Herbal Product Safety

    Herbal safety guidelines:  what you need to know before trying any new herbal formula

    Before using an herb you are unfamiliar with, find out its medicinal properties. Research it
    thoroughly and/or consult with an appropriately qualified practitioner or expert. If you are taking
    prescription drugs, or have a medical condition check with an appropriately qualified practitioner
    before using herbs medicinally. Herbs have shown overwhelming evidence that they work. Just
    because a small amount works well does NOT mean that more is better. As individuals we all have
    different constitutions, sensitivities, allergic reactions and possible health conditions. The following
    are merely guidelines. They include herbs offered on many websites. This list does not help with
    administering information on possible interactions and contraindications with prescription medicine.
    This needs to be discussed with your physician.

    SHOULD I CHECK WITH MY DOCTOR OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE USING A
    SUPPLEMENT?
    This is a good idea, especially for certain population groups. Dietary supplements may not be
    risk-free under certain circumstances. If you are pregnant, nursing a baby, or have a chronic
    medical condition, such as, diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, be sure to consult your doctor
    or pharmacist before purchasing or taking any supplement. While vitamin and mineral supplements
    are widely used and generally considered safe, you may wish to check with your doctor or
    pharmacist before taking these or any other dietary supplements. If you plan to use a dietary
    supplement in place of drugs or in combination with any drug, tell your health care provider first.
    Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects and their safety
    is not always assured in all users. If you have certain health conditions and take these products,
    you may be placing yourself at risk.

    SOME SUPPLEMENTS MAY INTERACT WITH PRESCRIPTION AND OVER-THE-COUNTER
    MEDICINES:
    Taking a combination of supplements or using these products together with medications
    (whether prescription or OTC drugs) could under certain circumstances produce adverse effects.
    Be alert to advisories about these products, whether taken alone or in combination. For example:
    Coumadin (a prescription medicine), ginkgo biloba (an herbal supplement), aspirin (an OTC drug)
    and vitamin E (a vitamin supplement) can each thin the blood, and taking any of these products
    together can increase the potential for internal bleeding.

    SOME SUPPLEMENTS CAN HAVE UNWANTED EFFECTS DURING SURGERY:
    It is important to fully inform your doctor about the vitamins, minerals, herbals or any other
    supplements you are taking, especially before elective surgery. You may be asked to stop taking
    these products at least 2-3 weeks ahead of the procedure to avoid potentially dangerous
    supplement/drug interactions -- such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure and increased
    bleeding - that could adversely affect the outcome of your surgery.

    NOT TO BE USED DURING PREGNANCY, OR IF YOU ARE NURSING:
    Alkanet, Aloe, Angelica, Anise, Anise Star, Arnica, Ashwaganda, Barley Grass, Barberry, Basil,
    Bitter Melon, Black Cohosh, Bladderwrack, Blessed Thistle, Blood Root, Blue Cohosh, Blue Flag,
    Blue Vervain, Borage, Buckthorn, California Poppy, Cascara Sagrada, Catnip, Celandine, Celery,
    Chervil, Cinnamon, Club Moss, Comfrey, Coltsfoot, Cubeb, Dong Quai, Elecampane, Ephedra,
    False Unicorn, Fenugreek, Feverfew, Ginger, Golden Seal, Gravel, Guarana, Gymnema,
    Horehound, Horsetail, Hyssop, Juniper, Lemongrass, Licorice, Lobelia, Lovage, Lungwort,
    Mace, Motherwort, Mugwort, Muira Puama, Myrrh, Neem, Oregon Grape, Osha, Parsley,
    Pennyroyal, Pleurisy, Prickly Ash, Red Clover, Rhodiola, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Sassafras,
    Sarsaparilla, Senna, Shepherds Purse, Spikenard, Turkey Rhubarb, Turmeric, Uva Ursi,
    Vitex, Watercress, #016EBB Sage, Wormwood, Yarrow

