Manufacturers of phytomedicines must follow sound practices to ensure consistency of the product and to meet quality standards. But no FDA approval is required before introducing the supplement to the marketplace. Companies are free to make various claims that natural products enhance health. Once on the market, the FDA monitors the supplement for safety, issuing recalls for those deemed unsafe for the public.
There are always dangers associated with medications, and herbal products are no different. The most commonly used herbal supplements in the U.S. are garlic, echinacea, St. John’s Wort, ginseng, black cohosh and ginkgo. These phytomedicines have a reputation for helping those with mild depression to insomnia. But depending on the type of prescription or OTC medications you are taking, adding a supplement can be dangerous.
For example, those who take anticoagulants, NSAIDS and antiplatelet agents, it’s a good idea to avoid garlic, ginkgo, cranberry, St. John’s Wort and ginseng. These supplements may make the prescription drugs less effective.
Four Common Herbal Supplements That Could Harm You
Pennyroyal – This plant is a type of mint and commonly used as a tea. Modern medicine has proven that this herb isn’t effective for any use. Historically, it was used to induce abortions but required such large dosages that the mother also could be killed. There is the danger of irreversible liver damage, and it is unknown if the tea is safe. This plant has been listed on the FDA poisonous plants database since 1997.
St. John’s Wort – This herbal supplement has a reputation for easing mild to moderate depression. But there is no evidence that it is helpful in major depressive cases. Because of St. John’s Wort’s ability to interfere with a prescribed drug’s effectiveness, consult a doctor before starting on a course of this herb. One consequence of taking this supplement could be unintended pregnancy. Studies have shown that St. John’s could diminish the efficacy of birth control pills.
Kava – This herbal product reputedly works well as an anti-anxiety drug for some people. The downside is that it may take up to eight weeks to work. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the FDA urge people not to take kava at all because of the risk of liver damage and even death. Dr. Andrew Weil, founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, only recommends kava for three to four weeks for those patients with healthy livers.