Herbal supplements seem like these products should be harmless? After all, you use herbs all the time when you cook. But some of them can be dangerous, especially if you have certain diseases or take certain medications. So talk to your doctor before taking any supplements and if you are sure follow us further…The use of herbal supplements has increased over the past 10 to 15 years, and an estimated 25% of adults use one or more herbal supplements to treat a medical condition. Herbal supplements are defined as dietary supplements derived from a plant source, including leaves, stems, flowers, roots, and seeds.Herbal supplements are available as individual or combination products. Additionally, some multivitamin/mineral supplements now contain herbal supplements such as Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng. According to an article by Bent et al published in the April 2004 American Journal of Medicine, of the 10 most commonly used herbal supplements in the United States in 2001, only 4 herbs—garlic, Ginkgo biloba, palm tree, and St. John's wort—are systematic reviews reporting statistically significant evidence of effectiveness.Many patients may assume that herbal supplements are generally safe because they are derived from natural sources; however, many patients with pre-existing medical conditions and/or those patients taking other medications at the same time, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, may not be aware of statistically significant evidence of efficacy for potential interactions between medications and herbal supplements.• Supplements such as garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, St. John's wort, and evening primrose oil may increase the international normalized ratio in individuals taking warfarin, thus increasing the frequency of bleeding• Ginkgo can reduce the effectiveness of anticonvulsants• Ginseng can increase the effect of antihyperglycemic drugs, thus increasing the frequency of hypoglycemiaSt. John's wort can cause a decrease in the plasma concentration of such drugs as amitriptyline, cyclosporine, digoxin and theophylline. In addition, St. John's wort can also cause breakthrough bleeding and reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives• Valerian can cause an increased sedative effect when used with alcohol and other central nervous system depressants• Coffee can reduce the effectiveness of levodopa and is contraindicated for use with other drugs and herbs that can cause liver damage• Garlic supplements may increase the effect of some antihypertensive drugsPharmacists can be the primary source of information for patients seeking advice on the safety and efficacy of herbal supplements. When counseling patients about prescription and over-the-counter medications, pharmacists should ascertain whether the patient is currently taking herbal supplements to assess for possible drug interactions or contraindications. Similarly, when helping patients choose herbal supplements, pharmacists should check for possible drug interactions and contraindications.Factors to consider when evaluating the clinical significance of an herbal-drug interaction include the specific herb, the drug, and the patient's medical history. 4 Patients should be reminded to discuss the use of herbal supplements with their primary care provider before using them and to always include these supplements as part of their treatment profile. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should never use herbal supplements without consulting a doctor.In addition, it is important to remind patients to always use herbal supplements from proven manufacturers and to follow the patient instructions provided. Patients should also be reminded to report any side effects to their primary care physician immediately.EchinaceaImmunostimulant for the prevention and treatment of colds and other infections of the upper respiratory tractGarlicHypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, diseases of peripheral arteriesGingko bilobaCognitive impairment, vascular dementia, tinnitusPalmettoBPHGinsengMental and physical overstrain, anemia, diabetes, insomniaGrape seed extractChronic venous insufficiency, diabetic retinopathy, atherosclerosisGreen teaProtection against cancer, cardiovascular diseases and liver diseasesInsomnia, anxiety and tachycardiaHypericumDepression, pain, anxiety and insomniaPhotosensitivity, xerostomia, dizziness and confusionBilberryVisual impairmentAloeAloe Local: promotes healing of wounds and dermatitisOral aloe: indigestion stimulation of washingAllergic reactions and urticaria. The use of local aloe is contraindicated for people with allergies to plants of the lily family.GI = gastrointestinal tract; BPH = benign prostatic hypertrophy.And many others that you can order from us on our website.
