September 29th, 2011 
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Herbal medications have many useful effects but they also have dangerous side effects. Along with dangerous side effects, some herbal medications can negatively interact with traditional prescribed and over the counter medications. Always consult with your Doctor before taking any herbal medications or dietary supplements.
Potentially Dangerous Side Effects Of Select Herbs
Ephedra has been banned from sale in the United States due to it’s potentially dangerous side effects. Ephedra has been used as a popular stimulant and dietary supplement for many years. Ephedra has been known the raise the pulse rate and blood pressure to dangerous levels; in some occasions the use of Ephedra has lead to stroke and even death.
Senna is widely used by Americans especially as a laxative in the older population. Senna works well as a laxative but is dangerous in that it can cause fainting and cardiac arrhythmia’s. Although a deadly side effect, senna can lead to loss of bowel function control as well.
Comfrey root is sold as tea and has been banned in several countries across the world. Comfrey root has been used for it’s natural wound healing abilities. Comfrey root has been proven to cause liver and bladder cancer in laboratory animals.
Lobelia has been sold as an herbal medication to help treat asthma sufferers. Lobelia has similar effects on the body as nicotine use and is not to be used by anyone who has a cardiovascular condition. Not only can Lobellia have a negative effect on those with cardiovascular conditions, it has been known to cause brain damage and even death.
Yohimbe has been used as an erectile dysfunction treatment for men. Potentially dangerous side effects of yohimbe use are increasingly dangerous pulse rates and blood pressure. Yohimbe has also been known to cause dizziness and headaches.
Potentially Dangerous Herb and Drug Interactions
If you take any over the counter or prescribed medications, you should always consult with your doctor before taking herbal medications or dietary supplements. Many herbal medications interact with over the counter and prescription drugs in dangerous ways, the interactions could even lead to death. This list is not all inclusive, check with your Medical Doctor before taking any and all medications, herbal medications, and dietary supplements.
Anticoagulants way interact with feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginko, and ginseng.
Warfarin or Coumadin and lovenox are common anticoagulants.
Anticonvulsants may interact with evening primrose.
Dilantin or Phenytoin, depakote, klonopin, tegretol, and phenobarbital are common anticonvulsants.
Corticosteroids may interact with echinecea, astragalus, and licorice.
Solu-Medrol, cortisone, and prednisone are common corticosteroids.
Cardiac glycosides may interact with hawthorn, siberian ginseng, and licorice.
Lanoxin or Digoxin are common cardiac glycosides.
Hypoglycemics may interact with chromium.
Glipizide, amaryl, metformin, starlix, and insulin are common hypoglycemics.
Iron may interact with feverfew and St. John’s Wort.
Ferrous sulfate is the common name for iron.
MAOI’s may interact with Ginseng, St. Johns’s Wort, licorice, ephedra, and yohimbe.Nardil and parnate are common MAOI’s, although MAOI’s are not as popular as they were in the past.
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