Herbal supplements are becoming very popular now days. But is it a right choice?  Well, that depends absolutely on its constituents, your current health and off course the medical history. It is a general belief that everything is herbal in herbal supplements so there is no chance of getting any side effects. But thing is not like that, herbs also may cause side effects in many cases. As you know there are many plants which are poisonous. In many cases, herbal products and supplements are advertised that it is “natural, but actually they may not be natural to the human body.

Herbal supplements also contain some active ingredients that can affect your body functions. It is just like what over-the-counter and prescription drugs also do. There are more chances of getting affected in case of herbal supplements because the labels are often appears to be vague. If you are biased or want to take herbal supplements only it is always advisable that you should educate yourself about the products you want to buy. You should also consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.

Popularity chart of herbal supplements are increasing rapidly, and as a result more and more people are endangering their lives without even knowing it. Actually what happens is that if you start taking any herbal supplements without knowing the exact constituents of it, there is a great chance that it will react with your body in some way or other. It is also possible that taking this herbal supplements may reacts with the medications you are already taking for some other problems. Always check with your doctor before you take any risks.

The problem with the herbal medicines is that it doesn’t have to go through the rigorous review process which most of the new drugs undergoes before being approved by the FDA. However, according to the new regulations, the supplements manufacturers are requiring to follow certain manufacturing practices and to ensure that it contain what their label claim. It should be free from any contamination. The FDA will now be responsible for monitoring the safety of supplements after they are available in the market and enforce some strict actions against unsafe supplements. The new regulations are supposed to be phased by June, 2010, so that by that time all supplement manufacturers should meet the requirements.

Following are the names of few herbal medicines and its reactions with other medicines or side effects:

* Goldenseal- It is most commonly used to treat sinus infections and colds. This will have adverse reactions with anti clotting drugs such as Coumadin and heparin; it will also decrease the drug’s effectiveness.

* Ginseng- There is scientific evidence which shows that ginseng is effective for many purposes. This herb is used to strengthen normal body functions, increase resistance to stress and improve sexual functions.  It is used to boost energy especially in male. It should not be taken with any heart or blood pressure medications. If you are taking MAO inhibitors, then you should not take ginseng because it will cause mania. Mixing it with caffeine may result in irritability. This herb can lower the blood sugar so diabetic patients should avoid it.

* Kava- It is an herbal sedative with purpose of eliminating anxiety or calming effects. But it has some extra pyramidal side effects which includes oral and lingual dyskinesia, torticollis, and painful twisting movements of the trunk, oculogyric crisis and exacerbation of Parkinson’s disease. It should not be mixed with benzodipines, alcohol, and medications for Parkinson’s disease, anti-psychotics, sedatives, or sleeping pills. It is also advisable to avoid this supplement if there is any family history of strokes, high blood pressure or diabetes.

* Echinacea - According to the study on drug and herb interactions it has been found that Echinacea, if used beyond 8 weeks can cause hepatotoxicity and therefore it should not be used with other known hepatoxic drugs such as anabolic steroids, amiodarone, methotrexate, and ketoconazole.  Echinacea is an immune stimulant. It is commonly used to ward off colds.

* St. John’s Wort- It is an anti-depression herbal supplement. The side effect of this drug is that it may cause photosensitivity. Therefore, you have to be very careful not to take this medicine with any other drug that also has this type of side effects. It is also not advisable to take this drug with any other anti-depressant such as Kava.

* Valerian- It is used to aid in sleep. It should not be taken with any anti-anxiety or anti-depressant drugs. If you are taking any medicines containing antihistamines, do not take valerian. Do not take alcohol or any sedatives along with it because it may result in extreme drowsiness.

* Ginkgo Biloba- From very ancient time it was used by Chinese people to relief from asthma, lung congestion, to increase sexual energy, regulate proper blood flow, and to promote general longevity. Despite of its several good qualities, it has several side effects also. The most frequent side effects are headaches, bad temper, anxiety, diarrhea and nausea. Allergy also has been found in very rare cases. Rush to the doctor at once, in case you have any of these side effects. People having blood circulation problems must not take Ginkgo biloba. This herb can alter the platelets.

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