Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Herbal Remedies Examined

An estimated 60 million Americans use herbal supplements to prevent or treat a variety of conditions, including memory loss, depression and excess weight.

Believing herbs are safe because they are natural, as many as 70 percent of those who use them don't tell their doctors, even when they are taking prescription drugs. Herbal supplements can interact with certain drugs with potentially dangerous results.

Charlotte Fant, health education specialist with the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas has compiled some examples of potential herb/drug interactions:

Gingko biloba can inhibit blood clotting. Taking gingko with aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDSs) or anticoagulants, such as warfarin (Coumadin) can increase the risk of excessive bleeding or even stroke.

Evidence suggests that gingko toxins, present in the leaves and seeds and not harmful in small doses, could interfere with seizure medications, such as phenobarbital.

If you take anti-convulsants or medications known to increase the possibility of seizures, such as Wellbutrin, avoid gingko biloba.

St. John's wort is used to treat anxiety, depression and sleep disorders. Don't take St. John's wort with other antidepressants due to interactions and adverse side effects.

Ginseng can cause bleeding problems when taken with blood-thinning medications. Other supplements that should not be taken with blood-thinning medications include feverfew, garlic, ginger and gingko.

Kava can add to the effects of substances that depress the central nervous systems, causing over-sedation. You should avoid substances, such as alcohol, sedatives and sleeping pills.

Kava can also bring about tremors, muscle spasms or abnormal movements that may decrease the effectiveness of anti-Parkinson's medication. These movement problems can also add to those caused by anti-psychotic medications.

Ephedra, commonly found in herbal weight-loss products, athletic performance enhancers and products marketed as decongestants, can increase your risk of high blood pressure, nervousness, irregular heartbeat, or even heart attack or stroke.

Licorice should not be combined with blood pressure medications. Natural licorice can raise blood pressure, counteracting the effects of drugs used to treat hypertension.

Echinacea may offset the effects of drugs that work to suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine.

Valerian may add to the effects of sedatives, especially bensodiazepines like Valium. Avoid taking valerian with alcohol, sedatives and sleeping pills.

It's best to talk with your doctor before you decide to take herbal supplements.

For more information on health contact the Clark County Extension office at 246-2281.