[nandm]

Here is a list from my Nursing herbal drug guide. Please note that I am not condoning or encouraging the use of any of these that is for you to decide. I am just providing the information because if you are going to choose to use an herbal medicine then you should be aware of the side effects as many people do not realize that herbal medications do have side effects some of which can be serious. I strongly recommend talking with your doctor before taking any herbal medication as they often interact with prescription and over the counter medications.

Ginseng (Asian)
Adverse reactions: Headaches, insomnia, dizziness, restlessness, nervousness, hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), diarrhea, vomiting, estrogenic-like effects, such as vaginal bleeding and mastalgia, ginseng abuse syndrome (increased motor and cognitive activity combined with significant diarrhea, nervousness, hypertension, edema, and skin eruptions)
Drug interactions: anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs; stimulants, corticosteroids (such as prednisone); estrogen; lasix (furosemide); Ibuprofen; Phenelzine and other MAO inhibitors.
Cautions: Patients recieving an anticoagullant or an antiplatelet drug and those with manic-depression disorder, psychosis, diabetes, or cerebral vascular disorders should use caution if using this herb.

Clary: Salvia sclarea
Adverse reactions: none known
Interactions: alcohol use
Cautions: Pregnant and breast feeding patients and those planning a pregnacy should avoid use. Patients who have breast cysts, uterine fibroids, or other estrogen related disorders should avoid long term use.

Damiana: Tumera diffusa
Adverse reactions: Insomnia, headache, hallucinations, uterthral mucous membrane irritation, liver injury
Interactions: Antidiabetic medications; Disulfram; metronidazole.
Cautions: Pregnant and breast feeding patients shouldn't use this herb because the effects on them are unknown

Dehydroepiandosterone: DHEA fuel; DHEA powder
Adverse Reactions: Severe mood swings; cardiac arrhythmias; acne; androgenic or masculinizing effects, including hirsutism (excess hair growth), in women: estrogenic effects, including gynecomastia, in men: male pattern baldness.
Interactions: none known

Ginger: Zingiber officinale, zingiber
Adverse reacctions: Central nervous system depression; arrhythmias; heartburn
Interactions: Anticoagulants, other drugs that can increase bleeding time; Disulfiram; metronidazole; Herbs that may increase bleeding time
Cautions: Patients with gallstones or an allergy to ginger shouldn't use it. Patients who are pregnatn or who have a bleeding disorder shouldn't use large amounts of this herb; Patients taking central nervous system depressants or an antiarrhythmic should use caution when using the herb and drug together.

Ginkgo
Adverse reactions: headaches, dizziness, subarachnoid hemorrhage, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, flatulene, diarrhea, bleeding, allergic reaction
Interactions: Anticoagulants; carbamazepine; phenobarbital; phenytoin; disulfram; metronidazole; drugs that lower seizure threshold such as bupropion; MAO inhibiters; SSRI's; Trazodone; garlic; other herbs that increase bleeding time;

Jambolan: Syzgium cumini
Adverse reactions: sedation, hypoglycemia
Interactions: antidiabetics, insulin,
Cautions: Patients who are pregnant or breast feeding shouldn't use this herb because its effects are unknown. Diabetic patients should use caution when using jambolan seed because no data exist to support its use.

Khat: Catha edulis
Adverse reactions: insomnia; hyperthermia; euphoria; increased alertness; garrulousness; hyperactivity; excitement; aggressiveness; anxiety; manic symptoms; malaise; lack of concentration; psychosis; migraine; psychological dependene; cerebral hemorrhage; hypertension; tachycardia; palpitations; heart attack; pupil dilation; decreased intraocular pressure; stommatitis; esophagitis; gastritis; constipation; anorexia; dry mouth; possible oral cancers; peridontal disease; keratosis of the buccal mucosa; cirrhosis of the liver; TMJ dsysfunction; increased respiratory rate; pulmonary edema; diaphoresis; loss of sex drive; impotence; increased susceptibility to infection; disturbed circadian rhythms
Interactions: other amphetamine like drugs;
Cautions; pregnancy; breast feeding; diabetes; hypertension; tachyarrhythmias; glaucoma; migraines; GI disorder; psychotic disorder

Marjoram
Adverse reactions: nausea; vomiting; diarrhea
Interactions: None noted
Cautions: allergies to oregano or thyme; pregnancy; breast feeding; children;

See next post for more