NAME | USE | CONTRA- INDICATIONS | SIDE EFFECTS | DRUG/FOOD INTERACTIONS |
| Aloe Vera (Aloe capensis or barbadensis) | Burns, cold sores, dry skin, inflammation, pain, and itching | Do not confuse With aloe juice. Which is a laxative | Oral use; GI upset, (nausea and vomiting) Hypoglycemia | Oral use: Glyburide, diuretics, & Digoxin. Topically: Hydrocortisone |
| Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) | Cancer prevention, fever, diabetes, HIV, psoriasis, infec-tions & menstrual disorder. | Pregnant women (may induce bleeding , contractions, or abortion) | Hypoglycemia | Insulin & hypoglycemic drugs |
| Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga rademosa) | Cough, dysmenorrheal, PMS, arthritis, & sedation. | Do not confuse with blue cohosh. | GI upset | Anticoagulants & antiplatelets Depakote |
| Boswellia (Boswellia Serrate) | Arthritis, asthma, colitis, inflammation,& menstrual cramps | People with compromised immune system | GI upset Skin rash | None known |
| Butchers Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) | Circulatory disorders, leg cramps, inflammation, hemorrhoids, Varicose veins | None known | Diarrhea | Anticoagulants, Antiplatelet drugs, and MAO-I antidepressants |
| Capsaicin (Cappsicum sp.) cayenne | Circulatory disorders, colic, H/A, motion sickness, muscle pain, &arthritis, | Avoid contact with eyes or broken skin | GI irritation, sweating, flushing, lacrimation, & rhinorrhea | ACE Inhihibators, Sedatives, Theophylline, MAO-I antidepressants, & Antihypertensives |
| Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) | Birth control, Cancer treatment, GI disorders, inflammation, HIV & AIDS | Systemic lupus erythematosus | Diarrhea & lower blood pressure. | Anti-hypertensives, anticoagulants, & Antiplatelets, |
| Chamomille (Matricaria recutita L.) | Colic, GI disorders, spasms. infections, intestinal gas, inflammations, & skin ulcers | People allergic to Ragweed/ | Hypersensitivity Reaction in people allergic to Ragweed. | Anticoagulants, Antiplatelets, & sedatives |
NAME | USE | CONTRA- INDICATIONS | SIDE EFFECTS | DRUG/FOOD INTERACTIONS |
| Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) | Bronchitis, fractures, inflammation, Peptic ulcers, arthritis, & wound healing | FDA advised supplement manufactures to remove comfrey from the market | Liver disease | None known |
| Devils Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) | Arteriosclerosis arthritis, inflammation, muscle pain, & osteoarthritis | None known | Diarrhea, possible slow pulse rate | Antacids/H2 Antagonist, Beta-blockers , Digoxin. & anticoagulants |
| Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) | Dysmenorrheal, PMS. Spasms, menopausal symptoms, & health maintenance | Pregnant or breast-feeding women | Photosensitivity | Anticoagulants |
| Ephedra (Ephedra sinica) Mahuang | Asthma, bronchitis, common cold, cough, infections, Strength and stamina, & weight loss | Anxiety, hypertension, heart disease, glaucoma, prostrate enlargement, & hyperthyroidism. | Hypertension, palpitations, heart attack, stroke, seizures, insomnia, psychosis, & death. | Aspirin, Antianxiety medications, sedatives, Beta-adrenergic agonists, CNS stimulants, MAO-I antidepressants, Theophylline, & Digoxin |
| Echinacea (Echinacea purura) | Common cold, infections, immunostimula-tion, & wound healing | Autoimmune disorders (MS, SLE, arthritis, TB, HIV, & AIDS | Fever, H/A, dizziness, nausea, & constipation | CYP3A4 (Immuno-suppressant), Xanax, calcium channel blockers, |
| Fennugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) | Alopecia, induce childbirth, arthritis, diabetes, infections, & inflammation. | Pregnant women (due to inducing childbirth) | Flatulance, diarrhea, bleeding, & hypoglycemia | Anticoagulant Anti diabetic agents & insulin, MAO-I antidepressant |
| Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) | Arthritis, prevent Migraine H/A, & Psoriasis | Allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or marigold | Minor GI distress | Anticoagulants / Antiplatelets |
NAME | USE | CONTRA- INDICATIONS | SIDE EFFECTS | DRUG/FOOD INTERACTIONS |
| Garlic (Allium sativum) | Decrease cholesterol, circulatory disorders, heart disease, hypertension, cancer prevention, & skin infections | *** Discontinue garlic 7 days prior to surgery People with bleeding disorders | H/A, fatigue potential for bleeding, diarrhea, sweating, & hypoglycemia | Insulin, & hypoglycemic drugs, anticoagulant, antiplatelets, Cylclosprine, and Saquinavir |
| Ginger (Zingiber officinale) | Motion sickness, colic, nausea, vomiting, arthritis, & spasm | None known | Heartburn & dermatitis | Anticoagulants, antiplatelets, antihypertensives, hypoglycemics, & insulin |
| Ginko (Ginkgo biloba) | Anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, hearing loss, memory loss, Stress, & tinnitus. | ***Discontinue 36hrs. prior to surgery. | H/A, dizziness, GI upset, contact dermatitis, & palpitations | Anticoagulants, antiplatelets, antipsychotics, Trazodone, &MAO-I antidepressants |
| Ginseng (American, Siberian or Asian) | Angina, diabetes, health maintenance, HIV & AIDS, improve clotting, strength & stamina | People with Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, coronary thrombosis | Dry mouth, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, & insomnia. | Anticoagulants, insulin, and MAO-I antidepressants, |
| Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) | Anorexia, diuretic, laxative, cirrhosis, colitis, diabetes, fever, & infections | Pregnant or nursing women, hypertension, or cardiovascular disorders. | GI distress, hallucinations, & delirium | Antihypertensives, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, barbiturates, & vitamin B complex. |
| Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) | Burns, cancer treatment, GI disorders, memory loss, psoriasis, scars, sedation, & varicose veins. | Dermatitis & itching, photosensitivity, & abortion | Contact dermatitis, itching, H/A, & photosensitivity | Hypoglycemics, Insulin, & antihypertensives |
| Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) | Cancer treatment & prevention, cardiovascular disorder , GI disorders & weight loss | Pregnant or nursing women and infants | Nausea, GI upset, insomnia, & irritability | Neuroleptics, anticoagulants, antiplateletes, Atropine, Codeine, hypoglycemics & iron supplements |
NAME | USE | CONTRA- INDICATIONS | SIDE EFFECTS | DRUG/FOOD INTERACTIONS |
| Guarana (Paullinia cupana) | Weight loss, Fatigue, CNS stimulation to enhance athletic performance | People with hypertension, heart or valve disorders, anxiety, Schizophrenia. or Bipolar Disorder due to caffeine content in Guarana. | GI distress, Rapid pulse & irregular heart beat, Increased urination, insomnia, irritability | MAO-I anti-depressant, Adenosine, Clozapine, Benzodiazepines, Lithium, Aspirin, birth control pills, ephedrine, antifungal drugs, Tylenol, Cimetidine, Verapamil, Mexiletine, & Quinolone antibiotics. |
| Guggul (Commiphora mukul) | Acne, Arthritis, reduces triglycerides & cholesterol, weight loss, urinary tract disorders | Hperthyroidism | H/A, mild nausea, | Anticoagulants, antiplatelets, & thyroid supplements. |
| Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) | Angina, Hypertension , Congestive heart failure, & Indigestion | Pregnant or nursing women | Nausea, fatigue, sedation, & sweating. | Digoxin and antiarrhythmics, CNS depressants, & hypertensives. |
| Horse Chestnut (Aesulus hippocastanum) | Varicose veins, circulatory disorders, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, & phlebitis. | ***FDA has classified Horse Chestnut as an unsafe herb Renal or Liver Insufficiency | GI distress, Muscle twitching, and paralysis. | Anticoagulants, antiplatelets |
