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| Herb-Medical
Contraindications |
2
of 2 : <<back |
by: Michael Moore
[The
reason for this list | The focus of
this list]
[Philosophical considerations
| Notes | Table
of contents]
[Post Note]
Table
of Contents
PREGNANCY
TERATOGENIC/MUTAGENIC
UTERINE VASOCONSTRICTORS
UTERINE VASODILATORS
CATHARTICS/SACRAL IRRITANTS
OXYTOCIN SYNERGISTS
OVERT DRUGS
MISCELLANEOUS WlERDNESS
MAY BE PRESENT IN MILK
NEUROENDOCRINE
SYMPATHOMIMETICS
PARASYMPATHOMIMETICS
ANTICHOLlNERGlC
VASOPRESSOMIMETlC
THYROID STlMULATlNG
THYROID DEPRESSING
ALDOSTERONE SYNERGISTS
FLAVIN-MAO-INHIBITING
METABOLIC
"ANABOLIC"
ANTICOAGULANTS/"BLOOD THINNING"
CYANOGENIC POTENTIAL
ALLERGIC/ATOPIC POTENTIAL
HYPO-HYPERGLYCEMIC (REACTIVE)
CARDIOVASCULAR
SYSTEM
CARDIOGLYCOSIDE
POTENTIATING
BRADYCARDIC/HYPOTENSIVE
TACHYCARDIC
HYPERTENSIVE POTENTIAL
PHARMACOKINETICS
HERBS
THAT CAN ALTER LIVER METABOLlSM OF DRUGS
HERBS THAT CAN ALTER GI ABSORPTION
IMMUNOSTIMULANT HERBS THAT CAN RAISE WBC COUNT
HEPATIC
HERBS
THAT CAN ALTER SGOT/SGPT READINGS
PYRROLIZIDINE ALKALOID HERBS
HERB-SPECIFIC
PROBLEMS
WITH
MISCONCEPTIONS
WITH HIDDEN or THRESHOLD EFFECTS
LACKING ANY SOCIALLY REDEEMING VALUE
back
to top
PREGNANCY
Some of these herbs
are relatively harmless, but considering the highly reactive state of
pregnancy, and the fact that fetal growth is a template that can manifest
pharmacokinetics VERY differently than for an adult, they are mentioned.
Others are obviously inappropriate because of their neuroendocrine, autonomic
or vascular implications.
PREGNANCY:
TERATOGENIC/MUTAGENIC
PODOPHYLLUM. (American
Mandrake)
BAPTISIA (Wild Indigo)...theoretically
PREGNANCY:
UTERINE VASOCONSTRICTORS
ARCTOSTAPHYLOS (Uva
Ursi, Manzanita, Coralillo) if use is continued for more than 3-4 days
EPHEDRA VULGARIS (Ma Huang, Chinese Ephedra)
USTILAGO (Corn Smut) A feeble ergot analog
VINCA MAJOR (Periwinkle) Idiosyncratic vasoconstrictor
VISCUM ALBUM (European Mistletoe) May incorrectly be American Mistletoe
in commerce, a very vasoconstricting plant.
XANTHIUM (Cadillos, Cocklebur) More than 6-8 burrs a day can cause potential
placental separation
PREGNANCY:
UTERINE VASODILATORS
ACTEA RUBRA (A. arguta,
Baneberry)
ALOE (Aloes Socrotine, etc.)
ANGELICA SINENSIS (Dong Quai, Tang Kwei)
APOCYNUM CANNABINUM (Dogbane, Canadian Hemp)
ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA (Virginia Snakeroot, Serpentaria)
ARISTOLOCHIA WATSONll (Indian Root, Raiz del Indio)
ARNICA (A. montana. A. cordifolia. A. latiflora. etc.)
ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM (Wormwood)
ARTEMISIA TRIDENTATA (Sagebrush)
ARTEMISIA VULGARIS (Mugwort. California Mugwort)
ASCLEPIAS ASPERULA (Inmortal, Antelope Horns)
ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA (Pleurisy Root)
BRYONIA (Bryony)
CACALIA DECOMPOSITA (Maturin. Maturique)
CHAMAELIRIUM (Helonias. Unicorn Root )
CHENOPODIUM (Epazote. Wormseed)
CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA (Black Cohosh)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe. Yohimbe)
CROCUS (True Saffron, "Azafran") Azafran is the usual name for Safflowers
DAUCUS CAROTA (Carrot, Wild Carrot) The seeds.
