ATI Herbal Remedies

Saw Palmetto

• Treats and prevents BPH

• S/E:

  • Headache

  • Altered platelet function

• Increases bleeding risk

Valerian Root

• Used for migraines, insomnia, menstrual cramps.

• S/E:

  • Drowsiness

  • Headache

  • Nervousness with prolonged use

• Increases the effect of barbiturates and benzos

St. John’s Wort

• Used for depression, seasonal affective disorder, and anxiety

• S/E:

  • Headache

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Phototoxicity

  • Constipation

• Many drug interactions

  • Oral contraceptives

  • Cyclosporine

  • Warfarin

  • Reduced antiretroviral effects

  • Calcium channel blockers

  • Antidepressants

• Increases the risk of bleeding

Echinacea

• Used for immune support, preventing/treating the common cold, and promoting wound healing

• S/E:

  • Fever and nausea

  • Anaphylaxis

• May reduce the effectiveness of immunosuppressants

• May increase the effectiveness of alprazolam, calcium channel blockers, and protease inhibitors

Garlic

• Used for blocking LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol, lowering triglycerides, suppressing platelet aggregation, disrupting coagulation, and acting as a vasodilator to lower BP.

• Increases the risk of bleeding and decreases the effectiveness of HIV treatments and cyclosporine.

Ginger Root

• Used for a variety of GI issues including nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. As well as decreasing pain and stiffness related to rheumatoid arthritis.

• Use cautiously in pregnant patients as higher doses can cause uterine contractions.

• Interferes with coagulation medications and increases risk of bleeding.

• Can increase hypoglycemic effects of diabetes.

Gingko Bilboa

• Improves circulation to treat dementia and memory loss, and decreases pain with walking in clients who have PAD.

• S/E:

  • Dizziness

  • Stomach upset

  • Vertigo

• May increase the effects of MAOIs, anticoagulants, and antiplatelet aggregates

• May reduce the effectiveness of insulin

Ginger Root and Ginkgo Biloba

What herbal supplements can cause hypoglycemia?

St. John’s Wort, Saw Palmetto, Garlic, Ginger, and Ginkgo Bilboa

What herbal supplements can increase the risk of bleeding?

St. John’s Wort, Echinacea, and Garlic

What herbal supplements interfere with HIV therapies/immunosuppressants and cyclosporine?