Botanical Supplement Side Effects

Botanicals are derived from the leaves, seeds, stems and bark of plants that have medicinal or therapeutic properties, flavors or scents. Herbs are considered a category of botanical. Numerous pharmaceuticals contain botanical extracts, so always consult with your health-care provider before combining botanical supplements and prescription medication.

Classification

To be classified as a dietary supplement, herbs and botanicals must meet the definition established by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, signed into law in 1994. The supplement must be taken in pill, capsule, tablet or in liquid form. A botanical must be labeled on the front panel as being a dietary supplement, meaning it should be taken not in place of, but in addition to, your regular diet.

Safety

Just because a product states that it is "natural" does not mean that it is safe. The safety of a botanical depends on the amount consumed, its chemical make-up, how it works in your body, how it is prepared and the dose. There are hundreds of botanicals that can cause serious side effects, making it crucial to understand what you are taking, how much you are taking and whether it has the potential to interact with a herb or medication that you may already be taking.

Possible Side Effects

The list of possible side effects is as extensive as the list of botanicals. Examples of botanicals and the associated side effect include Echinacea with an upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, rash or dizziness. Ginkgo biloba can cause mild stomach upset, diarrhea, headache, skin irritation, bleeding and muscle cramps. Ginseng can cause a headache, nervousness, insomnia, skin rashes and fluctuations in blood pressure. Glucosamine can cause an upset stomach, heartburn, gas, bloating and diarrhea. Saw palmetto rarely, but on occasion, can cause an upset stomach.

Common Forms of Botanicals

Botanicals are commonly sold as teas, tinctures, and extracts. Herbal or botanical tea, also called an infusion, is made by adding boiling water to the leaves, seeds, roots or stems and steeping for several minutes. Several types of roots, bark and berries require more preparation to extract the desired ingredients. Tinctures are made by soaking parts of the plant in a solution of alcohol and water. An extract is made by soaking the plant or parts of the plant in a liquid that extracts the active ingredients. The liquid can then be used as is or evaporated to make a dry powder to use in tablet or capsule form.