Herbs are, for the most part, gentle medicine that many people take routinely without much thought of the consequences. Some people however should investigate an herb thoroughly before using it.
People with severe plant or pollen allergies might have a strong reaction to an herb. Pregnant and nursing mothers should be careful of anything that might affect their child. Lastly, people on prescription medications may find that the effectiveness of their pharmaceuticals is either increased or decreased by an herb; always check with a healthcare professional when combining herbs and pharmaceuticals.
Here are eight popularly used herbs and their possible side effects. These are just examples of popular herbs; they are not the most dangerous, or least dangerous. Almost any herb can induce reactions such as nausea after an overdose so those reactions are not listed. Follow directions when taking herbs as with any medication. Remember that drugs and herbs are rarely tested on children, the elderly, or immune-compromised individuals so use extreme care when providing such individuals with herbal remedies.
Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca)
Damiana is used by women to stimulate sexual energy and as a mild antidepressant. Sensitive individuals may feel disoriented and lightheaded or experience headache or insomnia. It can have an effect on blood sugar so hypoglycemic and diabetic patients should check with their health care provider.
Dong Quai (Chinese Angelica)
Dong Quai is used as an aphrodisiac and to help with cramps or PMS. It may increase the effects of antidepressants due to the fact that it may alter serotonin levels in the brain. It can cause a blood sugar rise in diabetics. It sometimes causes diarrhea and abdominal bloating.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Feverfew is used for headaches, fever, muscle aches and pain. It can also lower blood pressure and improve digestion. It can cause dangerous uterine contractions in pregnant women and interfere with blood clotting.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba improves blood circulation to the brain and can improve vision. It is often used by the elderly. It is not tolerated by everyone since it can cause headaches, seizures, irritability, restlessness, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. It can cause excessive bleeding by interfering with blood clotting.
Chinese or Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Panax Ginseng has been used for 5000 years as a general tonic. It is a stimulant and should be used with care if other stimulants are used. Vitamin C can increase the effect of Ginseng. It interferes with many pharmaceuticals so the warning above to talk to your doctor is especially important.
Side effects can be headache, insomnia, anxiety, breast soreness, skin rashes, asthma attacks, increased blood pressure, diarrhea, euphoria, nervousness, skin eruptions, heart palpitations, or post-menopausal uterine bleeding. Any of these are likely to be primarily caused by some underlying condition which is stimulated by the ginseng.
Russian or Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), and American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
While these other Ginsengs are completely different herbs, their uses and warnings are similar but not identical.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Goldenseal is an herbal antibiotic and immune system enhancer. It can be used for only a week to prevent illness. It's sometimes used at the very first feeling of "coming down with something".
Goldenseal can cause inflammation of the mucous tissue and in high doses can irritate the skin, mouth, throat, and vagina. It may stimulate the uterus during pregnancy, and cause high blood pressure. It is known to interfer with vitamin B metabolism.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St. John's Wort is often used as an antidepressant. It is commonly used by MDs in Europe.
Side effects include high blood pressure, headaches, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, increased sunburn in people with sensitive skin. It interacts strongly with many pharmaceuticals so talk to your healthcare provider before using.
Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe)
Yohimbe is a poor-man's viagra. It can improve male sexual performance in some individuals but it can have severe side-effects so it's use, even under a doctor's advice, should be gradual. The effective dose is very close to the toxic dose. The body should be given time to adjust at lower levels. It can cause renal failure, seizures and death. Less scary effects are low (or high) blood pressure, anxiety attacks, increased heart rate, irritability, headache, nausea, skin flushing, sweating, dizziness, frequent urination, water retention, rise in body temperature, and hyperactivity, weakness, paralysis, gastrointestinal problems, hallucinations, and psychosis.
Viagra is probably a better choice.
Other Resources
HerbWisdom.com provides an excellent overview of many common herbs.
Here's an excellent website that you can use to investigate the safety of a particular herb that you'd like to use.
Please note: The information here is not to be followed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal health and necessary treatments.
