Herbals

Aloe Vera

Laxative (oral) / wound healing (topical)

Miscarriage, hypokalemia, toxic yellow sap at home

Diuretics, Digoxin, steroids, cardiac/kidney dz

Black Cohosh

Menopause, PMS

Not for pregnancy, loses effect after 6 months

Tamoxifen, hormonal meds, hypoglycemia, antihypertensives

Bilberry

Circulation, microcirculation, DVT help

Bleeding risk

ASA, Warfarin, NSAIDs, DM meds, Garlic/Ginger/Ginseng

Chamomile

GI relief, sleep, migraines

Delays med absorption

Blood thinners, NSAIDs, ASA

Echinacea

Immune booster, cold

Liver toxicity after 2 weeks

Immunosuppressants, Methotrexate, Amiodarone

Ephedra (BANNED)

Stimulant, weight loss

Pulmonary HTN, cardiac probs

MAOIs, caffeine, Digoxin, stimulants

Feverfew

Migraine prevention

Withdrawal symptoms, bleeding risk

Garlic, Ginger, Ginseng, NSAIDs, Warfarin

Fish Oil (Omega-3)

Heart health, joints, ADHD

↓ Vit E

Birth control, antihypertensives, blood thinners

Garlic

Lipid lowering, HTN, anticoagulant

Bleeding, ↓ iodine uptake

Warfarin, ASA, NSAIDs, other blood thinners

Ginger

N/V, motion sickness, morning sickness

Too much = uterine contractions

Blood thinners, chemo meds, antidiabetics

Ginkgo

Memory, circulation

Seizure risk in high doses

Blood thinners, anticonvulsants, Garlic, Ginseng

Ginseng

Energy, stress relief, immunity

N/A

Blood thinners, stimulants, hormone therapy

Kava Kava

Anxiety, insomnia, muscle relaxant

Liver damage, CNS depression

Alcohol, sedatives, benzos, barbiturates

St. John’s Wort

Depression, anxiety

Serotonin syndrome, photosensitivity

SSRIs, MAOIs, antidepressants, Coumadin, cold meds

Saw Palmetto

BPH

Alters PSA results, preg. category X

Finasteride, iron, hormones

Valerian

Sleep aid, anxiety

Persistent drowsiness

Benzos, antidepressants, sedatives