EUONYMUS (Wahoo, Burning Bush)
FOUQUIERIA SPLENDENS (Ocotillo)
GALEGA (Goat's Rue)
HEDEOMA (American Pennyroyal, Poleo Chino)
IRIS VERSICOLOR, I. MISSOURIENSIS (Blue Flag)
JUNIPERUS (Juniper. Sabina, Sabino Macho, "Cedar")
LILIUM TIGRINUM (Tiger Lily)
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote. Mescal Buttons)
PETROSELlNUM (Parsley)
PODOPHYLLUM (American Mandrake, May Apple)
POLYGALA SENEGA (Senega Snakeroot, Milkwort)
POLYMNIA UVEDALIA (Bearsfoot, Leafcup)
RUTA GRAVEOLENS (Rue, Ruda)
SANGUINARIA (Bloodroot)
SPIGELIA (Pink Root)
STILLINGIA SYLVATICA (Queen's Root)
TANACETUM (Tansy, Ponso, Tanse)
THUJA (Arbor Vitae, Flat, Red or Yellow Cedar)
TURNERA DIFFUSA (Damiana)
XANTHOXYLUM (Prickly Ash)
PREGNANCY:
CATHARTICS/SACRAL IRRITANTS
ALOE (Aloes Socrotine.
etc.)
CASSIA MARlLANDICA (American Senna)
CHENOPODIUM (Epazote, Wormseed)
HELIOPSIS LONGIPES (Raiz del Oro, Chilcuan)
IRIS VERSICOLOR, I. MISSOURIENSIS (Blue Flag)
LEPTANDRA (Veronicastrum, Culver's Root)
PODOPHYLLUM (American Mandrake)
RHAMNUS CALIFORNICA (California Buckthorn)
RHAMNUS FRANGULA (Buckthorn)
RHAMNUS PURSHIANA (Cascara Sagrada)
RHEUM (Chinese or Turkey Rhubarb)
SENNA (Cassia angustifolia, Te de Sena )
PREGNANCY:
OXYTOCIN SYNERGISTS
ASCLEPIAS ASPERULA
(Inmortal, Antelope Horns)
CAPSELLA BURSA-PASTORIS (Shepherd's Purse, Bolsa de Pastor)
CAULOPHYLLUM (Blue Cohosh)
GOSSYPIUM (Cotton, Algodoncillo) Root Bark
LEONURUS CARDIACA (Motherwort)
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote, Mescal Buttons)
SCOPARIUS (Cytisus scoparius, Broom Tops)
USTILAGO (Corn Smut)
PREGNANCY:
OVERT DRUG PLANTS (and primary compounds)
ACONITUM COLUMBIANUM
(Aconite, Monkshood) Aconitine
APOCYNUM CANNABINUM (Dogbane. Canadian Hemp) Feeble digitaloid
CHENOPODIUM (Epazote, Wormseed)
CINCHONA (Peruvian Bark. Quinine Bark) Quinines
CONVALLARIA (Lily of the Valley) Feeble digitaloid
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe, Yohimbe) Yohimbine AND some reserpine
relatives..an indole stew
DATURA (Jimson Weed. Toloache, Estramonio) Atropine effects
EPHEDRA VULGARIS (Ma Huang, Chinese Ephedra) Ephedrines
GARRYA (Silk Tassel, Cuauchichic, Quinine Bush) Garryine, Cuauachichicine
- anti-cholinergics
GELSEMIUM (Yellow Jasmine) Gelsemine...an indole alkaloid and CNS irritant
HYOCYAMUS NIGER (Henbane) Atropine effects
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote, Mescal Buttons)
NICOTIANA (Punche, Tobacco)
PEGANUM HARMALA (Syrian Rue) Harmine (indole alkaloid, MAO inhibitor)
PILOCARPUS (Jaborandi) Pilocarpine and other muscarinics
SCOPARIUS (Cytisus scoparius, Broom Tops) Cytisine, sparteine (simultaneous
Hypo-Hypertensives)
VERATRUM (Green, False or American Hellebore) Cardiac depressant
PREGNANCY:
MISCELLANEOUS WlERDNESS
ACONITUM CARMICHAELI
(CURED) (Fu-tse, Fo-tzu) Peculiar adrenergic, wrong in TCM, and biologically
too potent.
