Many people believe that herbs are natural and thus good for you. While this may be true in many circumstances, it is not always the rule. There are several herbs which have negative side effects such as memory impairment, and even more that are completely dangerous. If you wish to learn more about herbology or choose to use an herb known to cause adverse effects to memory or cognition, be sure to discuss the matter with your physician to insure exploration of all options available to you.
Ma Huang
Ma Huang is a Chinese herb that has been used in tinctures and teas as a bronchiodialator for thousands of years. With a long history of medicinal use, it has also been shown to cause memory loss, accelerated heart rate and liver problems. Ma Huang is not approved by the FDA and should never be used without a physicians supervision.
Medicinal Marijuana
Though marijuana has been deemed illegal for decades in the United States, many states are now promoting it's legal medical use for a variety of physical and mental illnesses. Because this potent herb is so helpful to people with chronic health conditions without the dangerous side effects that pharmaceuticals often have, it can be easy to ignore the lesser side effects caused by this herb. It is important to note that even with a license to carry medical marijuana, this herb still has noticeable effects on memory and cognition which can last for several weeks after consumption. This fact makes medical marijuana incompatible with driving, learning tasks and duties that require vigilance. The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, is easily passed through the blood brain barrier as well as through breast milk and is inadvisable for medicinal use for pregnant or nursing mothers.
Lobelia
Lobelia, or Indian tobacco, is an herb containing pyridine-derived alkaloids with pharmacological actions that are similar to the effects of nicotine. Lobelia can stimulate or depress the nervous system depending on the dosage given. As little as 50mg can result in memory loss, rapid heart rate, coma or death. Lobelia may be especially dangerous for people with cardiac issues. According to herbalist and author Susan Weed, you should contact poison control immediately if you suspect a pet or child has consumed a lobelia plant.
References
- UCLA
- "Healing Wise"; Susan Weed; 2003
- "The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants As Medicine"; Matthew Wood; 1997
