Many people consider herbs and other alternative remedies safe because they are "natural". It's important to note that just because something is natural, doesn't mean it is always safe to use. Additionally, any substance can be dangerous or even toxic if used improperly.
It's also very important to tell the gastroenterologist about any alternative remedies that are being used in conjunction with medical treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Herbs and supplements can interact with prescription drugs. Most often, this reaction takes the form of the herb nullifying or reducing the effectiveness of a drug. For example, ginger may reduce the effectiveness of an anesthetic. This is a very undesirable effect for someone who is about to have surgery!
Just like a prescription drug, an herbal remedy can also cause allergic reactions. An example is chamomile. Chamomile is a flower in the Asteraceae, or daisy, family. People who are allergic to ragweed, aster, or chrysanthemums may also have a reaction to chamomile. This is a rare occurrence, but anyone taking chamomile should be aware of this possibility.
Many hospitals are developing policies about herbal remedies. Herbs and supplements are not regulated the same way as prescription drugs, and therefore don't mesh well with hospital policy. A hospital may choose to treat an herbal like any prescription medication, and only allow it to be distributed by a nurse or other health care professional. The entire health care team should be made aware of any herbs or supplements a patient is taking--just to be safe.
In general, herbal remedies are safe if used properly. They can be a productive addition to any treatment plan. The best way to achieve the desired results is to have some basic information about the herb and follow dosing directions.
Caraway
- Warnings: Essential oil can irritate the skin of children under two years old.
- Use During Pregnancy: Caraway has not been proven safe to use during pregnancy.
- Drug Interactions: None known.
- Overall: Caraway is considered safe.
Chamomile
- Warnings: Although rare, people allergic to the Asteraceae (daisy) family (ragweed, aster and chrysanthemums) should not use this herb.
- Use During Pregnancy: Chamomile is thought to be safe during pregnancy and for breast-feeding mothers.
- Drug Interactions: Chamomile may reduce the effects of Chemotherapy drugs.
- Overall: Chamomile is generally considered to be very safe.
Evening primrose oil
- Do not take if: You have temporal lobe epilepsy.
- Side effects:
- Nausea (may decrease if taken with food).
- Skin rashes.
- Acne.
- Drug Interactions: None known.
- Overall: Evening Primrose Oil is considered safe.
Ginger
- Do not use if:
- You have gallstones.
- You are pregnant.
- Talk to your doctor if:
- You take heart or diabetes medication.
- You are going to have surgery.
- Side Effects: Some people may experience heartburn from the strong taste.
- Drug Interactions:
- May reduce the effects of major anesthetics.
- May reduce the effects of Chemotherapy drugs.
- May have an adverse reaction with Heparin.
- May interact with Ticlopidine.
- May have an adverse reaction with Warfarin.
- Overall: Ginger is considered to be safe when taken in the proper doses.
Peppermint
- Warnings: Peppermint oil should never be applied to the face or near mucus membranes.
- Do not use this herb if:
- You have chronic heartburn.
- You have severe liver damage.
- You have inflammation of the gallbladder.
- You have obstruction of bile ducts.
- You are pregnant.
- Talk to your doctor if:
- You have gallstones.
- Side Effects:
- Peppermint oil may cause burning or stomach upset.
- Enteric-coated capsules may cause a burning sensation in the rectum.
- Children and Infants: The strong menthol present in the tea may cause choking. See chamomile for an alternative.
- Drug Interactions: Peppermint may interact with Cisapride.
- Overall: Peppermint tea is thought to be safe.
