Herbal Remedies

1
Herbal Remedies
Shannon Hays
2
Herbal Remedies

• Information Developed for the Public

3
Did You Know?

• From 1994 to 1998, the herbal market has grown
  from 1.3 billion to 4 billion
• 25 of Americans who visit their doctor are using
  herbal therapy,but only 70 of them report this
  use to their doctor
• Herbal products are not subject to the approval
  process of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

4
Herbal Product Sales
5
Questions

• Why are herbal products used?
• Arent herbal products safe because theyre
  natural?
• What are possible side effects of herbal
  products?
• Can herbal products change the way prescription
  medicines work?
• Where can I find out more about herbal products?

6
Why Are Herbal Products Used?

• Because herbal products are not regulated by the
  FDA, manufacturers are not allowed to make claims
  of treating or preventing illnesses
• However, herbal products claim the ability to
  promote health for patients

7
Uses

• Herbal Remedies Have a Variety of Uses
• Feverfew used to prevent migraines
• Garlic used to lower blood pressure
• St. Johns Wort used to treat depression
• Echinacea used to reduce the duration of the
  common cold

8
Arent Herbal Products Safe Because They Are
Natural?

• 
  NO!
• Many poisons come from plants. While herbal
  products are natural, they are not natural to
  your body.
• Herbal remedies may contain impurities such as
  plant pollen which can make you sick
• Because the active chemical of many herbal
  products is unknown, accurate doses are difficult
  to achieve

9
What Are Possible Side Effects Of Herbal Products?

• Herbal products can have a variety of adverse
  effects. It is best to research the product for
  possible effects before taking it.
• Ginkgo biloba may cause bleeding
• Kava may exacerbate Parkinsons disease
• St. Johns Wort may cause fatigue, dizziness, or
  allergic reactions

10
Can Herbal Products Change The Way Prescriptions
Work?

• YES!
• Most herbal products have interactions with some
  prescription or OTC drugs

11
Examples of Prescription Drug Interactions with
Herbal Products

• Kava should not be taken with sedatives,
  alcohol, or sleeping pills
• Ginseng should not be taken with warfarin
• Ginkgo biloba should not be taken with aspirin,
  warfarin, ticlopidine, or clopidogrel

12
Where Can I Find Out More About Herbal Products?

• GNC retail stores
• Go to www.gnc.com and look under HealthNotes and
  then check either Safetychecker or Herbal
  Remedies for information on drug interactions and
  general information

13

• WebMdHealth
• Go to www.webmd.com and click on WebMdHealth and
  select Drugs and Herbs

14

• Your doctor or pharmacist is also a great
  resource of drug information

15
Summary

• Herbal products have a variety of uses.
• Herbal products are not necessarily safe and
  should be used with caution.
• It is important to be aware of the side effects
  that may be caused by herbals.
• Before using an herbal product, make sure it does
  not interact with any prescription or OTC drugs
  you are taking.
• If you have any concerns about herbal products,
  you should talk to your pharmacist or physician.