ACORUS CALAMUS (Calamus, Sweet Flag) Mildly co-carcinogen (Eurasian strain),
and may interfere with normal PG inter-reactions
AESCULUS CALIFORNICA (California Buckeye) see below
--AESCULUS GLABRA (Ohio Buckeye) see below
--AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM (Horse Chestnut) All stimulate myenteric plexus,
with unpredictable vascular effects.
AMYGDALIS PERSICA (Peach Tree) Cyanogenic, unless prepared perfectly
ANEMONE HIRSUTISSIMA (Pulsatilla, Pasque Flower) anti-dopimergic
BAPTISIA (Wild Indigo Root) CAN mimic Scoparius
CORYDALIS AUREUS (Golden Smoke)
--DICENTRA CANADENSIS (Turkey Corn)
--DICENTRA FORMOSA (Bleeding Heart)
--ESCHSCHOLTZIA CALIFORNICA (California Poppy) Above four have mixed protopines
GINKGO BlLOBA (Maidenhair Tree) Many subtle effects, unpredictable
GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (Licorice) Minerocorticosteroid effects
GUAIACUM OFFICINALE (Lignum Vitae, Guayacan) Unpredictable vasodilation,
feebly muscarinic
HELENIUM HOOPESll (Yerba del Lobo) Contains PAs; potential liver irritant
HYDRASTIS (Golden Seal) Mucosa stimulant, may age placenta
LARREA (Chaparral. Gobernadora, Hediondilla) Quirky anti-oxidant, w/hemolytic
potential
LOMATIUM DISSECTUM (Leptotaenia) Too bioactive to chance
MARRUBIUM (Horehound, Marrubio) Mildly hypertensive under some conditions
MENTHA ARVENSIS (Brook Mint, Poleo) Has some Pennyroyal constituents
OPLOPANAX HORRIDUM (Echinopanax, Devil's Club)
--PANAX GINSENG (Asian Ginseng)
--PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUM (American Ginseng) Above three are anabolic/hypothalamic
PHYTOLACCA (Poke) Idiosyncratic, poorly documented muscarinic effects
PRUNUS (Wild Cherry, Choke Cherry) Cyanogenic when gathered incorrectly
PTYCHOPETALUM (Muirapuama. Raiz del Macho) Idiosyncratic motor/sacral
stimulant
SENECIO AUREUS (Life Root, Squaw Weed) May be unintentionally mixed with
toxic Senecios
SILYBUM MARIANUM (Milk Thistle) May inhibit hepatocytes in excess; pregnancy
may unpredictably alter therapeutic window
SOLANUM DULCAMARA (Bittersweet Twigs) Too bioactive to risk
SYMPHYTUM (Comfrey) Some hybrids in commerce contain root PAs
TRlBULUS (Puncture Vine, Goat's Head) Ayurvedic Medicine advises not to
use in pregnancy
VISCUM ALBUM (European Mistletoe) May be unintentionally adulterated with
American Mistletoe: even if correct, it is too bioactive
PREGNANCY:
MAY BE PRESENT IN MILK
ACORUS CALAMUS (Calamus.
Sweet Flag)
AlLANTHUS ALTlSSIMA (Tree of Heaven)
ALLIUM SATIVUM (Garlic)
ALOE (Aloes Socrotine, etc.)
ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA (Virginia Snakeroot, Serpentaria)
ARISTOLOCHIA WATSONll (Indian Root, Raiz del Indio)
ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM (Wormwood, Agenjo)
ARTEMISIA TRIDENTATA (Sagebrush, Chamiso Hediondo)
ARTEMISIA VULGARIS (Mugwort, Altamisa)
CACALIA DECOMPOSITA (Maturin, Maturique)
CANNABIS SATIVA (Marijuana, Hemp)
CASSIA MARlLANDICA (American Senna, Te de Sena)
CHENOPODIUM (Epazote, Wormseed)
COMMIPHORA (Myrrh Gum, Mirra)
CONVALLARIA (Lily of the Valley)
DAUCUS CAROTA (Carrot, Wild Carrot) Seeds
DRACONTIUM (Symplocarpus, Skunk Cabbage)
FOUQUIERIA SPLENDENS (Ocotillo)
GALEGA (Goat's Rue)
GINKGO BILOBA (Maidenhair Tree)
JUNIPERUS (Juniper. Sabina, "Cedar")
LIGUSTICUM PORTERI (Osha, Chuchupate)
PlLOCARPUS (Jaborandi)
RHEUM (Chinese or Turkey Rhubarb)
SANGUINARIA (Bloodroot)
SENNA (Cassia angustifolia, Te de Sena )
RUTA GRAVEOLENS (Rue, Ruda)
TANACETUM (Tansy, Tanse, Ponso, "Altamisa")
THUJA (Arbor Vitae, Flat, Red or Yellow Cedar)
XANTHOXYLUM (Prickly Ash)
NEUROENDOCRINE
NEUROENDOCRINE:
SYMPATHOMIMETICS w/PRIMARY CONSTITUENT
ACONITUM CARMICHAELI
(CURED) (Fu-tse, Fo-tzu) ???
