Millions of people take Herbal Remedies for different diseases ranging from Cholesterol to Depression. These Remedies seem to be safe but if they interact with the prescribed drugs, they can cause serious Heart Problems.
A new research suggests interaction of Herbal Remedies and Heart Drugs can be a dangerous mix.
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A report of Mayo Clinic for the year 2010 listed more than 25 Herbal products that can really be dangerous for the patients of Heart Trouble on medication.
This guide is prepared with the collaboration of National Institutes for Health and the Natural Standard Research. This guide indicates about the 16 Herbal Remedies that Heart’s Patients should avoid.
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Garlic
Definition
It is a member of Onion family. It is available as Oil, extract or a Pill.
Functioning
It lowers the LDL, Cholesterol and Blood Pressure. It is also used as a Blood thinner to fight against Atherosclerosis.
The Risk
The use of Garlic can increase the risk of Bleeding with the drug like Warfarin, an anti-clotting drug. It is prescribed to the people who have Heart problems or previously have had Heart Attacks.
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Saw Palmetto
Definition
It is a fruit of Palmetto tree. It is available in the market in the form of Capsule, Liquid or Tea.
Functioning
It is used to fight with the Urinary problems that are caused by the enlarged Prostate Gland. It is also used to fight against Hair Loss, Pelvic Pain and decreased Sex drive.
The Risk
It increases the risk of Bleeding due to Warfarin.
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Ginkgo
Definition
It is the extract of leaves of the Ginkgo plant. It is used in the form of Tea and Capsules.
Functioning
Ginkgo is used to improve the memory; it prevents dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It is also used for the treatment of Asthma, Sexual Dysfunction, Ear problems and Leg Pain that is caused due to poor Circulation of Blood.
The Risk
It increases the risk of Bleeding due to the Aspirin and Warfarin.
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Echinacea
Definition
It is the Roots and Herb of the Echinacea Plant which is dried or extracted. It is also sold as Capsule, Tea and Juice.
Functioning
It is used to avoid Cold and Flu and also boost the Immune System of the body.
The Risk
It can increase the risk of Liver Damage in interaction with the medicines like Statin, Niacin and Fibrates. These all drugs are used to lower the Cholesterol.
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St. John’s Wort
Definition
It is a Yellow- Flowered Plant. It is also sold as Capsule, Tea or Liquid Extracts.
Functioning
It is used to treat Depression and Anxiety. It is also used to treat the Sleep Disorders.
The Risk
It affects the ability of the body to absorb dozens of medicines including Beta Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers, Statin etc.
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Green Tea
Definition
It is the Leaves of the Camellia Sinensis Plant. They are mostly found in the Water and they are also available in the form of Capsule and Extract.
Functioning
It is used to Lose Weight; improve Mental Attentiveness, lower Cholesterol and prevent Cancer.
The Risk
Green tae contains Vitamin K in it which can frustrate the working of Warfarin.
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Alfalfa
Definition:It is a plant of Pea family. The leaves of this plant are dried and grind as Capsules.
Functioning
It is used to lower the Cholesterol and it also reduces the Plaques that are caused by the Atherosclerosis.
The Risk
It increases the risk of Bleeding related to Warfarin.
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Ginger
Definition
It is a Root of a plant that is used in Cooking and it is also processed to form the Capsules.
Functioning
It is used to treat stomach diseases like Nausea, Diarrhea, Stomach ache etc. it is also good for the Muscle and the Joint pain.
The Risk
It increase the risk of Bleeding related to Warfain.
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Bilberry
Definition
It is a fruit. The dried extracts of Bilberry are same as Blueberry and it is used as Capsules.
Functioning
It is used to treat the problems that are caused by the poor Circulation of Blood. It is also used to treat the Diarrhea, Skin problems, Eyestrain and Menstrual Cramps.
The Risk
It is used to improve the Blood Circulation however it can also increase the Bleeding due to Warfarin.
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Fenugreek
Definition
It is a Seed. It is used since the Egyptian Times and it is also used as Capsules.
FunctioningIt is used for many diseases including Digestive problems, Hot Flashes, Lack of Breast Milk etc. it is also used to lower the Cholesterol level.
The Risk
It increase the risk of Bleeding related to Warfain. It can also lower the Blood Sugar level, which can cause the complications for Diabetic patients.
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Ginseng
Definition
It is a Herb that found in Asia. It is used in the medicines and it I also sold in the form of Capsules.
Functioning
It is used to boost Energy, Stamina and the Immune System. It is also used to lower the LDL and Cholesterol level.
The Risk
If overused, Ginseng can increase the Blood pressure of the Human Body.
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Grapefruit Juice
It is a fruit juice available in the all the markets.
Functioning
It is used to lose weight and improves the Heart’s health.
The Risk
Grapefruit juice disturbs the enzyme that is required to absorb the medications including Statins, Calcium- Channel Blockers.
A new research says that 1 glass of Grapefruit Juice doubles the amount of Calcium- Channel Blockers in the body.
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Aloe Vera
Definition
It is the pulp of Aloe Vera plant.
Functioning
It is taken orally to treat the diseases like Arthritis, Epilepsy, Diabetes and Asthma.
The Risk
Aloe Vera can cause drops in the Potassium level of Blood, which can cause Heart- Rhythm Problems.
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Black Cohosh
Definition
Black Cohosh is a plant. It is the extract of the root of Black Cohosh. It is also sold in the form of Capsules.
Functioning
Black Cohosh is used to treat the symptoms of Menopause including Hot Flashes, Vaginal Dryness and Night Sweats etc. It is also used to treat the Joint and the Muscle pain.
The Risk
It interferes with the certain medicines such as Statins, Beta Blockers and Calcium- Channel Blockers. Sometimes it can also cause damage to the Liver.
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Hawthorn
Definition
It is a Flowering Shrub of the Rose Bush.
Functioning
The fruit of Hawthorn is used to treat the symptoms of Heart Diseases. It is also used to prevent the Heart Failure.
The Risk
It is used to strengthen the contractions of Heart’s Muscles but Hawthorn can interfere with the effectiveness of Heart- Failure medications.
These are not just the Herbal Products that may create problems for the patients of Heart.
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Licorice Root
Definition
Licorice is a plant. The dried extracts of the root of Licorice plant is sold in the form of Capsule.
Functioning
The Licorice root is used to treat the Ulcers, Bronchitis, Sore Throat, Viral Infections and other Stomach diseases.
The Risk
It can raise level of Blood pressure in the Human body.
The things like Angelica, Capsicum, Fumitory, Gossy Pol, Irish moss, Night Blooming Cereus, Oleander, Ephedra etc all these things can interact negatively with the medications and can cause complications for the Heart’s patients.
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The Heart patients taking medications should see their Physician before taking any Food Supplement of Herbal Remedies