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November 2, 2001
By Ellis Quinn Youngkin, PhD, RNC, ARNP
Nurses are frequently asked questions about the use of herbal therapies. The following discussion relates to ten commonly asked herbal therapy questions. For a more detailed review of herbal therapies, please see the continuing education offering Women’s Health: Herbal Therapies for Common Conditions at www.smartfau.com/nursing/herb.html.
Readers are urged to check with a health care provider before using any of the herbs mentioned as they could cause negative and even dangerous effects if you’re pregnant, breast feeding, have a chronic disease, or are taking other medications and supplements – prescription or over-the-counter. Also, readers are encouraged to use only herbs that are packaged singly (not in combinations) and that are standardized brands that you can trust.
Many herbal products are not pure or reliably accurate in dosage, and there is no federal oversight of production.
What herbs can I use to lose weight?
Many herbal therapies may help control weight. Seaweed supplements, such as kelp, and capsaicin, an herb in cayenne pepper, may help increase metabolism thus burning calories faster. However, if you are feeling very tired, a serious problem such as a low thyroid condition, may be the problem. See your health care provider before relying on substances that increase metabolism but don’t treat the underlying problem. Green tea raises the metabolic rate, helping burn more calories, and it also contains flavonoids that help protect against heart disease and cancer. Psyllium, an herb that comes from seeds and husks that contain soluble and insoluble fiber, when taken before a meal, expands the stomach. You feel fuller, thus may eat less. Less calories are absorbed, also.
Some herbal drugs are not safe. Ephedra, also called ma huang, does increase metabolism, but can be dangerous, raising the heart rate, causing nervousness, dizziness, headaches, and in some cases, serious outcomes, such as seizure, stroke, heart attack and death. Say “No” to this herb alone or in combination with other substances. Herbs that are diuretics and laxatives, when taken to lose weight, can be dangerous. Fluid is lost, sometimes to the point of severe dehydration and even death. Don’t use these for weight loss.
I love chocolate. I heard it was good for you. Is this true?
Chocolate contains a number of substances that may be good for you – ones that calm, soothe, improve mood, help eliminate free radicals that can cause cancer and heart disease, lessen anxiety; increase energy, and are similar to some sex hormones. Yum! All this and it tastes good too! Well, that is the rub. The fat and sugar in most chocolate, that enhances its taste, outweighs its benefits in many instances. Also, too much can cause gastric problems, headaches, and kidney stones.
Should I stop taking herbs if I’m trying to get pregnant?
Absolutely! Unless your health care provider specifically prescribes an herb and monitors its use, you should not take any herbal product in pregnancy – even chocolate. We don’t know the effects on pregnant or lactating women or on the fetus or infant of most herbal products. Some can be extremely dangerous, such as ephedra, mentioned above.
Is it okay to take an herbal product with a prescription drug or an over-the-counter medicine?
Many times, interactions that can be dangerous may occur when herbs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or other supplements are taken together. For instance, if ephedra and caffeine are taken together, serious nervous system and cardiac effects may result. St.John’s wort and any of the prescription antidepressants taken together may cause adverse reactions. Valerian should not be taken with a sedative; the two could cause over-sedation. Ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, aspirin, and Vitamin E taken in any combination can cause a delay in clotting. Any of these herbs, if taken with coumadin, could lead to serious hemorrhage.
Will ginkgo biloba actually help me remember better?
Ginkgo biloba improves blood flow, which may, in turn, improve memory if the brain is benefiting from the increased blood flow. However, more research is needed to show that it definitively aids in preventing or treating memory loss. One recent study did find improvement in cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia, but the type of ginkgo used was quite refined; not what you can buy over-the-counter.
What herb can I take for more energy?
There are a number of herbs that are energizers. Siberian ginseng may help increase your stamina, but it should be taken only with a health care provider’s oversight as it may interact negatively with some prescription and over-the-counter drugs/supplements. Peppermint oil, sniffed when you feel tired after doing tasks for a long period of time, such as a long drive or time at a computer, can really pick you up. Put one or two drops of essential oil on a soft cloth or cotton ball, slip into a baggie, and carry with you. Ginger tea or ginger as a capsule or tincture is helpful to improve digestion, which, if poor, may sap your energy. Gotu kola may be helpful if you are nervous and need to relax, but need to remain alert.
Are there any good herbs for menopause symptoms?
Several herbal therapies may help menopause symptoms. Black cohosh and chaste tree berry are two herbs that may be helpful for hot flashes and night sweats. Valerian can help with sleep if night sweats are causing waking, but be aware that it smells awful, so take it in capsule form about an hour before bedtime. Passiflora (passionflower) can help with sleep, also, if taken as a tincture about half an hour before bedtime.
Will St. John’s wort really help my depression?
If you have mild to moderate depression, St. John’s wort may be helpful. In a number of studies, it has been found to be superior to placebo in reducing symptoms of depression. It is not helpful in severe depression. If your symptoms are such that you are very depressed and have even considered suicide, please seek professional help immediately. St. John’s is not the answer for you. Do not take this herb with a prescription antidepressant. Also, it can interact with a number of drugs and anesthesia. Talk with a health care provider about using it before you start taking it.
Is there any herb that is good for headaches?
Caffeine, when taken with an analgesic like aspirin, is very helpful for many people who have headaches. However, people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or insomnia should not use caffeine since it is a stimulant. Feverfew may be helpful for some people who have migraine headaches. It does have some unpleasant side effects, particularly if the fresh leaves are chewed, so see a health care provider for advice.
Is ginger really helpful for nausea?
Absolutely. It has helped many people with motion sickness, and was effective for post-operative nausea and vomiting in one study. In another study, it was effective for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. In still another study, it was found more effective than Dramamine for motion sickness. Again, you are advised that ginger should not be used by pregnant women without a health provider’s oversight.
Hopefully, these questions and brief answers will whet your appetite to learn more about herbal therapies and safe use of these and any supplement. There is a place for their use but with good judgment, so please refer to the latest sources that are reliable when you’re making decisions about use.
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