ACORUS CALAMUS (Calamus. Sweet Flag) ASARONE
CAFFEA ARABICA (Coffee) CAFFEINE
COLA NITIDA (Kola Nut) CAFFEINE
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe. Yohimbe) YOHIMBINE
EPHEDRA VULGARIS (Ma Huang, Chinese Ephedra) EPHEDRINE
GELSEMIUM (Yellow Jasmine) GELSEMINE
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote, Mescal Buttons) MESCALINE
PEGANUM HARMALA (Syrian Rue) HARMINES
PAULLINIA (Guarana) CAFFEINE, HYPOXANTHINES
PTYCHOPETALUM (Muirapuama, Raiz del Macho) ???
SCOPARIUS (Cytisus scoparius, Broom Tops) CYTISINE, SPARTEINE, etc.
NEUROENDOCRINE:
PARASYMPATHOMIMETICS
AESCULUS CALIFORNICA
(California Buckeye)
AESCULUS GLABRA (Ohio Buckeye)
AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM (Horse Chestnut)
ANEMONE HIRSUTISSIMA (Pulsatilla, Pasque Flower)
APOCYNUM CANNABINUM (Dogbane, Canadian Hemp)
ARNICA (A. montana, A. cordifolia. A. latiflora. etc.)
ASCLEPIAS ASPERULA (Inmortal, Antelope Horns)
ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA (Pleurisy Root)
BRYONIA (Bryony)
CACALIA DECOMPOSITA (Maturin, Maturique)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe, Yohimbe)
EUONYMUS (Wahoo, Burning Bush)
IRIS VERSICOLOR, I. MISSOURIENSIS (Blue Flag)
LEPTANDRA (Veronicastrum, Culver's Root)
LOBELIA INFLATA (Lobelia, Indian Tobacco)
PHYTOLACCA (Poke)
PlLOCARPUS (Jaborandi)
PISCIDIA (Jamaica Dogwood, Jabin)
POLYGALA SENEGA (Senega Snakeroot, Milkwort)
SANGUINARIA (Bloodroot)
SOLANUM DULCAMARA (Bittersweet Twigs)
SPIGELIA (Pink Root)
VERATRUM (Green, False or American Hellebore)
NEUROENDOCRINE:
ANTICHOLlNERGlC
DATURA (Jimson Weed,
Toloache, Estramonio)
GARRYA (Silk Tassel, Cuauchichic, Quinine Bush)
HYOCYAMUS NlGER (Henbane)
SOLANUM DULCAMARA (Bittersweet Twigs)
NEUROENDOCRINE:
VASOPRESSOMIMETlC
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia
Johimbe, Yohimbe)
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote, Mescal Buttons)
TRIBULUS (Puncture Vine, Goat's Head)
NEUROENDOCRINE:
PITUITARY/HYPOTHALAMIC "POTENTIATING"
CENTELLA ASIATICA
(Hydrocotyle asiatica, Gotu Kola)
OPLOPANAX HORRIDUM (Echinopanax, Devil's Club)
PANAX GINSENG (Asian Ginseng)
PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUM (American Ginseng)
NEUROENDOCRINE:
THYROID STlMULATlNG
ACONITUM CARMICHAELI
(CURED) (Fu-tse, Fo-tzu)
CENTELLA ASIATlCA (Hydrocotyle asiatica, Gotu Kola)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe, Yohimbe)
EPHEDRA VULGARIS (Ma Huang, Chinese Ephedra)
