by Mary Calvagna, MS
More than ever, Americans are turning to herbal products instead of traditional medications to help heal what ails them. More than 22.8 million consumers use herbal products instead of prescription medicine and 30 million use herbal products rather than over-the-counter drugs. In fact, in 1997 Americans spent more than $10 billion on herbals. And that amount continues to rise.
But are they safe?
Just because something comes from nature, doesnt necessarily mean it is safe. Herbal products are not subjected to the same rigorous review process that conventional drugs must undergo. It is not necessary to prove that an herbal is safe before selling it and it must be proven unsafe to be removed from store shelves.
A report by the Department of Health and Human Services found that 12% of consumers had experienced side effects or adverse reactions when taking herbal products. And dangerous side effects may be more likely when herbals are taken prior to surgery due to the increased usage of medications and physiological alterations that occur during surgery. A study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association* looked at the dangers of taking herbs before surgery.
Studying herbals
The study was a review of scientific literature published between 1996 and 2000. The authors looked at studies, case reports, and reviews that covered how herbals act in the body and their safety. Researchers focused on the eight herbs that they felt could have the greatest impact on patients undergoing surgery. They are: echinacea, ephedra, garlic, gingko, ginseng, kava, St. Johns wort, and valerian. These eight herbs account for more than 50% of herbal preparations sold in the United States.
The review found many possible complications, including:
- Increased bleeding
- Allergic reaction
- Risk of heart attack or stroke
- Prolonged or inadequate anesthesia
- Interference with medications
Tell your doctor
One of the studies cited in the review found that 32% of people undergoing outpatient surgery had taken some type of herbal preparation. Moreover, more than 70% of the patients in the study did not tell their doctors about their use of herbs.
In light of these findings, the studys authors highlight two important recommendations:
- Doctors should ask specific questions about herb use and document any history of their use.
- When going to the doctor for a pre-surgery exam, bring any herbal medications or supplements that you are taking.