by M. Torres

Created on: August 20, 2008

Herbal supplements have long been touted as 'nature's remedies'. People looking to take the holistic approach to health and healing swear by herbal supplements because they do not contain any harmful man-made additives. People are falling for this hype, too. Over the past decade, the sales of herbal supplements have increased a staggering 83 percent with over $22 billion in sales just last year. They're just plant extracts. Roots, leaves, bark, berries, and flowers. Those things can't possibly be bad for you, right? Wrong. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning for one of the ingredients in the top 10 selling herbal supplements kava root, because of it's possible link to kidney failure. In 2004, the widely popular weight loss drug ephedra was banned by the FDA due to 100 deaths being linked to its usage.

Adverse reactions resulting from mixing herbal supplements with prescription and/or over-the-counter medications is another danger that many people may not be aware of. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs nearly every one you can think of from aspirin to ibuprofen to Tylenol can and have caused adverse reactions in people who take them with herbal supplements. Acetaminophen, the ingredient found in Tylenol, can cause liver and kidney damage when taken with herbal supplements. For prescription pain relievers, the dangers of mixing them with herbal supplements are far worse. Drugs like oxycodone and fentanyl, combined with something as seemingly harmless as chamomile, can suppress the nervous system to the point of death.

Herbal supplements can reduce the effectiveness of other prescription medications in addition to causing adverse reactions and even death. St. John's wort combined with anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications such as Paxil and Prozac can lead to seratonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Women taking Dong Quai for menstrual and menopausal conditions have developed serious cardiovascular conditions as a result.

If you are considering starting a herbal supplements regimen, it is advisable to educate yourself on the supplements you will be taking and to always, always discuss your intentions with your health care provider. If you are currently taking prescribed medications on a regular basis, it is essential that you discuss herbal supplements at length with your doctor. Do not ever attempt to self-medicate yourself with something you cannot be sure will work or something that you cannot be sure won't cause more harm than good. If your health care provider is not versed in herbal supplements, contact someone who is before you begin any herbal regimen. Your health and, quite possibly, your life are at stake.

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