NEUROENDOCRINE:
THYROID DEPRESSING
CHLOROPHYLLIN (Sodium
Copper Chlorophyllin, Chlorophyll "JJ")
LEONURUS CARDIACA (Motherwort)
LYCOPUS (Bugleweed)
NEUROENDOCRINE:
ALDOSTERONE SYNERGISTS
GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA
(Licorice)
MARRUBIUM (Horehound, Marrubio)
NEUROENDOCRINE:
FLAVIN-MAO-INHIBITING
ACONITUM CARMICHAELI
(CURED) (Fu-tse, Fo-tzu)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe, Yohimbe)
HYPERICUM (St. Johns Wort)
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote, Mescal Buttons)
PEGANUM HARMALA (Syrian Rue)
METABOLIC
METABOLIC:
"ANABOLIC"
ANGELICA SINENSIS
(Dong Quai, Tang Kwei)
OPLOPANAX HORRIDUM (Echinopanax. Devil's Club)
PANAX GINSENG (Asian Ginseng)
PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUM (American Ginseng)
PTYCHOPETALUM (Muirapuama, Raiz del Macho)
SMlLAX (Sarsaparilla)
METABOLIC:
ANTICOAGULANTS/"BLOOD THINNING"
BETULA (Birch)
CEANOTHUS (Red Root, New Jersey Tea)
CHRYSANTHEMUM PARTHENIUM (Feverfew)
GINKGO BILOBA (Maidenhair Tree)
LEUCANTHEMUM (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, Oxe-Eye Daisy)
MELILOTUS (Sweet Clover)
POPULUS TREMULIODES (Aspen)
SALIX (Willow)
METABOLIC:
CYANOGENIC POTENTIAL
AMYGDALIS PERSICA
(Peach Tree)
PRUNUS (Wild Cherry, Choke Cherry)
METABOLIC:
ALLERGIC/ATOPIC POTENTIAL
ALLIUM SATIVUM (Garlic)
ASAFETIDA (Ferula asafetida, Devil's Dung, Stinkasant)
ASPIDIUM (Dryopteris filix-mas, Male Fern)
CAFFEA ARABICA (Coffee)
LINUM (Flaxseed)
PANAX GINSENG (Asian Ginseng)
PROPOLlS (Beehive scrapings, gathered from trees)
SOLANUM DULCAMARA (Bittersweet Twigs)
YUCCA (Amole, Spanish Bayonet)
METABOLIC:
HYPO-HYPERGLYCEMIC (REACTIVE)
ACONITUM CARMICHAEL
(CURED) (Fu-tse. Fo-tzu)
BERBERIS (Barberry)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe, Yohimbe)
HYDRASTIS (Golden Seal)
MAHONIA (Oregon Grape, Berberis aquifolium)
PEGANUM HARMALA (Syrian Rue)
CARDIOVASCULAR
SYSTEM (CVS)
CVS:
CARDIOGLYCOSIDE POTENTIATING
APOCYNUM CANNABINUM
(Dogbane, Canadian Hemp)
ASCLEPIAS ASPERULA (Inmortal, Antelope Horns)
ASPIDOSPERMA (Quebracho Bark)
CONVALLARIA (Lily of the Valley)
SCOPARIUS (Cytisus scoparius, Broom Tops)
VERATRUM (Green, False or American Hellebore)
CVS:
BRADYCARDIC/HYPOTENSIVE
ACONITUM COLUMBIANUM
(Aconite, Monkshood)
ACTEA RUBRA (Baneberry, Yerba del Peco)
ANEMONE HIRSUTISSIMA (Pulsatilla, Pasque Flower)
ARNICA (A. montana, A. cordifolia, A. latiflora. etc.)
