Side Effects of Herbs - Assignment Example

? Cautions or Side Effects of Herbs submitted Cautions or Side Effects of Herbs Herbal remedies have been used for therapeutic or medicinal purposes for centuries. Often referred to as ‘herbalism’ or ‘botanical medicine’, practitioners use the roots, stems, berries, leaves, and flowers of the plants to prevent, treat, or cure a wide variety of ailments (“History of Herbs”, 2004). Herbs are used for medicinal purposes because their plants produce and contain various substances that can act upon the body in numerous ways that are beneficial (“History of Herbs”, 2004). Many of the pharmaceutical drugs used in modern medicine were developed from traditional healing remedies that used specific herbs or plants (“History of Herbs”, 2004). Through scientific methods, the medicinal properties of numerous herbs have been extracted, analyzed, and synthesized to produce the pharmaceuticals we rely upon today (“History of Herbs”, 2004). Tinctures, extracts, capsules, teas, lozenges, and ointments are all included in the pharmacopeia of products derived from the cultivation of herbal remedies (“History of Herbs”, 2004). It is estimated that 80% of the world’s population use herbal remedies as a part of their primary care practice and is a major component of medical care in indigenous populations (“History of Herbs”, 2004). Herbalists typically use the whole plant to create their remedies, which is not the practice in modern medicine since pharmacologists identify, isolate, extract, and synthesize individual components to use only the active properties (“History of Herbs”, 2004). This can create problems since, in addition to active ingredients, plants have minerals, vitamins, oils, glycosides, alkaloids, bioflavanoids, and other naturally occurring substances that are important in supporting the herb's medicinal properties and provide a natural safeguard that help prevent natural remedies from becoming toxic in small doses, which is a common risk in the use of modern pharmaceuticals (“History of Herbs”, 2004). Nonetheless, there are also serious side effects that can result from the use of herbs and from the combination of herbal remedies and modern pharmaceuticals. The most commonly used herbs include Echinacea, Feverfew, Garlic, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Kava, Ma Huang, Saw Palmetto, St. John's Wort, and Valerian root (“Safety Issues with Herbal Medicine”, 2011). These herbs are used for a variety of purposes, including strengthening of the immune system, treatment of migraines, to treat hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, improvement of circulation and cognition, treatment for mild depression or mood disorders, and as a sedative (“Safety Issues with Herbal Medicine”, 2011). However, these herbs all have dangerous side effects that are not indicated on the label, which include allergic reactions, headache, dizziness, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bilateral subdural hematomas, transient nervousness, excitation, insomnia, inability to concentrate, hypertension, epistaxis, mania, gastrointestinal discomfort, localized numbness, dry, scaly skin, discoloration of the skin and nails, photosensitivity, eye redness, photophobia, diplopia, nervousness, irritability, psychosis, seizures, stroke, premature ventricular contraction, myocardial infarction, and death (“Safety Issues with Herbal Medicine”, 2011). These side effects can occur from using these herbs alone, but these effects can be significantly worse if used in conjunction with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Fugh-Berman reviewed studies conducted regarding the effects of the most frequently used herbal supplements, many of which are named above, uses of Use of herbal remedies in conjunction with other medications may result in the herbs mimicking, magnifying, opposing, or suppressing the effects of the drug (2000; Woodward, 2005). The study conducted by Niggeman & Gruber indicates the death of an asthmatic 29 year old male wile undergoing acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, which are common alternative medicinal treatments covered under many healthcare plans (2003). Although many herbal remedies are used due to the cost differentials and affordability of these remedies, the unknown dosage and potency of herbal methods makes usage of herbal remedies unreliable, at best (Lakhan & Vieira, 2010; Niggeman & Gruber, 2003; Singh et al., 2007). Additionally, Lakhan & Vieira reviewed 37 independent studies regarding the increased public opinion of herbal therapies due to the undesirable side effects of many pharmaceuticals and the adverse effects this has caused due to the lack of public knowledge that herbs may pose similar risks and side effects, as previously indicated (2010). Many herbal remedies claim to be ‘safe’ because they are ‘all natural’, but these common misconceptions mask the facts that these supplements may contain highly toxic substances not indicated on the product label with potential hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects (Chan, 2009). De Smet has reviewed additional studies regarding the specific drug-herb interactions regarding the specific effects of these supplements on P-glycoprotein and the modulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which unknown substances can cause dangerous interactions with in conjunction with prescription medications as well, causing complications that can lead to death (2006). The increase in the use of herbal medicines due to their low cost, easy availability, and the holistic properties associated with their use has become a problematic circumstance of significant public health consequence difficult for healthcare officials to manage due to incongruence’s in the available information (Coxeter, McLachlan, Duke, & Roufogalis, 2004; Snyder & Lindquist, 2006). The Cartesian philosophy that is the base of alternative medicine considers the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental aspects of the person in the formation of therapeutic care, which is a direct contrast to the principles of Western medicine that consider the mind and body as separate entities (Snyder & Lindquist, 