Healthy people, as well as those battling illnesses, are using herbs as alternative therapies, but anyone taking herbs should tell their doctors because there is a possibility of it interacting with another drug or causing a side effect. Patients who are taking antihypertensives, antidepressants, or blood thinners such as aspirin, are advised not to take herbs without talking it over with their physician.

Some Herbs are Unsafe
Deaths have been reported with overuse of the herb ephedra, a strong stimulant that increases heart rate and blood pressure. Doctors have also reported serious reactions in patients who take prescriptive antidepressants along with St. John’s Wort, and in patients who abruptly stop taking valerian root, an herbal sedative. Some other products that produce adverse reactions include chaparral tea, Indian herbal tonics, Jin Bu Huan (an ancient Chinese sedative and analgesic), comfrey, lobelia, and laxatives, such as senna, cascara, and aloe.

More than 2,500 complaints of adverse effects of herbs have been reported to the FDA, and there have been 79 deaths reported from the use of herbs. All herb users who experience any adverse reaction, such as a rash or a feeling of edginess, should stop taking the herb and report the reaction to their doctor.

For those considering using herbals, select a brand that has a label with information on who should not take the herb, suggested use and dosage, expiration date, any known reactions, percentage of active ingredient, and the manufacturer’s full name and address. Children and pregnant women should not take herbs.

Because of the growing popularity of herbs, doctors are also urged to ask their patients specifically if they are using herbs.