    NOT FOR PERSONS WITH HISTORY OF KIDNEY STONES, LIVER DISORDERS, RENAL
    DYSFUNCTION OR INFLAMMATION:
    Cubeb, Essiac, Horsetail, Hydrangea, Juniper Berries, Kava Kava, Parsley Root, Pennyroyal,
    Sheep Sorrel, Shepherds Purse, Suma, Sumac, Uva Ursi, Yellowdock, Yohimbe

    NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PERSON CURRENTLY TAKING BLOOD THINNING MEDICATIONS:
    Alfalfa, Angelica, Cramp Bark, Cubeb, Dong Quai, Ginkgo, Meadowsweet, Red Clover,
    Sarsaparilla, Yohimbe

    NOT FOR PERSONS WITH STOMACH INFLAMMATION/ULCERS SERIOUS DIGESTION AND/OR
    LIVER PROBLEMS. MAY CAUSE GASTROINTESTINAL UPSET:
    Black Haw, Blue Flag, Chaparral, Club Moss, Crampbark, Devils Claw, Eucalyptus, Elecampane,
    Essiac, Gentian, Ginger, Licorice, Lobelia, Parsley Root, Pleurisy, Pygeum, Solomans Seal,
    Tribulus, Turmeric, Yohimbe

    NOT FOR LONG-TERM USE:
    Bilberry Leaf, Black Walnut, Blessed thistle, Borage, Cascara Sagrada, Comfrey, Coltsfoot,
    Chaparral, Elecampane, Ephedra, Flax, Horsetail, Gentian, Goldenseal, Guarana, Juniper berries,
    Licorice, Lobelia, Lungwort, Mullein, Nettle Root, Rhubarb, Sage, Sassafras, Sarsaparilla, Senna,
    Sheep Sorrel, Wild Cherry, Wormwood, Uva Ursi, Yohimbe

    TO BE USED ONLY UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF AN EXPERT QUALIFIED IN THE
    APPROPRIATE USE OF THIS SUBSTANCE:
    Calamus, Horse Chestnut, Lobelia, Licorice, Mandrake, Poke, Tonka

    DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE ABDOMINAL PAIN OR DIARRHEA, DISCONTINUE IF THESE OCCUR.
    CONSULT HEALTH PRACTITIONER PRIOR TO USE IF PREGNANT, NURSING, AND TAKING
    MEDICATION OR HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION. DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSE.
    NOT FOR LONG TERM USE:
    Aloe, Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, Senna, Turkey Rhubarb, Yohimbe

    MAY CAUSE PHOTO TOXICITY IN SOME INDIVIDUALS AT HIGH DOSAGE. AVOID LONG
    EXPOSURE TO SUN IF USING INTERNALLY:
    Angelica, Celery Seed, Orange Peel, Rue, St. Johns Wort

    SEEK ADVICE FROM HEALTH PRACTITIONER PRIOR TO USE IF PREGNANT, NURSING,
    HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, HEART OR THYROID DISEASE, DIABETES, DIFFICULTY IN
    URINATION DUE TO PROSTATE ENLARGEMENT, OR IF TAKING MAO INHIBITOR OR OTHER
    PRESCRIPTION DRUG. REDUCE/DISCONTINUE USE IF NERVOUSNESS, TREMOR,
    SLEEPLESSNESS, LOSS OF APPETITE OR NAUSEA OCCUR. DO NOT EXCEED
    RECOMMENDED DOSE. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN:
    Ephedra, St. Johns Wort, Yohimbe

    SEEK ADVICE FROM A HEALTH PRACTITIONER BEFORE USE IF YOU HAVE/MAY HAVE HAD
    KIDNEY OR LIVER DISEASE.
    DISCONTINUE USE IF NAUSEA, FEVER, FATIGUE OR JAUNDICE (DARK URINE, YELLOW
    DISCOLORATION OF EYES) SHOULD OCCUR:
    Boldo, Chaparral

    Statements made by most thyroid manufacturers have not been evaluated by the food and drug
    administration. The FDA does not evaluate or test herbs. These products are not intended to
    diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Consult with your physician for diagnosis or
    treatment. Use herbs as per instructions and always watch for any allergic reactions.


    Herbal Safety

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Thyroid Product Comparisons - General Product Index - Herbal Product Safety