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Herbal Supplement Guidelines

         
Since all natural colon cleanse products contain a array of herbs, we've listed some guidelines here to think about should you begin using one of these products.  Before using an herb you don’t know anything about, find out its medical properties.  Either research the herb in detail and/or consult with a doctor, medical practitioner or pharmacist.  If you are taking prescription drugs, or have a medical condition check with your doctor or pharmacist about drug interactions.

Herbal Supplements

Herbs have shown overpowering evidence that they work. But, you should know that because a small amount works well does NOT mean that more is better.  As individuals we all have diverse allergic reactions, sensitivities, and health conditions. Recommended dosages average all of this out. Try not to exceed dosage guidelines.  This advice includes the different herbal products offered on many different websites.  This list does not help with coordinating information on possible interactions and contraindications with prescription medicine.  This should be discussed with your physician.

Should I check with my doctor or healthcare provider before taking a supplement?

Absolutely. This is a good idea, especially for certain at risk groups.  Dietary supplements may not be risk-free under certain conditions.  If you are pregnant, nursing a baby, or have a chronic medical condition, such as, diabetes, heart disease or hypertension, consult your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing or taking any supplement.  While vitamin and mineral supplements are generally considered safe, and widely used, you may wish to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any dietary supplements.  If you plan to use a dietary supplement in place of/or in combination with any drug, tell your health care provider first.  Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects and their safety is not always assured in all users.  You may be placing yourself at risk if you have certain health conditions and take these products.

Some supplements may interact with other over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs.

Taking a combination of supplements or using these products together with medicine (whether OTC or prescription drugs) could under certain circumstances produce adverse effects.  Be alert to advisories about these products, whether taken alone or in combination.  For example: Aspirin, an over the counter drug, Coumadin, a prescription drug, vitamin E, a vitamin supplement and ginkgo biloba, an herbal supplement, are all blood thinners. Taking any combination of these products can increase the chance of internal bleeding.

Supplements can cause unwanted effects during surgery.

Herbal Ingredients

It is important to fully inform your doctor about the herbs, minerals, vitamins or any other supplements you are taking, particularly before elective surgery.  You may be asked to discontinue taking these products at least 2-3 weeks ahead of the procedure to avoid potentially dangerous supplement and drug interactions. These may include: changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and increased bleeding. Any of these could negative affect the outcome of your surgery.

Avoid these herbs during pregnancy, or if you are nursing.

Alkanet, Aloe, Angelica, Anise, Anise Star, Arnica, Ashwaganda, Barley Grass, Barberry, Basil, Bitter Melon, Black Cohosh, Bladderwrack, Blessed Thistle, Blood Root, Blue Cohosh, Blue Flag, Blue Vervain, Borage, Buckthorn, California Poppy, Cascara Sagrada, Catnip, Celandine, Celery, Chervil, Cinnamon, Club Moss, Comfrey, Coltsfoot, Cubeb, Dong Quai, Elecampane, Ephedra, False Unicorn, Fenugreek, Feverfew, Ginger, Golden Seal, Gravel, Guarana, Gymnema, Horehound, Horsetail, Hyssop, Juniper, Lemongrass, Licorice, Lobelia, Lovage, Lungwort, Mace, Motherwort, Mugwort, Muira Puama, Myrrh, Neem, Oregon Grape, Osha, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Pleurisy, Prickly Ash, Red Clover, Rhodiola, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Sassafras, Sarsaparilla, Senna, Shepherds Purse, Spikenard, Turkey Rhubarb, Turmeric, Uva Ursi, Vitex, Watercress, White Sage, Wormwood, Yarrow

Avoid these herbs if you have a history of kidney stones, liver disorders, renal dysfunction or inflammation.

Cubeb, Essiac, Horsetail, Hydrangea, Juniper Berries, Kava Kava, Parsley Root, Pennyroyal, Sheep Sorrel, Shepherds Purse, Suma, Sumac, Uva Ursi, Yellowdock, Yohimbe

Avoid these herbs if you are currently taking blood thinning medications.

Alfalfa, Angelica, Cramp Bark, Cubeb, Dong Quai, Ginkgo, Meadowsweet, Red Clover, Sarsaparilla, Yohimbe

Avoid these herbs if you have stomach inflammation, ulcers, digestion or liver problems. These herbs may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Black Haw, Blue Flag, Chaparral, Club Moss, Crampbark, Devils Claw, Eucalyptus, Elecampane, Essiac, Gentian, Ginger, Licorice, Lobelia, Parsley Root, Pleurisy, Pygeum, Solomans Seal, Tribulus, Turmeric, Yohimbe

These herbs are not for long-term use.

Bilberry Leaf, Black Walnut, Blessed thistle, Borage, Cascara Sagrada, Comfrey, Coltsfoot, Chaparral, Elecampane, Ephedra, Flax, Horsetail, Gentian, Goldenseal, Guarana, Juniper berries, Licorice, Lobelia, Lungwort, Mullein, Nettle Root, Rhubarb, Sage, Sassafras, Sarsaparilla, Senna, Sheep Sorrel, Wild Cherry, Wormwood, Uva Ursi, Yohimbe

These substances should only be used under the supervision of an expert.

Calamus, Horse Chestnut, Lobelia, Licorice, Mandrake, Poke, Tonka

Avoid if you have abdominal pain or diarrhea and stop taking these herbals should these symptoms occur. Consult health practitioner prior to use if pregnant, nursing, and taking medication or have a medical condition. Do not exceed recommended dose. And these are not for long term use.

Aloe, Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, Senna, Turkey Rhubarb, Yohimbe

May cause photo toxicity in some individuals at high dosage. Avoid long exposure to sun if using internally.

Angelica, Celery Seed, Orange Peel, Rue, St. Johns Wort

Seek advice from medical practitioner prior to use if pregnant, nursing, have high blood pressure, thyroid or heart disease, diabetes, difficulty in urination due to prostate enlargement, or if taking mao inhibitor or other prescription drug. Discontinue use if loss of appetite, nervousness, tremor, sleeplessness, or nausea occurs. Do not exceed dosage guidelines.

Ephedra, St. Johns Wort, Yohimbe

Seek advice from a health practitioner before use if you have/may have had kidney or liver disease. Discontinue use if nausea, fever, fatigue or jaundice (dark urine, yellow discoloration of eyes) should occur.

Boldo, Chaparral

Children should never be given any of these herbs without instructions from a physician.

It is also essential to know that the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated statements made by colon cleansing companies.  The FDA does not evaluate or test herbs. These products are not intended to cure, diagnose, prevent, or treat any illness or disease.  Consult with your physician or medical practitioner for diagnosis or treatment.  Use herbs as per the manufacturer’s product guidelines and always watch for any allergic reactions.
Comments
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Cindia     |2009-11-04 02:28:13
Wow, that was incredibly in-depth. Very useful stuff. I've never heard that
orange peel or celery seed can cause photo toxicity before. Good to know.
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