Herbal Medicine Safety Flashcards
1
Q
Pregnancy and breast feeding herbal medicine
A
- Herbs are contra-indicated in pregnancy if they:
- Risk causing birth defects (teratogens) e.g. wormwood.
- Stimulate menstruation (emmenagogues) e.g. yarrow.
- Powerfully stimulate evacuation (purgatives) e.g. senna.
- Nursing mothers must be cautious and evaluate safety of herbal medicines. Phytochemicals may enter breast milk, and could adversely affect the infant. Certain herbs such as fennel seed for increasing milk production are safe.
The following herbs are considered safe in pregnancy in small doses, if clinically essential:
- Bilberry (blueberry) fruit for vascular support.
- German chamomile for relaxation, GIT spasm.
- Cranberry fruit for the urinary tract.
- Echinacea for immunity.
- Garlic for cardiovascular, respiratory systems.
- Ginger for morning sickness and digestion.
- Peppermint for morning sickness, GIT spasm
2
Q
Herb / drug / nutrient interactions
A
- Additive e.g. herbs with antiplatelet activity such as garlic and turmeric used in therapeutic doses at the same time as warfarin could dangerously thin blood.
- Antagonistic e.g. St John’s wort used at the same time as drugs metabolised by the CYP3A4 enzyme such as the immuno-suppressant, cyclosporine. St John’s wort increases gene expression of CYP3A4 speeding up drug clearance.
- Some interactions can be beneficial e.g. turmeric has antiinflammatory properties and may decrease requirements for NSAIDs. Clients are advised to discuss drug changes with GP
