Long Island Regional Poison & Drug Information Center
At
Winthrop-University Hospital
The Long Island Regional Poison Control Center has expanded its services to include questions on Herbal Products and general Drug Information. In order to accommodate the increased volume of calls, we have added a new telephone number for drug and herbal product information, which is (516) 663-2650. We can also be reached at our existing emergency number, (516) 542-2323. All calls are managed by registered nurses, certified as Specialists in Poison Information in consultation with a Doctor of Pharmacy and Toxicology, and a Medical Toxicologist and Pediatrician.
The herbal movement is going "mainstream", experiencing astonishing growth. National statistics show 42% of Americans, and 80% of the world population currently use, or have tried an herbal product. Drug store shelf space for herbal supplements and vitamins have increased from 8 feet to 22 feet in the past three years. Unfortunately, many people that use herbal products do so without consulting their physician or healthcare provider. This can result in herbal poisoning as herbal products can interact with over the counter or prescription drugs. Also, with the constant expansion of the Internet, more and more health information is readily available. Although the Internet may provide up to date and useful knowledge, it is not a regulated source of information, and may not be accurate. We recommend you always consult your physician or healthcare provider when considering using an herbal product.
A potential problem with Herbal supplements is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not test them for purity, safety, or effectiveness. There are various methods of extraction, causing varied levels of active ingredients from product to product. Herbal promoters describe herbs as safe, gentle, inexpensive, and "natural" alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs and medical treatments. However, herbal or natural products may be toxic. Always follow the manufacturer guidelines for dosage and duration of herbal products. There have been some good studies in the United States to show benefits of some herbal supplement use, but none under the careful scrutiny of the FDA.
| Common Name (Generic) | Common Reported Use | Adverse Reactions | Contraindications |
| Aloe (Aloe Vera) Aloe latex comes from just under the outer skin on the leaf |
Applied to the skin, Aloe Vera gel is used to promote wound healing, treatment of burns and frostbite. | No adverse reactions noted. | Do not ingest. |
| Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) |
Painful
menstruation, arthritis and improves blood circulation. Not effective for weight loss. |
May cause nausea and vomiting. | May interact with blood pressure lowering drugs. |
| Capsicum (Cayenne and Chili Pepper) |
Applied to the skin for chronic pain from shingles, trigeminal neuralgia, diabetic nerve pain. Be sure to wash hands thoroughly after use. | Can cause local burning sensation. Contamination of hands can transfer to the eyes. | Do not ingest. |
| Chamomile (Maricaria Chamomilla) |
Taken by mouth to treat peptic ulcers, infant colic, digestive disorders, and inflammation of the mouth and gums. Applied to the skin to treat eczema and to promote wound healing. | Rare to cause allergic reaction. Eating large quantities of dried flower heads can cause vomiting. | |
| Cranberry (Vaccinium Family) |
Prevent and treat urinary tract infections (UTI). | Overuse can cause diarrhea. | Contains a possible cancer-causing agent. |
| Dong Quai (Angelica polymorpha) |
Stimulates normal menstrual flow and prevents cramping. | Bleeding, diarrhea, fever and may increase sensitivity to sunburn. | Contains a possible cancer-causing agent, may interact with blood thinning drugs. |
| Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) |
Shortens the intensity and duration of cold and flu symptoms. | May damage the immune system if used long term. | Should not be used by patients with autoimmune diseases (HIV, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis). |
| Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) |
Reduces the frequency and severity of migraines. Also to treat fevers and menstrual problems. | May cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fresh leaves can cause mouth ulceration. | May interact with blood thinning drugs. |
| Garlic (Allium sativum) |
Reduces cholesterol and lowers blood pressure. May also be an antibacterial & antifungal. | Allergic
reactions are rare. Reduces blood sugar. |
May interact with blood thinning drugs. |
| Ginger (Zingiber officinale) |
Effective for the treatment of motion sickness, nausea & arthritis. Positive effects on the heart are being studied. | May cause heartburn | May interact with blood thinning drugs. |
| Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) |
Improves short-term memory and concentration in people with the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Also used to treat dementia. | May act as a blood thinner, cause minor stomach upset, headaches, & dizziness. | May interact with blood thinning drugs. |
| Common Name (Generic) | Common Reported Use | Adverse Reactions | Contraindications |
| Ginseng (Panax ginseng, Korean) |
Boost energy, improves concentration, aids in the relief of depression, and provides resistance to stress. | Nervousness can occur for the first few days of intake. Overuse can cause headaches, palpitations, vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness and low blood sugar. | Caution for people with low blood pressure. May interact with blood sugar lowering medications. |
| Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadenis) |
Used traditionally as a laxative and for diarrhea. Does not mask urine drug screens. | Overdoses can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and respiratory failure. | Not recommended in combination with echinacea. |
| Hawthorne (Crategus laexigata, Crataegus monogyna) |
Used to treat heart disease, angina, sleep disorders. | Overdoses can cause coma and low blood pressure. | May interact with blood pressure or heart medications. |
| Kava-Kava (Piper methylisticum) |
Induces sleep and reduces anxiety. | Can cause muscle weakness, eye problems and yellow, flaky skin discoloration (Kawaism). | Do not use with alcohol or other depressants. |
| Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica, E. Intermedia, E. Disrachya) |
Treatment of bronchial asthma. Not effective for weight loss. | Misuse has caused death. Can cause high blood pressure, convulsions, and high blood sugar levels. | May interact with heart medications and stimulants. |
| Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum) |
Treatment of liver disorders. | Mild diarrhea, allergic reactions, hives. | |
| Primrose, Evening (Oenothera biennis) |
Menstrual disorders and improves eczema. | Can cause severe allergic reaction. | May interact with anti-psychotic medications. |
| St.John’s Wort
(Hypericum perforatum) |
Shown to be effective for mild to moderate depression. May have sedative and anti-inflammatory activity. | Upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea and may increase sensitivity to sunburn. | May interact with other antidepressants (including Prozac). |
| Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) |
The treatment
of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Anti-inflammatory effects |
Headache and diarrhea. | |
| Valerian (Valerian officinalis) |
Relief of insomnia, anxiety and stress, does not decrease night awakenings. | Headaches, restlessness and drowsiness. | May interact with other sedatives. |
| Yohimbe (Pausinystalia yohimbe) |
Impotence & as an aphrodisiac. | Headaches, low or high blood pressure, rapid heart beat, and hallucinations. | Do not use with renal or liver disease. May interact with blood pressure lowering and anti-depression medications. |
* Important Notice *
Common Reported Use does not indicate that the herb is recommended.
Herbal products should not be taken during pregnancy or when breast feeding.
All herbal products listed are taken by mouth, unless otherwise indicated.