Use Herbal Supplements With Caution

Herbal supplements, sometimes referred to as "botanicals," have been used for medicinal purposes for many centuries, and they continue to gain popularity among consumers today. These supplements are marketed for the prevention and management of many disease states and ailments. Currently, an estimated 75 percent of the world's population have used or are using some type of herbal supplement.

As the popularity of these supplements continues to increase, some people elect to use them in place of traditional medications. There are several factors to consider prior to using these natural supplements. While these are considered to be natural supplements, they may still cause several types of drug/supplement interactions and serious adverse effects, as well as exacerbate certain medical conditions.

If you are considering using an herbal supplement, you should be aware that many herbal supplements may interact with both prescription and nonprescription medications and can cause some very serious interactions and adverse effects. For example, the herbal supplement St. John's wort is known to interact with numerous medications such as antidepressants, blood thinners, allergy medications, drugs that suppress the immune system, birth control pills and cardiovascular drugs like digoxin. The herbal supplements feverfew, ginger and ginkgo can interact with some drugs used for breast cancer and a host of other medications.

If you have allergies, especially allergies to plants, weeds or pollen, you should consult your primary health care provider before taking herbal supplements. Patients taking blood thinners should also always consult their primary health care provider before using any of these supplements. Since older individuals may have a greater incidence of having multiple medical conditions and are more likely to take multiple medications, it is imperative that they also consult with their primary health care provider before using any herbal supplements to avoid any possible interactions or contraindications.

Make sure you discuss the issue of using herbal supplements with your primary health care provider to help you make a safe choice. Remember, "natural" doesn't always mean safe and free of adverse effects. When it comes to your health, always ask questions when in doubt.

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