ASCLEPIAS ASPERULA (Inmortal, Antelope Horns)
ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA (Pleurisy Root)
BRYONIA (Bryony)
CAPSELLA BURSA-PASTORIS (Shepherd's Purse)
CEREUS GRANDIFLORUS (Selenicereus, Peniocereus, Night-Blooming Cereus)
CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA (Macrotys, Black Cohosh)
CRATAEGUS (Hawthorn)
ESCHSCHOLTZIA CALIFORNICA (California Poppy)
GARRYA (Silk Tassel, Cuauchichic, Quinine Bush)
LOBELIA INFLATA (Lobelia, Indian Tobacco)
PILOCARPUS (Jaborandi)
PRUNUS (Wild Cherry, Choke Cherry)
VERATRUM (Green, False or American Hellebore)
VINCA MAJOR (Periwinkle)
VISCUM ALBUM (European Mistletoe)
CVS:
TACHYCARDIC
ACONITUM CARMICHAEL
(CURED) (Fu-tse. Fo-tzu)
COLA NITIDA (Kola Nut)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe. Yohimbe)
EPHEDRA VULGARIS (Ma Huang, Chinese Ephedra)
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote, Mescal Buttons)
NICOTIANA (Punche, Tobacco)
PANAX GINSENG (Cured or Red Chinese, Korean)
SCOPARIUS (Cytisus scoparius, Broom Tops)
CVS:
HYPERTENSIVE POTENTIAL
ACONITUM CARMICHAELI
(CURED) (Fu-tse. Fo-tzu)
ASPIDOSPERMA (Quebracho Bark)
CINCHONA (Peruvian Bark, Quinine Bark)
COLA NITIDA (Kola Nut)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe. Yohimbe)
EPHEDRA VULGARIS (Ma Huang, Chinese Ephedra)
GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (Licorice)
HYDRASTIS (Golden Seal)
LOPHOPHORA (Peyote, Mescal Buttons)
NICOTIANA (Punche. Tobacco)
PTYCHOPETALUM (Muirapuama, Raiz del Macho)
SCOPARIUS (Cytisus scoparius, Broom Tops)
PHARMACOKINETICS
(PhKs)
PhKs:
HERBS THAT CAN ALTER LIVER METABOLlSM OF DRUGS
ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA
(Virginia Snakeroot, Serpentaria)
ARISTOLOCHIA WATSONll (Indian Root, Raiz del Indio)
ARTEMISIA TRIDENTATA (Sagebrush)
BERBERIS VULGARIS (Common Barberry)
CEPHALANTHUS (Button Bush)
CHELIDONIUM (Greater Celandine)
CHELONE (Balmony,. Turtlehead)
CHIONANTHUS (Fringetree)
EUONYMUS (Wahoo, Burning Bush)
HYDRASTIS (Golden Seal)
IRIS VERSICOLOR, I. MISSOURIENSIS (Blue Flag)
LEPTANDRA (Veronicastrum, Culver's Root)
MAHONIA (Oregon Grape, Algerita)
PODOPHYLLUM. (American Mandrake)
PhKs:
HERBS THAT CAN ALTER GI ABSORPTION
AESCULUS CALIFORNICA
(California Buckeye)
AESCULUS GLABRA (Ohio Buckeye)
AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM (Horse Chestnut)
ALOE (Aloes Socrotine, etc.)
ARCTOSTAPHYLOS (Uva Ursi, Manzanita, Bearberry)
CAPSICUM (Cayenne, African Bird Peppers)
CHLOROPHYLLIN (Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin, Chlorophyll "JJ")
EPHEDRA VIRIDIS (Mormon Tea, American Ephedra, Canutillo, Popotillo)
FRANGULA (Rhamnus frangula, Buckthorn)
MIRABILIS MULTIFLORUM (Maravilla)
PTELEA (Wafer Ash, Hop Tree)
RHAMNUS CALIFORNICA (California Buckthorn)
RHAMNUS FRANGULA (Buckthorn)
RHAMNUS PURSHIANA (Cascara Sagrada)
SENNA (Cassia angustifolia, Te de Sena )
YUCCA (Amole, Spanish Bayonet)
PhKs:
IMMUNOSTIMULANT HERBS THAT CAN RAISE WBC COUNT
ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA
(Virginia Snakeroot, Serpentaria )
ARISTOLOCHIA WATSONll (Indian Root, Raiz del Indio)
BAPTISIA (Wild Indigo Root)
COMMIPHORA (Myrrh Gum)
GUAIACUM OFFICINALE (Lignum Vitae, Guayacan)
POLYMNIA UVEDALIA (Bearsfoot, Leafcup)
HEPATIC
HEPATIC:
HERBS THAT CAN ALTER SGOT/SGPT READINGS
ANAGALLIS (Scarlet
Pimpernel)
EUONYMUS (Wahoo, Burning Bush)
LINARIA (Toad Flax. Butter-and-Eggs)
MAHONIA (Oregon Grape, Algerita)
SILYBUM MARIANUM (Milk Thistle)
HEPATIC:
PYRROLIZIDINE ALKALOID HERBS
CACALIA DECOMPOSITA
(Maturin, Maturique)
CNICUS BENEDICTUS (Blessed or Holy Thistle) (if adulterated)
CYNOGLOSSUM OFFICINALIS (Hound's Tongue)
HELENIUM HOOPESll (Yerba del Lobo, Orange Sneezeweed)
SENECIO AUREUS (Life Root, Squaw Weed) (if adulterated)
SYMPHYTUM (Comfrey) (certain hybrids)
HERB-SPECIFIC
PROBLEMS
HERBS
WITH MISCONCEPTIONS
ALETRIS FARINOSA (Star
Grass, "True" Unicorn Root) Confused with Helonias (Chamaelirium), an
HCG agonist and reproductive stimulant. Aletris is only a digestive stimulant
ANGELICA SINENSIS (Dong Quai, Tang Kwei) NOT a source of exogenous estrogen,
it instead increases utilization of ENDOGENOUS estrogens
ARNICA (A. montana. A. cordifolia, A. latiflora. etc.) Unsafe for internal
use, it can be confused with HETEROTHECA (Mexican Arnica)
CAPSICUM (Cayenne, African Bird Peppers) Not a tonic or immunostimulant,
it acts as a peripheral vasodilator, increasing blood supply to the skin
and mucosa. It is NOT appropriate for active inflammation.
