Herbal Supplement

Common Uses

Potential Problems

Potential Interactions With

Dong Quai (Angelica)

To treat menopausal symptoms, PMS, dysmenorrhea

Enhances bleeding

Anticoagulants

Echinacea

To treat colds, flu, and mild infections, especially upper respiratory infections

Hepatotoxicity; Intestinal upset

Other hepatotoxic drugs; Anabolic steroids; Methotrexate

Ephedra (Ma Huang, Ephedrine, Pseudo-ephedrine)

To treat asthma, cough, and to induce weight loss

Seizures; Adverse cardiovascular events, hypertension

Cardiac glycosides; General anesthesia; MAO inhibitors; Decongestants, stimulants

Garlic

To decrease cholesterol and blood clot formation

Enhances bleeding

Anticoagulants

Ginger

To relieve nausea

Enhances bleeding; CNS depression; Hypotension; Cardiac Arrhythmia; Hypoglycemia

Anticoagulants; Enhances the effects of barbiturates; Antihypertensives; Cardiac drugs; Hypoglycemic drugs

Ginkgo Biloba

To improve circulation, especially to brain; For memory loss, dizziness, and headache

Enhances bleeding; Cramps, muscle spasms

Anticoagulants

Ginseng

To increase energy and reduce stress

Enhances bleeding; Tachycardia and hypertension; Mania

Anticoagulants; Stimulants; Antihypertensives; Antidepressants/Phenelzine; Digoxin; Potentiates the effects of corticosteroids and estrogens

Goldenseal

Used as a mild antibiotic to treat sore throats and upper respiratory infections

Increases fluid retention; Hypertension; Nausea; Nervousness

Diuretics; Antihypertensives

Kava Kava

To treat anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia

Upset stomach;
Allergic skin reaction, yellow discoloration of skin;
Central nervous system depression, liver toxicity

Potentiates the effects of antidepressants, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines; Skeletal muscle relaxants; Anesthetics

Licorice

To treat hepatitis and peptic ulcers

Hypertension; Hypokalemia; Edema

Antihypertensives; Potentiates the effects of corticosteroids

SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine)

To treat depression or osteoarthritis

Mimics serotonin; Nausea, upset stomach

Drugs that can increase or mimic serotonin, such as antidepressants

St. John's Wort

To treat mild depression, anxiety, seasonal affective disorder

Enhances bleeding;
hastens metabolic breakdown of drugs;
contra-indicated for organ transplant recipiants

Anticoagulants; Antidepressants; Decreases the effectiveness of cyclosporine, antiviral drugs; Digoxin; Dextrometorphan; Prolongs the effects of general anesthetics; MAO inhibitors

Valerian

To treat insomnia, anxiety

Sedation; Digestion problems

Potentiates the effects of barbiturates