Before
using a 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 our website. 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
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.
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.
Statements
made by Herbal-H.com 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.
