Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Poor
Medium
Poor
Poor
Medium
Poor
Medium
Good
Poor
Medium
migraine prevention.
Good
Medium
202
TRICK OR TREATMENT?
Good
Poor
Poor
Medium
Good
Poor
Good
Good
Poor
Good
Medium
Poor
Medium
Poor
Medium
Good
Good
Medium
Medium
Poor
Medium
Medium
203
Table 2 - T h e r i s k s of herbal m e d i c i n e s
This table relates to all the herbs in Table 1. Unlike conventional pharmaceuticals, herbal remedies have not been properly tested or monitored for safety,
so it is impossible to assess their risks fully. Because of the lack of proper
safety testing, some of the risks below are based on just one or two case
reports. It is also important to note that many herbs can trigger allergic reactions.
We have not included these in the table as there is insufficient space.
Aloe vera as a juice can cause diarrhoea, damage to the kidneys or electrolyte depletion. It can also interact with antidiabetic and heart medication.
The gel is applied externally and is not known to cause adverse effects.
Andrographis interacts with some synthetic drugs, including antidiabetics
and anticoagulants. It also might cause unwanted abortion.
Artichoke is not known to have adverse effects apart from flatulence.
Bilberry may cause blood sugar levels to drop dangerously or enhance
antidiabetic medications. It can also interact with anticoagulants.
Black cohosh has been associated with about 70 cases of liver damage. It
might also interact with heart medications.
Chamomile might interact with anticoagulants.
Cranberry has been associated with a rare case of thrombocyctopenia, a
condition characterized by a low platelet count, resulting in bleeding.
Devil's claw has been linked to interactions with drugs such as anticoagulants
and heart medications. It has also been associated with unwanted abortion.
Echinacea has been linked with asthma and rare conditions such as
erythema nodosum.
Evening primrose could trigger an epileptic fit and might interact with
drugs lowering blood pressure or heart medications.
Feverfew might interact with anticoagulants; can cause mouth to swell.
Garlic might cause blood sugar levels to drop. It can also exaggerate the
effects of anticoagulants, and might interact with other drugs.
Ginger may cause bleeding and may interact with blood pressure drugs.
214
TRICK O R TREATMENT?
215