Herbal medicine1

What is herbal medicine? Also known as botanical medicine or phytomedicine. Long history of use from Ancient Chinese, Egyptian,

African, Native American cultures.Uses plant materials (seed, root, bark, berry, flower).Many forms (tablets, capsule, powders, dried plants).Herbal medicine is considered a dietary supplement.

Not approved by FDA for safety and effectiveness.

Why do people take herbal medicine?2

To maintain health or improve certain disease conditions.

The thought that they are “natural”.Complementary treatment for many conditions:

Allergy, anxiety, depression, memory, sleep, cold, etc.

Can be obtained without a prescription.

“Natural” does not always mean safe.2,3,4

Benefit Risk

Kava kava Anti-anxiety Liver toxicity

Garlic Atherosclerosis Common coldCancer

Increase bleeding

Ginkgo Anti-oxidantCognitive functionBlood flow

Increase bleeding

St. John’s wort Anti-depression Major interactions with prescription medications

Green tea Metabolic syndromeBody weight controlCardiovascular diseaseCancer

Vitamin K interaction with blood thinners (Warfarin)

Ginseng Energy boostCognitive functionAnti-inflammatoryCancerErectile dysfunction

Drug interaction with some blood pressure medicines and blood thinners (Warfarin)

“Dirty dozen” – 12 herbal medicines to avoid5

Herbal Medicine Potential danger

1. Aconite low blood pressure, respiratory paralysis and death

2. Bitter Orange heart problem, stroke, death

3. Chaparral liver and kidney damage4. Colloidal silver FDA warning in 20095. Coltsfoot liver damage, cancer6. Comfrey liver damage, cancer

7. Country mallow heart problem, stroke, and death

8. Germanium kidney damage, death9. Kava liver damage10. Lobella low blood pressure, coma, death

11. Greater Celandine liver damage

12. Yohimbe high blood pressure, rapid heart beat, death

Herbal safety tips6 Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking.

Take as directed: more is not always better.

Report side-effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch

Do not always trust claims on ads, “as seen on TV”.

Check for “USP Verified” symbol.

Questions to ask before buying herbal medicines2

1. Is the herbal medicine necessary? 2. Does it interact with any of my prescription meds?3. Are herbal medicines safe? 4. What is the dose?5. How long do I take it?6. Is there any non-drug options for my conditions?

OTC medications7,8

What is an OTC medication?OTC = Over-The-Counter, or medication without

prescription.Safe to use without consulting a physician.Common uses:

Headache/Fever. Fungal infection. Eczema.Constipation. Heartburn.

How to use OTC medications safely9

Do not take more than the recommended dose on the box. More is not always better.

Watch out for the symptoms that might be warning signs for more serious disease: Ex: sinus pressure could be sinus infection rather common

cold.

Determine when a symptom is minor and when it requires medical attention: If unsure, consult your pharmacist.

How to pick out the correct OTC medications?9

Read the box.Use the drug facts label.

Read the active ingredient and what it is for.

Consult a pharmacist.Recommendation for the best options, life style

changes, and non-drug options.

Use store brands to save money.Stick to the one that worked for you in the

past.

OTC Drug Facts Label10

OTC dietary supplements11

To supplement diet, but not replace diet.Not considered drugs, thus not for treating disease.Beware of these products as FDA does not regulate

them. “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is”. Check for “USP Verified” symbol.

Examples: Vitamins/Minerals/Enzyme/Probiotic Herbal medicine Sport drinks Energy booster Sexual enhancement Muscle milk

Reference 1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/QADietarySupplements/default.htm#what_is. Last Updated: 04/28/2015. Accessed 11/12/2015

2. Ehrlich SD. Herbal Medicine. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/herbal-medicine. University of Maryland Medical Center. Last reviewed on 9/23/2013 Accessed 11/12/2015

3. Ehrlich SD. Garlic. https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/garlic. University of Maryland Medical Center, Last reviewed on 6/22/2015. Accessed 11/12/2015

4. Cupp MJ. Herbal Remedies: Adverse Effects and Drug Interaction. http://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0301/p1239.html. Am Fam Physician 1999. 59(5): 1239-1244. Accessed 11/12/2015

5. The ”Dirty Dozen” Dietary Supplements to avoide Inclusind One for Erectile Dysfunction. https://www.accessrx.com/blog/current-health-news/erectile-dysfunction-and-dietary-supplements-to-avoid-a805/ Last updated: 8/5/2010. Accessed 11/12/2015

6. A “Dirty Dozen” List of Supplements Consumers Should Avoid. http://pressroom.consumerreports.org/pressroom/2010/08/yonkers-ny-a-new-investigation-in-the-september-issue-of-consumer-reports-and-available-online-at-wwwconsumerreportshea.html. Last updated 8/3/2010. Accessed 11/12/2015

7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm194951.htm. Last updated 10/19/2015. Accessed 11/12/2015

8. MedlinePlus. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/overthecountermedicines.html. Accessed 11/12/2015 9. Hussar DA. Overview of Over-the-Counter Drugs. Merck. http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/drugs/over-

the-counter-drugs/overview-of-over-the-counter-drugs. Accessed 11/12/2015 10. Bayer. https://www.claritin.com/products/claritin-d/claritin-d-24/ Accessed 11/12/2015 11. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dietary Supplement What You Need to Know.

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/DietarySupplements/UCM240978.pdf, May 2016. Accessed 11/12/2015

OTC medications, Herbal medicines,

and Dietary supplements.

HOW TO TAKE IT

WHAT YOU ARE TAKING

WHAT IT IS USED FOR

BE SURE THIS PRODUCT IS RIGHT FOR YOU