Herbal medicine

Herbal medicine has its origins in ancient cultures. It involves the medicinal use of plants to treat disease and to support general health and wellbeing. Some herbs have potent ingredients and should be taken with the same caution as pharmaceutical medicines.

In fact, many pharmaceutical medicines are based on man-made versions of compounds that occur naturally in plants. For example, the heart medicine digitalis was derived from the foxglove plant.

Active ingredients in herbal medicine#

The active ingredients of many herbal preparations are still unknown. Some pharmaceutical medicines are based on a single active ingredient drawn from a plant. Practitioners of herbal medicine believe that an active ingredient can lose its effect, or become less safe, when used in isolation from the rest of the plant.

For example, salicylic acid is found in the plant meadowsweet and is used to make aspirin. Aspirin can cause the lining of the stomach to bleed, but meadowsweet naturally contains other compounds that protect against irritation from salicylic acid. According to herbal practitioners, the effect of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts.

Critics argue that the nature of herbal medicine makes it difficult to give a measured dose of an active ingredient. Herbal medicine aims to return the body to a state of natural balance so that it can heal itself, with different herbs acting on different body systems.

Medicinal uses for specific herbs#

Some herbs commonly used in herbal medicine, and their traditional uses, include:

• Echinacea - to stimulate the immune system and help the body fight infection. Used for ailments such as boils, fever and herpes.
• Dong quai (dang gui) - used for gynaecological complaints such as premenstrual tension, menopause symptoms and period pain. Some studies suggest it can lower blood pressure.
• Garlic - used to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering levels of blood fats and cholesterol. Its antibiotic and antiviral properties mean it is also used to fight colds, sinusitis and other respiratory infections.
• Ginger - many studies have shown ginger to be useful in treating nausea, including motion sickness and morning sickness.
• Ginkgo biloba - commonly used to treat poor blood circulation and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
• Ginseng - generally used to treat fatigue, for example during recovery from illness. It is also used to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, although overuse has been linked to raised blood pressure.
• Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St John’s Wort. Studies suggest it is as effective as some pharmaceutical antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression, and it is also used for anxiety and insomnia. However, St John’s Wort can interact with a number of prescription medicines, including the oral contraceptive pill, and stop them from working properly.

Herbal medicine is not always safe#

Herbal medicines are sometimes mistakenly thought to be completely safe because they are “natural” products. This is not always correct.

Like other medicines, herbal medicine should be prescribed by a qualified and registered practitioner. Contact the professional association for your chosen therapy and ask for a list of members in your area. This may include peak bodies for Chinese medicine, acupuncturists, herbalists and traditional remedial massage practitioners.

At your first visit, ask about the practitioner’s training and qualifications. Be very cautious about any practitioner who advises you to abandon your conventional medical treatment.

Interactions with other medicines#

Herbal medicines and supplements can interact in harmful ways with over-the-counter or prescription medicines. Taking a herbal supplement may increase or decrease the effectiveness of other drugs you take, or raise the risk of unwanted side effects.

For example, St John’s Wort mostly decreases the effectiveness of other medicines, but increases the effects of antidepressants.

If you are considering herbal medicines, talk to your doctor about possible side effects and interactions with anything else you are taking. Always tell your herbal medicine practitioner which over-the-counter, herbal, complementary and prescription medicines you are taking, any allergic reactions you have had, and whether you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.

Herbal medicines may produce unwanted effects, including allergic reactions and rashes, asthma, headaches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Buying herbal medicine safely#

Not all herbal medicines on sale are safe. Always buy from a source that stocks products from a reputable manufacturer or supplier, such as health food stores, supermarkets, pharmacies or a reputable practitioner.

Unregulated herbal medicines from overseas may not be made to the same quality and standard as regulated medicines. In some cases, products bought online have been found to contain dangerous levels of lead, mercury or arsenic, which can cause serious health problems. Ask your pharmacist about the safety and effectiveness of any herbal medicine or supplement you are thinking of buying.

Do not self-diagnose#

It is very important not to self-diagnose any health condition. Any medicine, herbal or otherwise, should be taken under the supervision of a knowledgeable and qualified practitioner.

If you are considering herbal medicine, it is recommended that you:

• Never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your doctor.
• Always tell your doctor if you plan to start a course of herbal medicine.
• Seek advice from a qualified health practitioner, your doctor or your pharmacist about the herbal medicine’s safety, quality and effectiveness.
• Always buy products from a reputable source, and be cautious about herbal medicines or supplements made overseas or sold over the internet.
• Take all herbal medicines strictly as prescribed, and consult your health practitioner straight away if you experience any side effects.

Key points#

• Some herbs commonly used in herbal medicine have traditional uses for conditions such as fever and herpes.
• Herbal medicines can be mistakenly thought to be completely safe because they are “natural” products.
• Be very cautious about any practitioner who advises you to abandon your conventional medical treatment.

Where to get help#