While botanicals are generally perceived as harmless, many reports in literature indicate that misuse of botanicals can be detrimental. Presented below are a few popular herbs in use today, along with their benefits and risks, especially when taken along with other medications.
Soy isoflavones
good for breast cancer patients
but not in supplemental form
Turmeric
relieves arthritic pain
cannot take with blood thinners
famed antidepressant
St. John’s Wort --
plethora of interactions with Rx meds
Red clover Dong quai Black cohosh
help with menopausal symptoms
but have side effects …
oldest living tree
Ginkgo
alas, may not help dementia
Valerian
benefits those with insomnia
but makes the liver go awry
Russian herb Rhodiola
popular adaptogen – keeps fit mind and body
does not get along well with antidepressants
Berries Acai and Goji
super antioxidants
best to avoid during cancer treatment
Jyothirmai Gubili, MS, is Editor, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York.
Poems based on information in the “About Herbs” Web site: http://www.mskcc.or/aboutherbs
Illustrations by Angela Donato
