Alternative Health and Healing

Erika Szabo ND

http://www.try-alternative-healing.com

http://www.doktorszaboerika.com

We are well aware of medication side effects, which are listed by the pharmacy where we fill a prescription. What about herbs? We drink herbal teas, take herbal capsules on regular bases for various ailments and symptoms. Very few of them contains a warning about interaction with medications, or with other herbs. Herb has side effects just like medications, and they can be as dangerous as medication side effects. Some examples:

Alfalfa

Widely used to prevent blood clotting, as an energy booster, appetite promoter and anti inflammatory for gout or arthritis.

Alfalfa seeds contain stachydrine and homostachydrine, which promote menstruation and in some cases can lead to miscarriage.

Since alfalfa contains vitamin K, if you have heart or blood disorders or are taking a medication such as Warfarin, avoid using it.

May cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Taking large quantities of alfalfa seeds over a long period of time, may lead to pancytopenia, which is a blood disorder that causes the deterioration of both platelets, responsible for blood clotting, and white blood cells, which fight infections.

Alfalfa contains saponins which is believed to destroy red blood cells. Anyone suffering from anemia should use alfalfa only under the strict direction of a licensed healthcare professional.

Alfalfa has been known to aggravate lupus and other autoimmune disorders.

Aloe

Known to be used for everything, the false information circulates that it cures all kind of diseases.

May result in allergic reactions, cramps or diarrhea. Used as a purgative, may cause hemorrhage, ulcers and irritated bowels.

May cause aloe induced hepatoxicity. (when the herb stopped, the liver function usually returns to normal, depending on the severity).

Angelica

Used for anemia, migraine and irregular menses.

Do not take arnica internally, it is poisonous and not for self-medication, as the plant may be toxic and cause skin irritations. Unless your doctor advises you otherwise.

Internal consumption can cause vomiting, weakness, high blood pressure, increased heart rate and nervous disturbances.

Astralagus

Used to treat night sweats, mucus membrane infections as well as energy tonic and immune stimulant for the treatment of cold and flu.

Caution should be used when taking astragalus at the same time as diabetic, high blood pressure, anti-viral, or blood-thinning medications because of the potential for increased effects.

Astragalus may interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.

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Barberry

Side-effects can result from high dosages and may include gastrointestinal discomfort, dyspnea, lowered blood pressure, flu-like symptoms, and cardiac damage. Barberry usage should be avoided in pregnancy, due to potential for causing uterine contractions and miscarriage, and in jaundiced neonates because of its bilirubin displacement properties.

Bayberry

May cause allergic reaction similar to hay fever.

Black cohosh

Is one of the most popular herbal therapies for premenstrual discomfort, hot flushes and  menopausal symptoms. Mostly, it is tolerated well. However, there are some serious adverse effects such as coagulation activation, fluid retention and transient autoimmune hepatitis most likely triggered by the use of black cohosh. Adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, mastalgia, and weight gain have been observed. Overdoses may produce nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, and may slow the heart rate or cause sweating, tremors, hypotension or joint pains. Normal dose may cause mild, transient stomach upset.

Black currant

Black currant seed oil has the ability to reduce prostaglandin production. Significant reductions in blood pressure was observed in trials, however, in high doses may cause stomach upset and severe headache. It may increase absorption of aluminum and it may lower seizure threshold.

Celery

Known to contain psoralens, a group of substances that cause a toxic dermal reaction on exposure to ultraviolet A rays (UVA).

Before you consider taking herbs, please do an extensive research of their effects, side effects and interactions with medications or ask the experts advice.

Consultation is available on my website, www.try-alternative-healing.com