Natural Health

Natural health, particularly herbs have shown impressive results that they actually do work and therefore form a part of getting a healthy lifestyle. However before using any of them it is best to find out more about them and also consulting with your physician before taking any. This is especially if you are taking prescription drugs or have some medical condition that may not quite agree with some natural products. In the natural, the body has allergic reactions and sensitivities, meaning that some of the herbs used by an acquaintance may not have the same effects on you on some level. When taking herbs the same rules of taking prescribed medicine apply. That is, they should only be taken in small amounts and if they work, doubling the dosage will not make them work any faster. The following are just pointers and they do not necessarily define their interactions with prescribed drugs. That subject should be addressed by your physician.

Some supplements are not to be used with OTC drugs

Mixing a supplement with these and doctor’s drugs is not the best idea entirely. Sometimes they worsen the condition instead of alleviating it. Good examples are Coumadin, ginkgo biloba, vitamin supplement and aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding internally if taken in combination.

Need for consulting a physician

It is really recommended before going the herbal way. If you are nursing, pregnant or having some medical condition like diabetes, seeking a doctor first is gravely important. Even for the dietary supplements that seem normal and safe could prove to be disastrous in some situations. Most of these contain active ingredients that have biological effects and how safe they are is not really guaranteed. It is not worth risking your life when all that is needed is a doctor’s opinion before taking the supplements.

Not so smooth a surgery

Before undergoing elective surgery it is best to inform you doctor about all the vitamins minerals and herbal supplements you have a record of using. A three or two week break from all these is needed before the surgery is done. This prevents supplement-drug conflicts that could potentially affect the blood pressure and heart rate, increase bleeding, and this are not the things that you want when undergoing such a delicate procedure like surgery.

For short term use:

Bilberry Leaf, Black Walnut, Blessed Thistle, Borage, Cascara Sagrada, Comfrey, Sheep Sorrel, Uva Ursi, Yohimbe, Sarsaparilla, Senna Wild Cherry, Sassafras, Sage, Goldenseal, Coltsfoot, Gentian, Chaparral, Elecampane, Horsetail, Ephedra, Flax, Rhubarb, Guarana, Juniper Berries, Nettle Root, Licorice, Mullein, Lobelia, Lungwort.

When nursing or if pregnant avoid:

Yarrow, Vitex, Wormwood, White Sage, Watercress, Cascara Sagrada, Comfrey, Catnip, Club Moss, Cinnamon, Chervil, Celandine, Celery,Motherwort, Hyssop, Juniper, Mace, Lemon Grass, Licorice, Lobelia, Barley Grass, Alkanet, Ashwaganda, Aloe, Anisestar, Angelica, Anise, Blood Root, California Poppy, Blue Cohosh, Blue Flag, Buckthorn, Blue Vervain, Borage, Blessed Thistle, Bladderwrack, Black Cohosh, Barberry, Basil, Bitter Melon, Fenugreek, False Unicorn, Coltsfoot, Cubeb, Ephedra, Dong Quai, Sassafras, Sage Pleurisy, Prickly Ash, Rosemary, Rhodiola, Red Clover, Uva Ursi Sarsaparilla, Tumeric, Senna, Shepherds Purse, Turkey Rhubarb, Horsetail, Feverfew, Horehound, Ginger, Golden Seal, Guarana, Gravel, Mugwort, Pennyroyal, Muira Puama, Parsley, Osha, Puama, Oregon Grape, Myrrh

If under blood thinning medications:

Alfalfa, Angelica, Cramp Bark, Cubeb, Yohimbe, Sarsaparilla, Meadowsweet, Red Clover, Gingko, Dong Quai

Use under expert supervision:

Tonka, Calamus, Horse Chestnut, Mandrake, Licorice, Lovelia, Poke.

If in the past you suffered from renal dysfunction or inflammation, liver disorders, kidney and kidney stones:

Cubeb, Yohimbe, Uva Ursi, Essiac, Sumac, Horsetail, Hyndragea, Suma, Sheep Sorrel, Juniper Berries, Penny Royal, Kava Kava, Parsley Root, Yellowdock

Do not take these if you have ulcers or serious digestion and/or liver problems. It may cause Gastrointestinal upsets:

Yohimbe, Black Haw, Blue Flag, Chapparal, Turmeric, Club Moss, Trivulus,  Crampbark, Solomans Seal, Devils Claw, Eucalyptus, Pygeum, Eucalyptus, Elecampane, Parsley Root, Licorice, Liberia, Ginger, Essiac, Gentian.

Avoid toxicity by avoiding high dosage of the following. Keep that sun tan to a short period if internally using:

St John’s Wort, Angelica, Celery Seed, Rue, Orange Peel

If taking medication, have a medical condition pregnant or nursing consult a doctor before using. If experiencing abdominal pain or diarrhea discontinue. Use for short term and stick to the dosage:

Yohimbe, Turkey Rhubarb, Senna, Cascara Sagrada, Buckthorn, Aloe.

Nervousness, tremors, insomnia, nausea and lack of appetite mean that you should discontinue the usage of these. Seek medical advice to use if pregnant, nursing, having difficulty in passing urine, having heart or thyroid diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure. Obey the medication and keep where the children have no access to:

Ephedra, St. Johns Wort, Yohimbe

Avoid these if you have a record of liver and kidney ailments. Cease using if you feel nauseated, feverish, tired or gets jaundice.

Boldo and Chaparral