| Kava (Piper Methysticum) | Anxiety, stress, restlessness, & Insomnia, Wound healing, colds, & H/A | ***May cause severe Liver disease. May impair ability to operate heavy machinery ***Discontinue before surgery | H/A, impaired reflexes or judgment, visual disturbances, sedation, restless-ness, & tremors. | Levadopa, Benzodiazepines, alcohol, barbiturates, & sedatives. |
| Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) | Respiratory illness, GI disorders, & Inflammation | People with liver or renal disease & pregnant or nursing women | Hypertension, muscle pain, irregular heart beat, & lethargy | Anticoagulants, diuretics, ASA, Spironolactone, Corticosteroids, insulin, & hormone therapy. |
| Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) | Smoking cessation, Asthma, Bronchitis, Depression, & Inflammation | People with heart disease or GI disorders, Pregnant or nursing women | GI distress, sweating, cough, dizziness, slow heart rate, hyer- tension, rapid breathing, & seizures | Nicotine containing products |
| Maitake (Grifola frondosa) | Cancer prevention, diabetes, high cholesterol, weight loss, & immunostimula-tion | None known | None known | Hypoglycemic agents |
| Mate or Yerba Mate (Llex paraguariensis) | Weight loss, CNS stimulant, depression, fatigue, H/A, promote urination & pain | People with hypertension, heart problems, anxiety, pregnant or nursing women. | Insomnia, anxiety, H/A, restlessness, agitation, nausea, ,tremors, & palpitations. | ASA, Tylenol, sedatives, beta-adrenergic agonists, Clozapine, MAO-I |
| Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) | Alcoholism Cancer prevention Cirrhosis & other liver disease | People allergic to ragweed | Diarrhea, uterine and menstrual stimulation | Cytochrome P –450 3A4, antifungal drugs, and erythromyocin |
| Myrrh (Commihora milmol) | Asthma & cough GI distress Inflammation | Pregnant women (may cause abortion) | May affect heart rate | Hypoglycemic agents |
| Nettle (Urtica dioica) | Benign prostrate hypertrophy, Allergies, arthritis, spasms inflammation, Urinary tract disorders | Mild GI distress | GI distress, skin irritation or rash, & sweating. | Diuretics & Diclofenac |
| Noni (Morinda citriffolia) | Cancer treatment Diabetes, pain, hypertension, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual cramps and immuno -stimulation. | Diabetics o & people with renal failure due to potassium content | Constipation | None known |
| Pau D ‘Arco (Tabebulia impetiginosa) | Cancer prevention, Candida yeast infections, Parasititc infections, & respiratoty infections | ***Quinone compounds in Pau D ‘Arco may have a toxic effect People with bleeding disorders | GI distress, dizziness, anemia, bleeding and discoloration of the urine | Anticoagulants & antiplatelets |
| Quercetin (3,3’,4’,5,7-pentapentahydroxyflavone) | Arthrosclerosis, heart disease. Inflammation, & Hay fever | People with renal diseases | None known | Papain, Bromelain, and Quinolone antibiotics |
| Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) | Respiratory congestion, Spasms, & Menopausal symptoms | People with coagulation disorders or estrogen sensitive conditions | Skin rash | Anticoagulants & antiplatelets |
| Reishi Mushrooms (Gandoerma lucidum) | Immunostimula-tion, fatigue, Viral infections, Reduce cholesterol, Inflammation Strength & stamina | None known | GI distress, itchiness, dry throat & nose. | Anticoagulants, antiplatelets, & antihypertensives |
| Rhuburb (Rheum palmatum) | GI distress, Hypertension, Immuno –suppression Inflammation Constipation | People with arthritis, kidney, or liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease | Abdominal cramps, GI distress, & diarrhea resulting in renal or liver damage. | Diuretics Digoxin |
| Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) | Inflammation, arthritis, sprains, urinary tract disorders & syphilis | *** Has caused liver cancer in animals People with urinary conditions | Hot flashes and diaphoresis | Barbiturates & other sedatives |
NAME | USE | CONTRA- INDICATIONS | SIDE EFFECTS | DRUG/FOOD INTERACTIONS |
| Saw Palmetto (serenoa repens) | Benign prostratic hypertrophy Inflammation Prostrate cancer Promote urination | *** Discontinue prior to surgery due to possibility of prolonged bleeding. | Intraoperative bleeding, & GI distress | Anticoagulants, Hormone therapy, & birth control pills |
| Schisandra (schisandra chinensis) | Asthma, cough, GI distress. PMS, Influenza, sweating, strength & stamina, & Liver disease | None known | Heartburn CNS depression | None known |
| Seasliver (contains aloe vera, seaweed, cranberry, & PauD’Arco) | Cancer prevention Detoxification | ***Aloe vera taken orally may have adverse effects. (Inconclusive clinical data) | GI distress dermatitis | Hypoglycemic agents, diuretics, Digoxin, anticoagulants, & antiplatelets. |
| Shark Cartilage | Cancer treatment and prevention, Arthritis, colitis, glaucoma, inflammation, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, & psoriasis | *** Brands vary in amount shark cartilage in product. People with liver disease | GI distress | None known |
| Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) | Cancer treatment, Atherosclerosis, Hepatitis, Insomnia, Infections, & Inflammation | Liver Disorders | Liver toxicity pneumonitis | Anticoagulants & antiplatelets |
| St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) | Anxiety , depression, fatigue, pain, insomnia, PMS, SAD, & wound healing | ***Discontinue 7 days prior to surgery. Photosensitivity Pregnant or nursing women Bipolar Disorder HIV/AIDS | H/A, GI distress, Fatigue, confusion, dry mouth, sleep disturbances, & sedation | Cytochrome 3A4 Barbituturates, Antidepressants & MAO-I antidepressants Theophylline, Cyclosporin, Diltiazem & Nifedipine |
NAME | USE | CONTRA- INDICATIONS | SIDE EFFECTS | DRUG/FOOD INTERACTIONS |
| Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) | Inflammation, Scleroderma, Anti-aging, Cystitis, & Urinary tract disorder | Allergic reaction at injection site People allergic to ragweed | Allergic reaction for people allergic to ragweed | None known |
| Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) | Acne, burns, Fungal infections, Inflammation, &Wound healing | None known | Skin irritation | None known |
| Tumeric (Curcuma longa) | Cancer prevention, Infections, & Inflammations | People receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer, bile duct obstructions, gallstones, or GI disorders | Long term use may cause mild GI distress | Resperine, Indomethacin, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, Camptothecin, Mechlorethamine, Doxorubicin, and Cyclophosphamide |
| Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) | Anxiety, Insomnia, colic, sedations, spasms, Colic, & Migraine H/A | ** Long term use can cause Liver toxicity ** Discontinue 7 days prior to surgery to prevent interaction with anesthesia ** Do not operate heavy machinery | H/A, impaired alertness, restlessness, cardiac disturbances | Alcohol. Barbiturates & Benzodiazepines |
| Willow Bark (Salix alba) | H/A, fever, arthritis & gout, inflammation, pain, muscle & joint pain, influenza, &Weight loss | ***Discontinue prior to surgery to prevent bleeding People with kidney or liver disease | GI distress Tinnitus, and renal damage | Anticoagulants & antiplatelets NSAIDS |
This information has been compiled from the sources in the public domain to provide a comprehensive list of commonly used herbs. This information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
Source : http://www.cncplan.com/herbs.htm