The use of herbal medicines as substitute for pharmaceutical medications is also widespread among countries. Even though most of them are harmless, there are still lots of herbal remedies that may have side-effects and can threaten human if not taken properly.
Americans widely use herbal products as alternative therapies. These products do not undergo scientific test as required in conventional drugs. They are advertised in the United States without any clinical efficacy or safety proof to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But they are allowed by the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act to promote their medicinal effect on human body.
Consequently, adverse effects linked to herbal medicines, including their interactions with other drugs, are being unrecognized. For instance, Ginko biloba extract, which is said to increase cognitive functioning, could cause spontaneous bleeding as reported. Another related case is the reverse effects of Ginseng when combined with anti-depressants. Therefore, physicians dressed in scrub tops and pants must be cognizant on the possible harmful drug interactions of herbal products. They must also be aware of the deleterious results that can be derived from these products, especially those people using herbal remedies.
Some medicinal herbs negatively interact with medications so they become too active or inactive. In that case, other herbals should be taken only in regulated amounts as they can be overdosed.
Herbals sometimes pose trouble with the functioning of organs when taken for a long time. Liver and kidney are two certain organs usually affected by herbals since they serve as body filters. They can also affect cognitive functioning and could lead to mental confusion. Inaccurate use of herbal medicines may also increase blood pressure, especially if a person has already heart problems. Other herbal side-effects include skin irritation, photosensitivity, and sleepiness.
Although herbal products are available even without a prescription, physicians should still give medical guidance to avoid the adverse effects and undesirable drug interactions of herbal medicines, including dietary supplements.
Herbals sometimes pose trouble with the functioning of organs when taken for a long time. Liver and kidney are two certain organs usually affected by herbals since they serve as body filters. They can also affect cognitive functioning and could lead to mental confusion. Inaccurate use of herbal medicines may also increase blood pressure, especially if a person has already heart problems. Other herbal side-effects include skin irritation, photosensitivity, and sleepiness.
Although herbal products are available even without a prescription, physicians should still give medical guidance to avoid the adverse effects and undesirable drug interactions of herbal medicines, including dietary supplements.
