Contraindications of Herbs

The contraindications listed in this section are to explain what the concerns would be if any of the herbs listed on the extracts were used as a whole, single herb in relation to actions with pharmaceutical drugs one is taking.

Since each extract is a formula, none of the herbs used are at full strength.

Chamomile
Allergic reactions can occur in the form of bronchial constriction with ingested remedies. These types of side effects especially affect individuals with developed allergies to plants of the Asteraceae family (including ragweed, aster, and chrysanthemum) and these individuals should try to avoid the use of herbal remedies made from Chamomile. Chamomile can react with Aspirin and Warfarin and in one case caused internal hemorrhages. Because Warfarin and Cyclosporine have a narrow therapeutic index, people taking either of these medications in other than modest amounts should avoid concurrent use of Chamomile.

Valerian
Long term use of Valerian results in headaches, excitability and insomnia due to the accumulation of toxins. Do not use this herb with sleeping pills as this herb increase potency. Care should be taken when driving a car or operating heavy machinery when high doses are used. Excessive use of this herb can cause paralysis and heart problems and possibly create a mild dependency. Valerian can increase side effects of the drugs it is used with, such as: Xanax, Librium, Valium, and Atvan. Symptoms of overdose include paralysis, weakened heartbeat, blurred vision and nausea. Valerian should never be used if one is taking sedative, antidepressants, heart medications or if you have an abnormal heart beat.

Lavender
People allergic to one member of the mint family may cross-react to Lavender. Lavender oil is toxic if ingested in large quantities. Persons with diabetes should not use Lavender unless under the supervision of a physician. Because Lavender oil is known to affect normal brain activity, epileptics and persons with seizure disorders should use this drug under the guidance of a physician. Lavender may interact with anti-seizure medications.

Rosemary
Ingestion of large quantities of Rosemary can result in stomach and intestinal irritation and kidney damage. Rosemary’s constituents, monoterpene ketones, are convulsants and have caused seizures in large doses. The Commission E reports that Rosemary infusions applied externally, although stimulating blood supply, can irritate the skin. There are no well documented drug interactions with Rosemary, but the herb should be avoided by pregnant women or women with heavy periods since Rosemary is a uterine.

Lemon Balm
Lemon balm may have interactions with sedatives, thyroid medications

Corn Silk
There are no known side effects or drug interactions for these herbs.

Devils Claw
Devil’s claw might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Talking Devil’s Claw along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. The most common side effect is diarrhea. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, and loss of taste. It can also cause allergic skin reactions, menstrual problems, and changes in blood pressure. Devil’s Claw is possibly unsafe for women pregnant or breast feeding. it also affects heart rate, heartbeat and blood pressure and may harm people with heart disorders. Devil’s Claw may lower blood sugar levels and could affect those on diabetes medications. Devil’s Claw should be avoided by those with gallstones and Petic Ulcer Disease as it may increase bile productions and the production of stomach acids. Devil’s Claw may interact with certain drugs such as: ibuprofen (Motrin), Celebrex, Elavil, Warfarin (Coumadin), Valium, and Allegra.

Du Zhong
No know side effects or drug interactions. However it has an effect on blood pressure so those on blood pressure medication should consult their health care provider.

Kava
Kava may increase the danger of suicide in patients with endogenous depression. There is a potential risk of server liver injury. Mild gastrointestinal complaints and central nervous system complains (i.e.. dizziness and headache) have been associated with Kava. Regular administration of Kava for longer than 3 months is not recommended. Minor inhibition of movement and impaired motor reflexes along with visual disturbances such as eye movement disorders have been reported. Kava can interact with hepatotoxic drugs and herbs and may increase the risk of adverse hepatic effects. Use of Kava with anticoagulants should be avoided as it may result in an increase risk of bleeding. Drugs affecting the central nervous system should not be used in conjunction with Kava as it can result in increased central nervous system depression.

Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is generally considered safe, but may cause side effects of nausea and low blood pressure. Individuals with allergies to gluten may have a similar reaction to wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is high in Vitamin K, which can cause the body to form blood clots, therefore those on the medication Warfarin should be cautious using wheatgrass.

Licorice Root
Side effects from licorice root may include liver disease and cirrhosis. It has also been linked with hypertonic neuromuscular disorders and arrhythmias. Tobacco use has been associated with licorice toxicity. Not to be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding as licorice exhibits estrogenic activity and has reputed abortifacient effects. Glycyrrhizin in licorice may alter prednisolone plasma concentrations and may increase the risk of digitalis toxicity. Toxicity from excessive licorice ingestion is well established. Mutagenicity and teratogenicity studies have generally shown no ill effects. At lower dosages or normal consumption levels, few adverse reactions are evident. Ocular effects and hypersensitivity have been described. Hypertension an hypokalemia are recognized effects of excessive licorice consumption. Licorice root can reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive and antiarrhythmic drugs such as procainamide or quinidine. Licorice root may contain coumarins and may inhibit platelet aggregation and should not be used in conjunction with anticoagulant

Ginger Root

Do not take gin root with medications that slow clotting according to Web Md, can cause heartburn in a few people, those with cardica issues,should not be taken if pregnant. Ginger does not have a list found that states there are any toxic side effects.It is one of the older herbs used for over 5,000 years.

Rosemary
Ingestion of large quantities of Rosemary can result in stomach and intestinal irritation and kidney damage. Rosemary’s constituents, monoterpene ketones, are convulsants and have caused seizures in large doses. The Commission E reports that Rosemary infusions applied externally, although stimulating blood supply, can irritate the skin. There are no well documented drug interactions with Rosemary, but the herb should be avoided by pregnant women or women with heavy periods since Rosemary is a uterine.

Feverfew
Side effects of Feverfew can include abdominal pain, indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and nervousness. Rarely, allergic reactions to Feverfew have also been reported and people with allergies to aster, chamomile, chrysanthemum, ragweed, sunflower, tansy, or yarrow will likely be allergic to Feverfew and, therefore, should not take it. Feverfew is best used capsulated if there is any concern of allergies to the plant. Feverfew may increase the tendency to bleed, especially in individual who have bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medications. Pregnant and nursing women as well as children under 2 years of age should not take Feverfew. Do not abruptly stop taking Feverfew if you have used it for more than 1 week. A withdrawal syndrome characterized by rebound headache, anxiety, fatigue, muscle stiffness and joint pain may occur. Although drug interactions with Feverfew are not well documented, it is believed Feverfew can interact with medications such as Warfarin, Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs.

Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne Pepper may cause stomach ulcers/inflammation and chronic irritable bowl and so should be avoided with patients suffering from gastrointestinal and renal disease. However, there have been no conclusive studies regarding the side effects of Cayenne Pepper. Cayenne may interact with ACE inhibitors increasing the risk of coughing. Anticoagulants and anti-platelet agents should be avoided when using Cayenne as they may increase bleeding. It has been show that Cayenne can reduce the affect of salicylic acid compounds (such as aspirin).