CEREUS GRANDIFLORUS (Selenicereus, Peniocereus, Night-Blooming Cereus)
NOT a digitalis-like cardioactive, it moderates SA-AV depolarization and
lessens adrenergic or drug tachycardia. NOT for organic disease
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe, Yohimbe) An especially pernicious herb
with simultaneous sympathetic AND parasympathetic actions. It will mimic
vasopressin and can irritate the kidneys; it increases pelvic blood supply
and can aggravate reproductive, GU, and descending colon irritations;
it can irritate arterial endothelium and contribute to or cause vasculitis.
Lousy for the prostate, it CAN trigger a few and relatively useless erections,
followed by rebound re-flaccidity.
DIOSCOREA VlLLOSA (Wild Yam) It has NO PROGESTERONE, or any other steroid
hormone. The first generation of synthetic steroids was made using diosgenin
(from MEXICAN Yam) and the Marker Degradation Method. By the mid-1950's
stigmasterol (a soy-derived lipoid) took its place, and other methods
are now used. It contains NO "precursors"...the only true human steroid
precursor is low-density cholesterol OR some other steroid hormone. Wild
Yam creams usually contain synthetic Natural Progesterone.
EPHEDRA VULGARIS (Ma Huang, Chinese Ephedra) Although a useful and less
edgy source of ephedrine, it is almost totally used these days as an "anorectic"
or "safe" stimulant. Most people view CNS stimulants by comparison with
caffeine sources...a 3-4 hour buzz. Ephedrine lasts 7-8 hours, is more
adrenergic, and it is easy to overlap the doses without being aware of
the vascular and pulmonary stress. In addition, with extended serum levels,
tolerance to CNS effects can be quick (although other effects stay somewhat
level) and an individual can quickly creep up in dosage. Dangerous in
this context.
GINKGO BILOBA (Maidenhair Tree) A peripheral and cerebral vasodilator,
it helps those with impaired circulation. It is often sold, however, as
an aid to "intelligence" and is often used by students when cramming for
tests, etc. Under these misguided uses it causes many headaches
HETEROTHECA (Camphor Weed, Mexican Arnica) See ARNICA
HYPERICUM (St. John's Wort) Several preliminary tests implicated it as
an anti-viral for HIV. These were overturned in subsequent tests but the
reputation still lingers. It IS useful for helping some of the CNS symptoms
of AIDS, but because of it's antidepressant effects, NOT because it is
antiviral.
LARREA (Chaparral, Gobernadora, Creosote Bush) It should not be considered
as a liver irritant, despite several inexplicable cases. It IS an hepatic
depressant (excessive antioxidant activities) and CAN cause hemolytic-type
responses if it is used well above it's therapeutic window.
LOBELIA INFLATA (Lobelia, Indian Tobacco) Fresh preparations of this herb
show broad, many-layered stimulus of adrenergic-suppressed parasympa-
thetic functions. Dry, but unheated Lobelia retains some of this function.
By the time it is used for tea ONLY the emetic alkaloids are still intact,
and it has little other value.
PHYTOLACCA (Poke) Although useful (with a skillful touch) in depressed
metabolism and edematous adipose tissues (the "Pillsbury Dough Person"
syndrome), it has NO fat-reducing effects, is easily toxic, and it's reputation
comes from being used for hypothyroid, goitrous conditions 100 years ago...in
the Goiter Belt.
