Herbal Medicine: safety Flashcards
What are the key safety considerations in herbal medicine?
Adverse effects, pregnancy and breastfeeding, herb-drug-nutrient interactions, and understanding the limits of competence.
What are some common adverse effects of herbal medicine?
Sensitivities (e.g., salicylates in willow bark), photosensitivity (e.g., St John’s Wort), gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., diarrhea from schisandra).
What should you do if adverse effects occur from herbal medicines?
For serious effects, discontinue immediately. For minor issues, stop and wait until the effect passes; then try using a half dose. If the effect recurs, discontinue completely.
Which herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy?
Herbs like wormwood (risk of birth defects), yarrow (emmenagogue), and senna (purgative) should be avoided.
Why should nursing mothers be cautious with herbal medicines?
Phytochemicals from herbs may enter breast milk and affect the infant. Some herbs, like fennel seed, can be used safely to promote milk production.
Which herbs may be considered safe during pregnancy in small doses?
Bilberry (vascular support), German chamomile (relaxation), cranberry (urinary tract), Echinacea (immunity), garlic (cardiovascular, respiratory), ginger (morning sickness), and peppermint (digestion).
What are the types of herb-drug-nutrient interactions?
Additive (e.g., garlic with blood thinners increases bleeding risk), antagonistic (e.g., St John’s Wort reduces drug effectiveness via CYP3A4), and beneficial (e.g., turmeric reducing NSAID requirements).
Why is caution needed with herbs and drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (NTI)?
Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., warfarin, digoxin, phenytoin) can be easily affected by herbs, causing toxicity or ineffectiveness.
What is the best approach when dealing with herbal and drug interactions?
Consult with a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider, especially when dealing with drugs with narrow therapeutic indexes or complex conditions.
Why is it important to recognize the limits of competence in herbal medicine?
Nutritional therapists should focus on nutrition and refer clients requiring herbal therapy to qualified herbalists, particularly for complex health issues.
How can healthcare practitioners ensure the best outcomes when working with herbal medicine?
Building a network of multidisciplinary colleagues for cross-referrals to ensure the patient gets the appropriate care and expertise.
