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The Herbal Report - Don't Leave Home Without It

Let's face it—herbs are hot these days. According to a recent survey, one third of all Americans today are using herbal supplements and other related products. And business is booming; as of 1998, $4 billion in retail sales was reported in the United States alone, almost triple the amount spent since 1994.

In Europe, herbal medications are a routine part of mainstream medicine, manufactured to the same standards as prescription-strength pharmaceuticals. And for 80 percent of the world's population, herbal medicine is still the primary source of healthcare. As our outlook becomes more and more global, there is a growing interest in the traditional healing practices of other cultures.

Although herbs are a natural substance, many can affect or even mimic the effects of prescription drugs. This is because one third of our prescription medications are derived from plants. For this reason, it seems ironic that mainstream medicine looks down on the use of herbs in treating ailments. But just because herbs are natural substances, they should not be used indiscriminately. Herbs can be as strong as any medication. Therefore, rather than conducting self-experiments, it is wiser to seek out the guidance of a holistic nutritionist, naturopathic doctor, or a nutritionally-oriented physician before starting any herbal regimen.

There are thousands of herbs used throughout the world; the following are four well-known herbs that may potentially interact with other medicines.

Licorice
Though licorice is a very popular candy, licorice root is a potent healing herb. Licorice can be used over the long-term, without any risk of toxicity. The main active ingredient in licorice root is glycyrrhizin. Glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-allergenic properties. I love to use licorice to treat herpes outbreaks—the tincture can be applied topically to the open sore to speed healing time. I also use it for hypoglycemia, which manifests itself in weak adrenal glands. As well, licorice is used to treat ulcers and acute gastritis, arthritis, and may slow the growth of certain cancerous tumors.

User beware: Licorice stimulates production of the steroid aldosterone that can result in a rise in blood pressure and fluid retention. In large quantities, licorice root can also deplete potassium from the body, which can cause abnormal heart rhythms and be extremely dangerous. If you have high blood pressure, use DGL (de-glycyrrhinized licorice) for peptic ulcer disease and other gastrointestinal disorders, since it will have no impact on blood pressure. And skip the candy form—it won't give you any of licorice's benefits and will still raise your blood pressure!

Garlic
The healing properties of this plant have made it one of the best-studied plants in the world. It is famous for its use in the prevention and treatment of high cholesterol, heart disease, colds and flu, and as a potent cancer-fighter. Garlic helps prevent blood fats from sticking to artery walls and lowers blood pressure; a study shown in Atherosclerosis showed that patients with high cholesterol who ate garlic regularly had a decrease in both blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol. Adding fresh garlic to your food is the most potent way to eat garlic, but you can also purchase aged garlic capsules. Avoid products that promote a high allicin content. Allicin is a compound found only in fresh garlic and is not absorbed well by the digestive tract.

User beware: Because of its blood-thinning properties, garlic should be avoided two weeks before and one week after surgery. Garlic must also be avoided for anyone taking Coumadin. Coumadin is designed to thin your blood and taking the two together will put you at risk for internal bleeding and hematomas by greatly reducing the ability of your blood to form clots. One study also associated garlic use with a decreased production of sperm in rats; however, none of my patients have reported this problem to date! Garlic may also irritate your stomach due to its high allicin content, so take it with food at all times.

Gingko
Gingko biloba is one of the most popular plant extracts in Europe and has recently received approval in Germany for the treatment of dementia. Gingko comprises several compounds that appear to act together as antioxidants. The properties of gingko make it a promising treatment candidate for Alzheimer's disease, as the disease is a result of nerve degeneration and cell damage. Gingko greatly enhances circulation, helps prevent blood clots and treats diabetic peripheral vascular disease. Also noteworthy are its uses in the treatment of impotency; a study in the Journal of Urology showed improved erections within eight weeks of ongoing gingko usage. And gingko is safe with the use of many heart medications, whereas Viagra is frequently contraindicated and not without side effects.

User beware: Gingko is believed to be safe for long-term use with few documented adverse effects except mild stomachaches and headaches. However, gingko does contain ginkgolide B, a potent anticlotting substance. If you are taking NSAIDs, such as aspirin, Anaprox, Ibuprofen or Advil, any anticoagulant, such as Warfarin or heparin, or are about to undergo surgery, then you should avoid taking gingko. Also if you have epilepsy, it would be wise to avoid gingko, as it may counteract the effectiveness of anticonvulsant medicines (carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital). Gingko is safe to use with cardiac and diabetic medicines.

Valerian
Because we live in a sleep-deprived culture where coffee is king, I thought it wise to discuss valerian, a wonderful herb for insomnia. Known as nature's own tranquilizer, valerian has a very relaxing effect on the body. I recommend it to my patients to help treat anxiety and help them fall asleep at night. Unlike the prescription medications Valium and Xanax, valerian has no side effects and is not addictive. Valerian can either be taken in a tea form (though it doesn't taste very good) or in capsule form before bed.

User beware: Because of valerian's sedative effects, I would not recommend taking valerian with alcohol. Alcohol will disrupt your sleep pattern, and the two combined can possibly cause a groggy hangover the next day. Also note that more is not better; higher doses of valerian will not improve your sleep and will make you groggy the next morning. Valerian should never be taken with barbituates (thiopental and phenobarbital) since it has been shown to intensify their effects on sleep.

Conclusion
Before taking any herb, consult with a qualified health care professional and advise them of any medical conditions you have and any medications you are taking. When done right, supplementing with herbs can greatly enhance your quality of life and help you feel your best.