Herbals supplements seem to be the new medical trend in America. Health food stores, grocery stores, and discount stores alike have rows of herbal pills waiting to be bought. As a result many women have begun to buy different supplements.

Supplements are available for a host of purposes from health benefits similar to vitamins to decreases menopausal symptoms and helping depression.

Loose Regulations

The problem with herbal supplements, however, is that they are not as well regulated as other drugs because they fall under the category of “alternative therapies.” As a result, the companies that produce herbal supplements do not have the same regulations placed upon them that regular medicine manufacturers do. Therefore, although some herbal supplements do have side effects, the specific effects are not necessarily mentioned on the package.

Many women think that herbal supplements fall under the same category as medicine and consequently they don’t mention them to their doctors. This also can present a problem because certain herbal supplements have negative interactions with prescription medications.

This is why patients should make sure to tell their doctors about everything they are taking, even nonprescription herbal supplements. In addition, some herbal supplements are unhealthy for people with certain preexisting conditions and only a doctor would recognize the risks.

Echinacea and Others

For example, many people take Echinacea to try and prevent minor colds or to promote good health. However, when Echinacea is combined with other medications it can cause permanent liver damage in addition to stomach and intestinal problems.

Ginkgo Balboa and Ginseng are also both frequently taken for their health benefits, but they have negative interactions with drugs that hinder blood clotting. Licorice is taken to prevent hepatitis and peptic ulcers, but it may also increase the effects of steroids. St. John’s Wart is an over-the-counter treatment for depression, anxiety, or seasonal affective disorder. However, it also enhances bleeding.

Therefore, if a patient is taking St. John’s Wart and goes in for surgery, the patient may not be able to heal properly. Several of the over-the-counter drugs that are used to treat anxiety may increase the effects of sedatives, which may be unsafe if patients have to drive or operate heavy machinery.