Many herbal medicines interact with prescription medicines, and if your Doctor's or Pharmacist's don't know what you're taking, it can be detrimental. For example, a patient taking ginkgo biloba plus aspirin or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen, may thin the blood too much, leading to ocular hemorrhage or even intracranial hemorrhage.
Vitamin A
MEDICINAL: Vitamin A is used primarily as an oral dietary supplement for vitamin A deficiency and for treatment of acne.
Most of you who are seeking information from within this site are probably already familiar with the association linking high doses of Vitamin A to cases of intracranial hypertension. In the majority of cases this condition resolves when Vitamin A is discontinued.
Ginko Biloba
MEDICINAL: One of the best selling herbal medicines in the US and abroad, Ginko Biloba is used to treat memory loss and associated cognitive difficulties. It is also used to treat tinnitus, circulatory problems, strengthening the cardiac system, impotence, tonsillitis, asthma, allergies that affect breathing; and Alzheimer's Disease in it's early stages. It's properties enable the opening of the smaller veins, helping to improve circulation to all organs and especially the heart.
Problems identified with consuming ginko biloba have included cases of hemorrhaging in the anterior chamber of the eye, as well as reports of retinal hemorrhages in patients taking this agent. Ginkgo biloba inhibits platelet aggregation, and should be used with caution in patients taking aspirin because the effects could be amplified.
Licorice
MEDICINAL: Licorice is used to treat upper respiratory tract infections, ulcers, appendicitis and constipation. American Indians use licorice to treat inflammatory eye diseases.
Problems have included cases of transient vision loss after licorice ingestion, similar to what one might see with an ocular migraine without headache. The side effects appear to be associated with large doses. Licorice may also cause fluid retention, something an IH'er certainly does not want or need.
Niacin (Niacin can cause some of the most severe ocular reactions).
MEDICINAL: Its cholesterol-lowering effects have proved successful in treating cardio-vascular and cerebro-vascular disease. It also is used for treatment of schizophrenia, diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, sexual dysfunction and migraine headaches.
A comprehensive review of ocular side effects from niacin indicates a possible association with decreased vision, cystoid macular edema (CME), dry eyes, discoloration of the eyelids, eyelid edema and loss of eyebrows and eyelashes, among others. The ocular side effects appear to be dose related, but some instances would require discontinuation of niacin therapy.
Echinacea - Echinacea purpurea
MEDICINAL: Echinacea purpurea is used to treat colds, coughs, fevers, urinary tract infections, burns and influenza.
Reports of eye irritation and conjunctivitis have been associated with its topical use.
Ginseng - Panax quinquefolia (American Ginseng), Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng), Panax spp.
MEDICINAL: Ginseng stimulates the body to overcome all forms of illness; physical and mental. It is used to lower blood pressure, increase endurance, aid in relieving depression, and is a sexual stimulant. The dried root is used for healing purposes. It has been used throughout ancient times to the present day for use in conjunction with most herbs in treating all sorts of illnesses including cancers, digestive troubles, and memory. It is used to tone the body during stress, and overcome fatigue. During menopause it aids in rejuvenating the system and balances hormones, as well as aids in regulating hot flashes.
Ginseng has been associated with increases in blood pressure. People with high blood pressure and those on blood pressure medications are strongly urged to consult a medical professional before consumption. Other side effects can include low blood sugar, headaches, irritability, and increased anxiety.
Hawthorn - Crataegus oxycantha
MEDICINAL: Hawthorn is effective for curing insomnia. Hawthorn is used to prevent miscarriage and for treating nervousness. Hawthorn has been used for centuries in treating heart disease, as regular use strengthens the heart muscles, and to prevent arteriosclerosis, angina, and poor heart action.
Side effects may include headache, dizziness, and stomach upset. Hawthorn may interact with vasodilating medications and may potentiate or inhibit the actions of drugs used for heart failure, hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias.
Hormonal Herbs to Avoid
Hormones are substances manufactured by the glands of the body. They stimulate the body's metabolic processes, each hormone having a specific effect on the functioning of a particular organ. Plants contain "Phytohormones" that regulate their own growth processes, but some plants also contain steroid substances that form the basis of hormones found in the human body.
Among the hormones derivable from plant steroids are cortisone (used for rheumatoid arthritis), corticosterone (used in carbohydrate and protein metabolism, also for Addison's Disease), and several sex hormones (used in oral contraceptives, also used to treat irregularities in menstruation and pregnancy). The following plants contain steroid substances (usually in roots or root stocks), or exhibit hormone-like activity: Agave (Juice), Black Cohosh, Chaste Tree (Fruit), Ginseng, Hops, Licorice, Mexican Yam, Purple Trillium, Sage, Sarasaparilla, Star Grass and Stone Seed.
Page created by Lisa purple_castle_registrations@yahoo.com.au
(Please place "IH and Herbs" in the subject line).
Additional material added from the June '05 issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology as well as the Merck Manual Online.
