Herbal Supplements or Medications. Their Uses, and Interactions.
List of Herbal Supplements:
Aloe Vera is one of the most well-known herbal supplements. The following are some of the benefits of aloe vera:
1. It possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It’s used to aid in the healing of burn wounds.
2. It’s also used to treat rashes and irritation on the skin.
3. Aloe vera can lower potassium levels in the blood and interact with DIGOXIN, DIURETICS, and CORTICOSTEROIDS, thus raising the risk of negative side effects.
4. Aloe vera can interfere with the effectiveness of ANTIDYSRHYTHMICS.
Astragalus
Used to boost immune function, treat hepatitis, and alleviate chemotherapy side effects.
It reduces the severity of cold and flu symptoms. It may also help diabetic patients lower their blood sugar levels. Immunosuppressants like cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide can interact with astragalus. It can raise lithium levels and produce lithium toxicity if used alongside lithium.
As an estrogen alternative, black cohosh is used to treat the symptoms of menopause. It interacts with estrogen-containing medicines, amplifying their effects. In individuals on anti-diabetic drugs, it raises the risk of hypoglycemia. It also raises the likelihood of antihypertensive drugs being used.
Chamomile
Used to treat stomach and intestinal problems, as well as insomnia, anxiety, skin irritations, and mouth sores. It is also used to treat ulcerative stomatitis caused by chemotherapy. With NSAIDs, anticoagulants, and antiplatelets, chamomile can increase the risk of bleeding.
Cinnamon
Used to treat pneumonia, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, and anorexia. Cinnamon can make anti-diabetic medicines work harder and produce hypoglycemia. Hepatotoxic medicines may also interact with it.
Echinacea is utilised to boost immune function, making it beneficial in the treatment of cold and flu symptoms. It’s also used to treat skin conditions, wound healing, and burns. It helps to reduce inflammation. When used with caffeinated beverages, echinacea can raise caffeine levels. Immunosuppressants, anti-tuberculosis drugs, and HIV treatments are also affected.
Feverfew is an antiplatelet herbal supplement that is also used to treat migraines. This medication may interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Garlic
Can help lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure. It can also cause the coagulation process to be disrupted. Garlic interacts with Warfarin and antiplatelets, causing bleeding to become more likely. Garlic has also been shown to reduce the effects of antiretroviral drugs like saquinavir and antituberculosis drugs like isoniazid and cyclosporine.
Because ginger reduces joint inflammation, it is used to treat nausea, morning sickness, vertigo, motion sickness, diarrhoea, joint pain, and stiffness. It can also make the clotting process take longer. It has the potential to interact with anticoagulants and NSAIDs, increasing the risk of bleeding. When combined with anti-diabetic medication, it can produce hypoglycemia.
Bronchitis, bronchospasms, tiredness, dementia, tinnitus, occlusive vascular diseases, and platelet aggregation are all treated with GINGKO. When used with anticoagulants and NSAIDs, GINGKO can cause excessive bleeding. When combined with antipsychotics, antihistamines, or antidepressants, this herbal supplement can lower the seizure threshold.
All of the natural treatments discussed above have the potential to interact with prescription medications. As a result, knowing these herbal supplements as a healthcare provider is critical.