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Greetings. I was just thinking that with all the posting of herbs for
medical treatment not only on this list but on others over the last
month, now would be the time to caution folks. Herbs are not purely
safe. There are precautions with them just like with medicines. There
can be side effects or even death. Prevention magazine puts out a great
book called Natural Healing When using herbs, use common sense above all. Don't mix and match nilly willy, but do research and make sure the herbs you are taking are compatible. If you are under a doctor's care, pregnant, nursing or taking medication, do not use herbs or essential oils without consulting your doctor whether that is a allopathic, naturopath or homeopathic physician. Essential oils should never be taken internally because they are so concentrated they can be toxic. Essential oils usually should be diluted in a carrier oil or cream. It is wise to do a patch test and wait for an hour to see if irritation occurs. And remember with herbs, do not exceed the recommended dose, more is not better. If you are going to use herbs, be aware of the precautions and possible side effects so that you may enjoy them safely. The following is directly from Prevention's Natural Healing Guide 2000. I will send several parts. As with all things, do your own research as well. Bright Blessings, Kiri Sue Herb Safety Guidelines Angelica (Angelica Archangelica) Use sparingly and only for short periods of time. increases sensitivity to the sun Arnica (arnica montana) Do not use on broken skin Ashwaganda (withania somnifera) do not use with barbiturates because it may intensify their effects Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) Do not take large amounts (several cups) a day for extended periods Birch (Betula Spp) Do not take if you need to avoid aspirin because its active ingredient salicin, is related to aspirin Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa) Do not use for > 6 months Black Haw (Viburnum Prunifolium) Do not take without medical supervision if you have a history of kidney stones as it contains oxalates, which can cause kidney stones Borage (Borago Officinalis) For external use only; long-term use is not recommended Bromelain may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, and heavy menstrual bleeding; do not use it if you are allergic to pineapple; bromelain could increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking aspirin or other blood-thinning drugs Cascara Sagrada (Rhamnus Purshianus) Do not use if you have any inflammatory condition of the intestines, intestinal obstruction or abdominal pain; can cause laxative dependency and diarrhea, do not use for more than 14 days Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita) Very rarely can cause an allergic reaction when ingested, people allergic to closely related plants such as ragweed, asters and chrysanthemums should drink the tea with caution Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) May counteract the effectiveness of birth control pills Comfrey (symphytum officinale) For external use only; do not use topically on deep or infected wounds because it can promote surface healing too quickly and not allow healing of underlying tissue Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) If you have gallbladder disease, do not use dandelion root remedies without medical approval Echinacea (Echinacea Angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. Pallida)
Do not use if allergic to closely related plants such as ragweed, Ephedra (Ephedra Sincia) Use only with a qualified practitioner Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus) Do not use if you have inflammatory disease of the bile ducts or gastrointestinal tract or severe liver disease; may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in doses higher than 4 grams a day Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Do not use medicinally for more than 6 weeks without supervision by a qualified herbalist Feverfew (Chrysanthemum Parthenium; Tanacetum Parthenium) fresh leaves can cause mouth sores in some people if chewed Flax (Linum Usitatissimum) Do not take if you have a bowel obstruction take with at least 8 ounces of water Garlic (Allium Sativum) Do not use if you're on anticoagulants (blood thinners) or before undergoing surgery as garlic thins the blood and may increase bleeding; do not use if taking hypoglycemic drugs Gentian (Gentiana Lutea) May cause nausea & vomiting in large doses do not use if you have high blood pressure, gastric or duodenal ulcers or gastric irritation or inflammation Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) May increase bile secretion, so if you have gallstones, do not use therapeutic amounts of the dried root or powder without guidance from a healthcare practitioner Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) Do not use with antidepressant MAO inhibitor drugs such as phenelzine sulfate (nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meds (Advil, Alleve), or blood thinners such as Coumadin; can cause dermatitis, diarrhea, and vomiting in doses higher than 240 mg of concentrated extract Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis)Do not use with high blood pressure Guggul (Commiphora Mukul) May rarely trigger diarrhea, restlessness apprehension, or hiccups Hawthorn (Crataegus Oxycantha; C. Laevigata; C. Monogyna) If you have a cardiovascular condition, do not take hawthorn regularly for more than a few weeks without medical supervision. You may need lower doses of other meds such as high blood pressure drugs; if you have low blood pressure caused by heart valve problems, do not use without medical supervision Hops (Humulus Lupulus) Do not take if prone to depression; rarely, can cause skin rash, so handle fresh or dried hops carefully Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum)May interfere with the action of other drugs, especially blood thinners such as Coumadin, may irritate the gastrointestinal tract Horsetail (Equisetum SPP) Do not use tincture if you have heart or kidney problems; may cause a thiamin deficiency; do not take more than 2 grams per day of powered extract or for extended time Kava Kava (Piper Methysticum) Do not take with alcohol or barbiturates do not take more than the recommended dose on pkg; use caution when driving or operating equipment as this is a muscle relaxant Korean Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) May cause irritability if taken with caffeine or other stimulants; do not take with high blood pressure Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) Do not use if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, live or kidney disorders, or low potassium levels; do not use daily for more than 4 to 6 weeks because overuse can lead to water retention, high blood pressure caused by potassium loss, or impaired heart and kidney function. Marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis) May slow the absorption of medications taken at the same time Nettle (Urtica Dioica) If you have allergies, your symptoms may worsen, so take only one dose a day for the first few days Oatstraw, Also Oats (Avena Sativa) Do not use if you have celiac disease (gluten intolerance) as it contains gluten, a grain protein Parsley (Petroselinum Crispum) If you have kidney disease, do not use large amounts (several cups daily)because it increases urine flow; safe as a garnish or ingredient in food Pygeum (Pygeum Afrcanum) May cause nausea and stomach pain Rosemary (Rosemarinus Officinalis)May cause excessive menstruation Sage (Salvia Officinalis) Used in therapeutic amounts can increase sedative side effects of drugs; do not use if hypoglycemic or undergoing anticonvulsant therapy such as Dilantin, Tegretol, etc St John's Wort (Hypericum Perforatum)Do not use with antidepressants without medical approval; may cause photosensitivity, avoid over-exposure to sunlight Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) Long-term use is not recommended; do not take more than the recommended dose Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Repens) Consult doctor if using treat an enlarged prostrate Senna (Cassia Senna) Do not use if you have a bowel obstruction; take one hour after other drugs, take with at least 8 ounces of water
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