SENECIO AUREUS (Life Root, Squaw Weed) This native Eastern United States
wildflower seems to be beneficial for functional hypoestrogenic states,
and has a reliable place, at least in herbal therapy. It is also fairly
unique as a Senecio: it is devoid of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. MOST
of the herb on the market, however, is either S. vulgaris or a similar
Senecio. I don't know how the confusion came about. They are not particularly
similar in appearance, but many otherwise reliable texts consider them
interchangeable. In fact they are VERY dissimilar in constituents. The
OTHER Senecios are VERY high in the toxic group. Know the plant or the
picker, otherwise avoid this remedy and stick with something like Dong
Quai.
SILYBUM MARIANUM (Milk Thistle) There are HUNDREDS of reliable biologic
and medical studies that support this plant's seeds' value for Amanita
mushroom poisoning, lessening the toxicity of heavy metals (if taken soon
enough) and quickening CNS and hepatic regeneration in solvent or alcohol
detox. Like Ginkgo, however, you NEED a problem to get benefit. Without
an ongoing stress, using Silybum or it's extracted silymarins on general
principle can actually depress normal liver function.
VISCUM ALBUM (European Mistletoe) Without attempting to comment on the
European use (from the Rudolph Steiner hospitals) of Mistletoe (I don't
know enough), the fact is that the dried herb is SOMETIMES not European
but American Mistletoe (Phoradendron spp.), a VERY different plant altogether
(at least pharmacologically), with almost pernicious vaso-constrictive
effects.
HERBS
WITH HIDDEN or THRESHOLD EFFECTS
CANNABIS SATIVA (Marijuana.
Hemp) It can be a strong estrogen-synergist, shortening the estrus cycle
in women, antagonizing testosterone in men (or being synergistic with
adipose estradiols)...bad for any prostate condition.
DAUCUS CAROTA (Carrot, Wild Carrot) Sometimes used as a contraceptive,
it contains aromatics that, in large enough quantities, can exaggerate
uterine inflammation.
EQUISETUM ARVENSE (Horsetail) If growing in areas downstream of commercial
farming, inorganic nitrates are metabolized into abnormal nicotine- like
alkaloids.
HYDRASTIS (Golden Seal) A mucus-membrane stimulant, useful for congested
and subacute stages, it can CAUSE inflammation if not needed, can prematurely
age the placenta, and, since it is threatened in the wild and cultivation
is still marginal, its use is rarely moral.
VALERIANA (Valerian) The dried plant, used consistently for a period of
time, can induce "Valerianism", a state of emotional lability similar
to what was formerly encountered with bromide abuse. The condition reverses
quickly if the Valerian is stopped.
HERBS
LACKING ANY SOCIALLY REDEEMING VALUE
ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM
(Wormwood)
CINCHONA (Peruvian Bark. Quinine Bark)
CORYNANTHE (Pausinystalia Johimbe, Yohimbe)
EPHEDRA VULGARIS (Ma Huang. Chinese Ephedra)
GALEGA (Goat's Rue)
RUTA GRAVEOLENS (Rue, Ruda)
TANACETUM (Tansy)
Post Note
These opinions are mine; they reflect my experiences with,these plants,
as a merchant, wildcrafter, author and teacher. They are not exhaustive,
many are disagreed with by other herbalists, naturopaths and those in
pharmacy...I have enemies in ALL the camps.
Crudely put, there
is no better method to "Brown Nose" a group of medical professionals than
by offering long lists of "Side Effects", thereby confirming their worst
fears about what herbs do. The major medical journals (NEJofM and Lancet
excluded) jerk the chains of readers by offering ill-researched, anecdotal
and slanderous "exposes" of herbs and natural healing, using the shoddiest
of peer-review procedures. Not only are there frequent REAL mistakes (wrong
botany, pharmacy, etc.), but the normally fastidious standards of medical
reporting are completely ignored in many of these articles. It is as if
the MEANS are unimportant, as long as the RESULTS meet political-medical
preconceptions.
Politics be damned;
there are potential dangers mixing herbs and medicine. Unfortunately,
as previously mentioned, they often have little relationship to those
that could be expected from purely chemical causes. I am trying to be
practical and realistic. Although, as an herbalist, it is obvious where
my heart lies, I am making NO attempt to slant my list towards either
end of the Wholistic vs Medical dialectic. I am concerned about the patients.
SOUTHWEST SCHOOL OF
BOTANICAL MEDICINE
122 Tulane SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
(505) 255-9215
FAX (505) 268-0196
Internet: hrbmoore@rt66.com
Compuserve: 73744,1621
AOL: HrbMichael
Michael Moore, Director
Donna Chesner, Administrator
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