Herb Alert

Echinacea   |   Ginko   |    Ginseng   |   Kava   |   Saw Palmetto   |   St. John's Wort

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Echinacea

Proposed Uses

To prevent colds & flu, fight infections, and boost the immune system.

Types

Warnings

Could cause liver damage if taken with antifungal medicines (e.g., Nizoral). Since it boosts the immune system, it should not be taken by persons with autoimmune conditions (e.g., AIDS, lupus, multiple sclerosis) or who take medicines (e.g., cyclosporine) to suppress the immune system.

Ginko

Proposed Uses

To improve mental function and promote circulation to the limbs.

Warnings

Alternative Medicine Systems

Do not use if you take blood-thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) or have a bleeding disorder.

Ginseng

Proposed Uses

To increase energy.

Warnings

Don’t use if you take medicines for high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Don’t use if you take MAOI medicines for depression (e.g., Nardil, Parnate). Ginseng can cause irritability when mixed with caffeine.

Kava

Proposed Uses

To treat anxiety, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome, and stress.

Warnings

FDA advisory links products with Kava to severe liver damage. Don’t use if you take anti-anxiety and antidepressant medicines. Don’t use with alcohol.

Saw Palmetto

Proposed Uses

To treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Resources

Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition

888.723.3366 or

www.fda.gov/FOOD

 

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)

888.644.6226 or www.nccam.nih.gov

 

Office of Dietary Supplements

www.ods.od.nih.gov

 

Mental Health America

www.mentalhealthamerica.net/list-cam-treatments

Warnings

Don’t self-diagnose. See a doctor. Follow his or her advice. Don’t take with medicine prescribed for an enlarged prostate.

St. John's Wort

Proposed Uses

To treat mild to moderate depression.

Warnings

Should not be used with prescribed antidepressants, such as SSRIs (e.g., Zoloft, Paxil) and MAOIs (e.g., Nardil, Parnate). Makes birth control pills and some medicines for asthma, HIV, and heart disease less effective.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

 

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