Cautions or Side Effects of Herbs Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cautions or Side Effects of Herbs - Assignment Example Through scientific methods, the medicinal properties of numerous herbs have been extracted, analyzed, and synthesized to produce the pharmaceuticals we rely upon today (â€Å"History of Herbs†, 2004). Tinctures, extracts, capsules, teas, lozenges, and ointments are all included in the pharmacopeia of products derived from the cultivation of herbal remedies (â€Å"History of Herbs†, 2004). It is estimated that 80% of the world’s population use herbal remedies as a part of their primary care practice and is a major component of medical care in indigenous populations (â€Å"History of Herbs†, 2004). Herbalists typically use the whole plant to create their remedies, which is not the practice in modern medicine since pharmacologists identify, isolate, extract, and synthesize individual components to use only the active properties (â€Å"History of Herbs†, 2004). ... John's Wort, and Valerian root (â€Å"Safety Issues with Herbal Medicine†, 2011). These herbs are used for a variety of purposes, including strengthening of the immune system, treatment of migraines, to treat hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, improvement of circulation and cognition, treatment for mild depression or mood disorders, and as a sedative (â€Å"Safety Issues with Herbal Medicine†, 2011). However, these herbs all have dangerous side effects that are not indicated on the label, which include allergic reactions, headache, dizziness, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bilateral subdural hematomas, transient nervousness, excitation, insomnia, inability to concentrate, hypertension, epistaxis, mania, gastrointestinal discomfort, localized numbness, dry, scaly skin, discoloration of the skin and nails, photosensitivity, eye redness, photophobia, diplopia, nervousness, irritability, psychosis, seizures, stroke, premature ventricular contraction, myocardi al infarction, and death (â€Å"Safety Issues with Herbal Medicine†, 2011). These side effects can occur from using these herbs alone, but these effects can be significantly worse if used in conjunction with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Fugh-Berman reviewed studies conducted regarding the effects of the most frequently used herbal supplements, many of which are named above, uses of Use of herbal remedies in conjunction with other medications may result in the herbs mimicking, magnifying, opposing, or suppressing the effects of the drug (2000; Woodward, 2005). The study conducted by Niggeman & Gruber indicates the death of an asthmatic 29 year old male wile undergoing acupuncture and