Herbal Medicine I - Cautions

Question 1

Breast-feeding

Answer 1

Herbal components can pass into breast milk so caution must be applied when prescribing to breast-feeding women.
Galactogogues

Question 2

Phototoxicity

Answer 2

Furanocoumarins in some members of the Apiaceae family may causes phototoxicity if
they come into contact with the skin at the same time as sun exposure

Question 3

Allergy

Answer 3

Allergies theoretically possible from any plant chemical, but common suspects are volatile
oils in Apiaceae family and sesquiterpenes in Asteraceae family (chamomile, feverfew).

Question 4

Toxicity

Answer 4

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in Boraginacea family (mainly, but can also affect the
Asteraceae) can cause liver damage and should not be used for extended periods or in patients with poor liver function.
These include:
* Symphytum spp.
* Tussilago farfara
* Borago officinalis
* Eupatorium perfoliatum
* Lithospermum officinale