Treating various ailments from coughs to constipation with herbs has been used in many cultures throughout the world since the dawn of mankind.  Today, about one in six Americans use herbs derived from plants to treat a disease condition or to boost health.   Herbal supplements are affordable and do not require a prescription – advocates of them feel this allows more people to control their own health care.  Opponents fear this self-dosing with herbs could lead to toxic reactions and prevent people from seeking traditional medical care and proven treatments.  Just how helpful or harmful are herbal supplements?

This article looks at five popular herbal supplements discussing the pros and cons of each. 

1.      Ginkgo biloba or “maidenhair”

This herbal supplement is one of the top selling medicinal supplements in the United States. It is marketed to enhance memory and to treat a variety of circulatory ailments.  Supplements have not been found to reduce the incidence of dementia or protect against cognitive decline in the elderly, but there is evidence that it may benefit mood and attention in healthy adults. 

There can be some side effects from taking ginkgo biloba that include headaches, and gastrointestinal symptoms.  It can also interact with a number of medications such as when combined with warfarin or aspirin resulting in increased bleeding.  It can raise blood pressure if combined with a thiazide diuretic and can induce a coma if combined with the antidepressant trazodone.

2.      St. John’s wort

This herbal supplement is taken to promote mental well-being and contains low doses of the chemical found in the antidepressant drug fluoxetine or Prozac.  The results of clinical trials suggest that is effective for the treatment of depression. 

Side effects include nausea and sensitivity to sunlight.  St John’s wort should not be used in conjunction with prescription antidepressant drugs, and it has been found to interact with anticoagulants, heart medications, birth control pills, immunosupressants, antibiotics, and medications used to treat HIV.

3.      Ginseng

Ginseng has been used in Asia for centuries for its energizing, stress-reducing, and aphrodisiac properties.  Today it is popular for its effects on cardiovascular, central nervous system, endocrine, and sexual function. 

Although ginseng contains substances that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating, and central nervous system effects, controlled trials investigating its health benefits have been equivocal.  It can cause diarrhea, headache, and insomnia.

4.      Garlic

Hippocrates recommended garlic for treating pneumonia and other infections, as well as cancer and digestive disorders.  Although it is no longer recommended for those purposes, recent research has shown that garlic may cause a modest reduction in blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 

Even though we often spice our food with garlic, garlic supplements are not safe for everyone.  They could be harmful for people undergoing treatment for HIV infection and could lead to bleeding in those taking the anticoagulant drug warfarin. 

5.      Echinacea

Native Americans used petals of the Echinacea plant as a treatment for colds, flu, and infections.  Today the plant’s root is typically used, and it is a popular herbal cold remedy.  Echinacea is believed to act as an immune system stimulant, but there is little evidence that it is beneficial in either preventing or treating the common cold.

Although side effects have not been reported, allergies are possible. 

In conclusion

Herbs are medicines and like taking other medications, taking an herbal supplement may have some advantages and risks.  Prescription drugs are certainly not without side effects, but because of the levels of regulation, we can be assured that a prescribed drug is an effective treatment with any side effect documented.  Herbal products, like other dietary supplements, do not require FDA approval before they are marketed.  Often, herbal products are made from unpurified plant material and there can be a risk of contamination with pesticides, microbes, metals, and other toxins. 

Like always with any supplement that is not regulated, it is a buyer beware market.  Always inform all healthcare professionals if you are using an herbal supplements as they can have interactions with prescription medications and can cause side effects such as increased bleeding during or after surgeries.