Aside from the potential harm of treating serious medical conditions with herbal remedies rather than proven medications, some homeopathic treatments may cause unhelpful and dangerous reactions. Consult your physician before taking any herbal therapy, and be sure to properly follow both prescribed traditional and alternative therapies for optimal health.
Garlic
While garlic may have a positive effect on arteries, it may also trigger some less than desirable results. A study published in the November 2007 issue of "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research" indicates that most people report bad-smelling breath and body odor as the most common side effects of eating this vegetable. You may also experience allergic reactions, which can include mild symptoms like skin rashes and swelling as well as more serious problems like anaphylaxis -- this can interfere with your ability to breathe properly. It may cause liver damage, according to evidence in the January-March 2006 edition of "Tropical Gastroenterology." Animal studies correlate high doses of garlic over a 28 day period with liver damage, although human studies are needed to determine the quantity at which garlic becomes dangerous.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn serves as an effective herbal treatment for heart conditions, including heart palpitations and high blood pressure, but avoid ingesting it if you take physician-prescribed pharmaceuticals for these health problems. Research in the August 2010 edition of the journal "Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine" notes that this herb can interfere with some medications and inhibit the effectiveness, which can damage your heart further or cause additional symptoms. Even when taken under the supervision of a physician, hawthorn may trigger side effects. Evidence in the March 2002 "American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy" suggests that rashes, sweating, fatigue, headaches and gastrointestinal problems are the most commonly reported problems.
Nettle
Anyone who has accidentally touched nettle can tell you of this plant's side effects -- this weed is covered in stinging fibers that can cause rashes and itching. While you can treat this plant to remove the spines on the stem and utilize it for the purposes of treating urinary tract infections, arthritis and even dandruff, do not take nettle if you experience edema, or fluid retention, triggered by problems with your heart or kidneys, as it can exacerbate the problem.
Ginkgo Biloba
Many people take ginkgo biloba for memory and circulation, but a study published in the February 2010 issue of the journal "Current Drug Metabolism" indicates that this herbal treatment may interact with certain pharmaceuticals. Avoid taking ginkgo biloba if you take corticosteroids and some anti-inflammatory medications -- taking them together can result in internal bleeding. Taking ginkgo may also prevent your body from coagulating blood effectively. Additionally, researchers from a study published in the February 2010 "Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons -- Pakistan" notes that pregnant women should avoid taking it. Investigators found ginkgo biloba can cause a variety of fetal malformations in animal studies.
References
- "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research"; Garlic (Allium Sativum L.): Adverse Effects and Drug Interactions in Humans; F. Borrelli, et al.; November 2007
- "Tropical Gastroenterology"; Garlic Hepatoxicity: Safe Dose of Garlic; S.V. Rana, et al.; January-March 2006
- Cleveland Clinic: Herbal Supplements: Helpful or Harmful?
- "American Family Physician"; Health Effects of Hawthorn; S. Dahmer, et al.; February 2010
- "Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine"; Interference of Hawthorn on Serum Digoxin Measurements by Immunoassays and Pharmacodynamic Interaction With Digoxin; A. Dasgupta, et al.; August 2010
- "American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy"; Hawthorn: Pharmacology and Therapeutic Uses; J.M. Rigelsky, et al.; March 2002
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