Many believe that, because all herbal medicines are "natural," therefore, they are "safe." Mushrooms are natural, but certain species are toxic to the liver and can cause death. The heart medicine, digitalis, comes from a foxglove plant, but too much of it can kill you. Herbal supplements are sold in pharmacies and many stores. They are not regulated, not standardized, nor do they undergo the scrutiny of the Food and Drug Administration. They vary widely in strength, in fillers, where they are grown, and how they are harvested. These supplements can be made from differing parts of the plant and even different species of the same type of plant. The manufacturing procedures may lack quality control.

Even high quality herbal medicines may have unwanted or even dangerous side effects. Garlic, ginkgo, and green tea can prolong clotting times especially when taken with another blood thinner (even aspirin). Alfalfa can alter blood sugar levels. Some herbal medicines can cause liver toxicity and subsequently liver failure.

Here are some tips from the "What's New" Audio Newsletter, February 2007, Ed4Nurses, Inc. which can help you wisely choose herbal supplements:

o Look for U.S. Pharmacopoeia's USP dietary supplement verified seal
o Buy only single herb products
o Beware of claims that sound too good to be true; they usually are
o Be extremely cautious about herbal supplements manufactured outside the U.S.

Herbal supplements which come in the form of teas as well as pills require the same cautions. This is extremely important: tell your physician EVERYTHING that you are taking, including herbal and vitamin supplements, herbal teas, etc. Some can cause problems when taken in combination with prescription medications. For further information, check out these websites: nccm.nih.gov, www.consumerreports.org, www.herbmed.org, or call the parish nurse office at (314) 837-1090, Ext. 107.

In His Service,
Nicki Reynolds, RN