Millions of Americans take herbal remedies for ailments ranging from high cholesterol to depression. Though widely viewed as safe, these pro...
A 2010 report by Mayo Clinic researchers listed more than 25 herbal products that can be dangerous for heart patients on medication. The following guide to herbal products that heart patients should avoid was prepared using data from the report, as well as from the National Institutes for Health and the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.
Garlic
What it is: A member of the onion family, available commercially as an oil, extract, or pill (in addition to its natural state).
What it's used for: To lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as blood pressure. Also used as a blood thinner and to combat atherosclerosis.
The risk: Garlic's blood-thinning properties can increase the risk of bleeding associated with warfarin, an anti-clotting drug commonly prescribed to people with heart-rhythm disorders, and to people who have had heart attacks or heart-valve replacements.
Saw palmetto
What it is: The fruit of the palmetto tree (a type of palm tree), available as a capsule, liquid, or tea.
What it's used for: Primarily used to fight the urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland, saw palmetto is also used to combat hair loss, chronic pelvic pain, and decreased sex drive.
The risk: Increases the risk of bleeding associated with warfarin.
Gingko
What it is: The extract of the leaves of the ginkgo plant (also known as the maidenhair tree), sold as a capsule or tea.
What it's used for: Ginkgo is mainly used to improve memory and prevent dementia (including Alzheimer's disease), but it has also been used to treat asthma, ringing in the ears, sexual dysfunction, and leg pain caused by poor circulation.
The risk: Increases the risk of bleeding associated with aspirin and warfarin.
Echinacea
What it is: The roots and herb of the echinacea plant, dried or extracted and sold as a capsule, tea, or juice.
What it's used for: To prevent colds and flu and boost the immune system.
The risk: Can increase the risk of liver damage associated with statin medications, niacin, and fibrates, all of which are prescribed to lower cholesterol.
St. John's wort
What it is: A yellow-flowered plant, Hypericum perforatum, that is sold as a capsule, tea, or liquid extract.
What it's used for: Primarily used to treat depression and anxiety, St. John's wort is also used as a sedative in sleep disorders.
The risk: Affects how the body absorbs dozens of prescription medications and may diminish the efficacy of statins, beta-blockers (a class of drugs used to treat high blood pressure and heart-rhythm disorders), and calcium-channel blockers.
Green Tea
What it is: The leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Usually steeped in water, but also available as a capsule or extract.
What it's used for: To lose weight, improve mental alertness, lower cholesterol, and prevent cancer.
The risk: Green tea contains vitamin K, which can counteract the effect of warfarin.
Alfalfa
What it is: A plant in the pea family, the dried leaves of which are ground up and sold as capsules.
What it's used for: To lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, and to reduce the plaques caused by atherosclerosis.
The risk: Increases the risk of bleeding associated with warfarin.
Ginger
What it is: A root, often used in cooking, that is also processed and sold as a capsule.
What it's used for: Ginger has been used for centuries to treat various stomach ailments (such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomachache). It is also used to treat joint and muscle pain.
The risk: Increases the risk of bleeding associated with warfarin.
Billberry
What it is: The dried extract of the bilberry fruit, which is very similar to the blueberry. Sold as a capsule.
What it's used for: Bilberry is used to treat problems associated with poor circulation, most notably varicose veins and venous insufficiency, in addition to diarrhea, skin problems, eyestrain, and menstrual cramps.
The risk: Bilberry may improve blood circulation, but it can also increase the risk of bleeding associated with warfarin.
Fenugreek
What it is: A seed (often ground into a powder) that has been used since the days of ancient Egypt and is available in capsule form.
What it's used for: Fenugreek has been used for a wide range of ailments, including digestive problems, hot flashes, and a lack of breast milk. More recently, it has also been used to lower cholesterol.
The risk: Increases the risk of bleeding associated with warfarin. Fenugreek can also lower blood sugar, which can cause complications for diabetics.
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