Herbal Products

Herbal products are very popular, but are you aware that they can:

• Cause side effects, sometime severe enough to require medical attention?
• Interact with prescribed medication?
• Cause problems if taken at doses higher than those recommended?
• Worsen other medical conditions you may suffer from?

Potency/Purity of Herbal Product

Currently, the manufacturers of natural products are not required to follow the same industry or quality controls in place for traditional medicines. Therefore, some herbal products sold in Canada may contain more or less of an ingredient than indicated on the label, or it might contain ingredients other than listed on the bottle. Be sure to purchase products from reliable producers to reduce these risks.

Side Effects

Herbal products can cause minor side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, or indigestion. However, some can also affect blood pressure, blood sugar, or heart rhythm and some people might be affected more than others. Some herbal products can be very dangerous when taken at doses higher than recommended. The terms 'herbal' and 'natural' do not mean a product is completely safe and harmless; they have a pharmacological effect on the body and can affect your health. If problems arise while taking an herbal product, stop, and consult your physician or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Interactions

Interactions between medications and herbal products have not been well studied, but some are known and can be severe. Always talk to your pharmacist before starting an herbal product if you are taking other medication.

Associated Conditions

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and young children are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of foreign substances and should use natural or herbal medications with extreme caution. Also, persons with severe or chronic diseases should consult with their physician or pharmacist before starting these products to avoid worsening their condition.

Talk to Your Pharmacist

Always let your pharmacist and your physician know you are taking herbal products. Do not self-diagnose a disease. See a doctor first and then decide on the use of an herbal remedy once all options are discussed. Serious conditions like diabetes or cancer usually require medications and herbal products are not a substitute. Your pharmacist can help you make a safer choice by discussing potential benefits but also known side effects and drug interactions associated with herbal products.