herbal remedies

Probiotic vs antibiotics

Probiotic- helps good bacteria grow

Antibiotic- gets rid of all bacteria, even decreases the good

Aloe Vera - used for

Skin disorders/topical application (gel)

• burns

• Acne

• Wound healing

GI disorders/taken orally (juice)

• ulcers

• Heart disease

Aloe Vera drug interactions

• laxatives

• Diabetic medications (may lower results)

• Blood thinners (at risk for bleeding)

Chamomile - used for

calming effect (think tea)

• relieve anxiety, sleeplessness, stress

Relieve GI complaints

Chamomile drug interactions

Other CNS depressants

Echinacea - used for

Stimulates immune system

• antioxidants

• Used for colds, flus, infections

Echinacea - drug interactions

Medications that are meant to weaken the immune system should not be taken at the same time as echinacea

• anti-rejection drugs (following transplants

• Autoimmune disease (would boost immune system to attack itself)

May interact with drugs used in treatment of HIV/AIDS

Feverfew - used for

Referred to as “medieval aspirin”

• anti inflammatory/ pain relief

• Fever reducer

• Migraine/ headache

Feverfew - drug interactions

• Warfarin and other anticoagulants

• Aspirin and ibuprofen

• At risk for bleeding- blood thinning

Garlic - used for

Contains a large amount of vitamins and minerals

• heart health - lower cholesterol and blood pressure

May include heartburn, upset stomach, body odor

Garlic - drug interactions

Garlic is a natural anticoagulant→ decreased blood clotting → bleeding risk

• blood thinning medication

Ginger - used for

Anti nausea here

• pregnant patients, motion sickness

• Can relieve pain

Ginger - drug interactions

Too much during pregnancy can cause uterine contractions = risk for miscarriage

• may increase risk of bleeding

• Warfarin and anticoagulants

• Aspirin and NDAIDs

Ginkgo biloba - used for

Rich in antioxidants

• reduce inflammation, mild pain

• Heart, brain, eye health

• May improve memory

Ginkgo biloba - drug interactions

Bleeding risk

• anticoagulant/NSAIDs

• Mental health medications

Licorice root - used for

• skin conditions

• Acid reflux, indigestion

• Oral health

Licorice root - drug interactions

High doses for long periods can lead to sodium and water retention

• lead to hypertension, heart failure

• Cardiac warning

Blood pressure medications, diuretics, corticosteroids

Kava - used for

Natures Xanax / alternative for alcohol

• relaxation

• Reduce anxiety

• Help to sleep

CNS Depressant

Kava - drug interactions

Liver toxicity→ failure

• alcohol and other CNS depressants (anxiety meds, sleeping pills)

Saw palmetto- used for

Urinary symptom from benign prostatic hypertrophy

• decreases pressure in males urethras

Saw palmetto- drug interactions

Anticoagulants

St. John’s wort - used for

Used for mild to moderate depression, anxiety

• impact serotonin

• Menopausal symptoms

St. John’s wort - drug interactions

• serotonin containing drugs (antidepressants)

• Oral birth control

• Seizure medications

• Anticoagulants/ blood thinners

• CNS depressants

side effect

• anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, sensitivity

Valerian - used for

sedative in our CNS

• anxiety, insomnia, stress

Side effect- dizziness, drowsiness, vivid dreams

Valerian - drug interactions

Other CNS depressants

• must stop 2 weeks before surgery/procedures.. problems with anesthesia