2024-04-15 12:10:17
Dr. E. Marciuškienė says that herbal preparations can have a direct influence on the activity of the cardiovascular system, hematopoiesis and various organs, especially the liver and kidneys. Taking medicinal herbs together with some medicines can also cause considerable health problems, as herbal preparations condition the effect of medicines: they increase or decrease the effect of the active substance, its concentration in the blood, and can make the medicines toxic to the body.
“Medicinal herbs often distort the results of various laboratory tests. It is very important to understand that tests are a necessary aspect in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, in most cases they determine 70-80% of the results. accuracy of diagnosis. However, people who use herbs or their products are often so convinced of their innocence that they forget to inform their doctors or laboratories about it. And this can lead to wrong diagnosis of the disease, inappropriate treatment”, warns the doctor.
She states that many herbal preparations affect blood clotting, so it is necessary to stop using them before various laboratory tests and invasive procedures.
For example, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and St. John’s wort should be avoided about two weeks before operations or surgical manipulations, as they may increase the risk of bleeding. According to E. Marciuškienė, while consulting with the doctor some time before the interventional procedure, it is very important to tell him what herbal preparations we use.
Dr. E. Marciuškienė shares which herbs should be used more carefully
Amalas – is a parasitic evergreen plant that lives on trees: oaks, apple trees, elms, etc. In folk medicine, it is used as a digestive tract stimulant, as well as a calming or even heart tonic herb. However, unsafe use of preparations from this plant can damage the liver, and increased levels of AST, ALT, LDH liver enzymes can be detected in the blood.
It is believed that tallow, a plant of the cucumber family, improves heart activity, accelerates metabolism, promotes sweating and urine output, and also inhibits inflammatory processes occurring in the intestines or kidneys. Unfortunately, tallow can also be hepatotoxic and increase liver enzymes.
Ginseng benefits for the body were noticed many years ago by the Chinese. To this day, it is used to strengthen immunity, suppress inflammatory processes, improve brain, memory and nervous system functions, and even increase energy levels. However, this plant, if used irresponsibly, can contribute to disorders of the circulatory system, the development of allergies, changes in the menstrual cycle, and insomnia. Not only that, ginseng can increase the risk of unwanted effects of various drugs, cause bleeding.
Has calming and relaxing properties St. John’s wort It has been used in Lithuania for many years. This herb also has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and can help you sleep. Unfortunately, it can also cause a number of negative symptoms, especially when used with drugs or nutritional supplements. For example, St. John’s wort can cause bleeding and, if taken with magnesium or iron supplements, heart rhythm problems. However, taking St. John’s wort with drugs affecting the cardiovascular system or antidepressants may impair their absorption. Pregnant women should also avoid taking St. John’s wort.
It is considered a thyroid tonic seaweed well known for their anti-inflammatory effects and metabolic activation. Long-term use of dietary supplements with seaweed and other active ingredients such as iodine may increase the risk of hyperthyroidism and increase blood levels of the thyroid hormones FT4 and FT3.
Contains more than 100 useful substances licorice – a plant that is beneficial for health, because it can reduce inflammation of the digestive tract, positively affect the release of bile acid, and reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the blood. However, excessive use of licorice preparations can cause severe hypokalemia (a decrease in potassium in the blood) and hypokalemic myopathy, as well as negatively affect the balance of other trace elements and hormones.
Fenugreek is known as a highly aromatic plant common in the gastronomic world. However, in natural medicine, this herb is used for constipation, pain, hormonal dysfunction of the adrenal glands or gonads, joint or spine problems. This plant has an anti-inflammatory, calming effect, lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. However, taking too much fenugreek can cause liver dysfunction, increased risk of bleeding, excessive lowering of blood glucose, and hypoglycemia. What’s more, this herb is not recommended for pregnant women, as it can harm the development of the fetus.
Garlic – a frequent companion in the menu for a cold or to strengthen immunity. It is rich in vitamins such as C, D, iron, zinc, iodine, potassium and calcium.
In folk medicine, garlic is used to stimulate the activity of the nervous system, reduce spasms, gas accumulation. However, eating too much garlic or taking its supplements can significantly increase the risk of liver disease, esophageal irritation, bleeding, and diarrhea.
Another herb used in the kitchen is turmeric – famous for its antioxidant effect. Its active ingredient curcumin acts similarly to vitamins C and E: it protects against oxidative damage, promotes cell regeneration processes, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Scientific studies have proven the positive effect of curcumin on brain activity, the function of vascular endothelium, as well as its effect on reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and even cancer. Unfortunately, the use of turmeric preparations in large quantities can lead to the possibility of bleeding, and in pregnant women – the risk of miscarriage, birth defects.
2024-04-15 12:10:17