2006). Since complementary and alternative medicinal practices are a part of holistic nursing, practitioners must be competent in a variety of the more than 1,800 therapies that comprise holistic medicine so they can provide competent care to patients in diverse settings (Snyder & Lindquist, 2006). This includes knowledge of the huge base of herbal remedies, their uses, side effects, and the possible dangers of drug interactions. Additionally, practitioners must understand the patient’s need to be an active participant in the decisions being made concerning their health and care that betters their overall condition rather than worsening it due to numerous unbearable side effects (Snyder & Lindquist, 2006). The focus of holistic nursing is to establish and maintain the health and well-being of the patient through the process of assessment, diagnosis, creation and implementation of a care plan, and evaluation to ensure that the care plan is effective (Dossey & Keegan, 2009). This includes knowledge of the cultural context in which they practice so they can implement theory based practices relevant to the patient and the successful comingling of Western ideas and holistic principles (Dossey & Keegan, 2009). Holistic care incorporates the wishes and concerns of the patient with the knowledge base of the practitioner to provide the best overall care for the individual and not just their medical condition (Dossey & Keegan, 2009). With alternative medicine being a multi-billion dollar industry and numerous insurance providers now covering a variety of alternative procedures, it is vital for holistic nurses to be well-versed in the numerous herbal remedies so they can keep their patient’s competently informed since many of the websites that offer information on these topics can give advice that could have a negative impact on the patient’s care plan (Dossey & Keegan, 2009;Snyder & Lindquist, 2006). Considering the dangerous side effects that can be associated with drug interactions that stem from the use of herbal medications in conjunction with pharmaceuticals, it is important that the nurse be able to recognize the patterns of the patient so that they are able to recognize what the patient needs and make relevant recommendations to maintain the patient’s health and prevent illness (Dossey & Keegan, 2009). With a major focus of holistic health practices being prevention, it is vital that the practitioner be aware of any self-therapeutic herbal remedies the patient is using to help prevent dangerous interactions and to avoid misconceptions concerning ineffective medication or adverse reactions to medication that are actually related the herbs being taken (Woodward, 2005). Fugh-Berman indicates surveys of 515 individuals revealed that a mere 26% consult their primary care physicians regarding the possible interactions of herbal supplements and their medication prior to adding the herbal supplement to their routine (2000). The holistic approach to healthcare allows the practitioner to develop the caring, trusting relationship with the patient that promotes honesty between the patient and the healthcare professional. Holistic medicine seeks to prevent illness and provide care according to the needs of the patient and the only way to do this is by forming a relationship with the patient. Ensuring that patients feel comfortable discussing these issues with their healthcare professional can help prevent complications due to the dangerous side effects of ill-prepared supplements or their unknown additives. Although alternative medicinal practices are extremely helpful, dangers can arise from interactions between pharmaceutical medications and herbal medicines taken without the advice of a competent holistic professional. Care and consideration must be taken before an individual begins taking herbal supplements. It is best for any individual considering or currently using herbal medicines to discuss this with their healthcare professional to avoid the possibility of dangerous side effects caused by the herb or interactions with their current medications that can result in a worsening of their condition, the development of new ailments, or even death. Holistic approaches the medicinal practices consider the needs of the patient and not just the treatment of the malady, which can prevent complications related to herbal supplementation. References Chan, T.Y.K. (2009). Potential risks associated with the use of herbal anti-obesity products. Drug Safety, 32 (6), 453-456. Coxeter, P.D., McLachlan, A.J., Duke, C.C., & Roufogalis, B.D. (2004). Herb-drug interactions: An evidence based approach. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 11, 1513-1525 De Smet, P.A.G.M. (2006). Clinical risk management of herb–drug interactions. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 63(3), 258–267. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2006.02797x Dossey, B.M., & Keegan, L. (2009). Holistic nursing: A handbook for practice (5th ed.). Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Fugh-Bergman, A. (2000). Herb-drug interactions. Lancet, 355(9198), 134-138. History of Herbal Medicine. (2004, February 17). Herb Palace. Retrieved from http://www.herbpalace.com/alternative-medicine/herbal-medicine.html Lakhan, S.E., & Vieira, K.F. (2010). Nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders: systematic review. Nutritional Journal, 9(42), 1-14 Niggemann, B., & Gruber, C. (2003). Side-effects of complementary and alternative medicine. Allergy, 58(8), 707-716. doi: 10.1034/j.1398-9995.2003.00219. Safety Issues with Herbal Medicine: Common Herbal Medicines. (2011). MedScape News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/409518_6 Singh, B.B. et al. (2007). Herbal treatments of asthma: A systematic review. Journal of Asthma, 44, 685–698. Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. doi: 10.1080/02770900701247202 Snyder, M., & Lindquist, R. Complementary/alternative therapies in nursing (5th ed.). New York: Springer Publishing Company. Woodward, K.N. (2005). The potential impact of the use of homeopathic and herbal remedies on monitoring the safety of prescription products. Human & Experimental Toxicology, 24, 219-233. Read More