.
DISCONTINUE USE IF NAUSEA, FEVER, FATIGUE OR JAUNDICE
(DARK URINE, YELLOW DISCOLORATION OF EYES) SHOULD OCCUR:
Boldo, Chaparral
Statements made by most thyroid manufacturers
have not been evaluated by the food and drug
administration. The FDA does not evaluate or test herbs.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure
or prevent any illness or disease. Consult with your
physician for diagnosis or treatment. Use herbs as per
instructions and always watch for any allergic
reactions.
