Senna is an effective laxative ingredient in several commercially-available non-prescription products.

Senna should be avoided by individuals with gastrointestinal conditions including hemorrhoids, ulcers, and unexplained abdominal pain. It should not be given to children under the age of 5 years.

Taking senna for longer than a week or two may result in low potassium levels, laxative dependence, or symptoms such as:

Occasional use of senna may result in cramps, diarrhea, or discolored urine.

Senna can cause a significant decrease in potassium, which can cause changes in heart rhythms, increase cramps, and muscle weakness.

Taking senna at the same time as drugs or herbals with laxative or diuretic effects may cause potentially dangerous reductions in the amount of potassium in the body. Senna may also increase the risk of side effects from digoxin.

Xanthum Gum Powder is milled from the dried cell coat of a laboatory-grown microorganism, Xanthomonas campestris. It is in cosmetics to thicken lotions and creams and also in gluten-free cooking as a substitute for gluten in yeast breads and other baking with gluten-free flours.

It is produced by a fermentation process using corn or soya starch (GMO Free) and a micro-organism (Xanthomonas Campestris). The starches and the organism react together, in a similar way to yogurt making. The gum produced is then milled to produce an easy to use flour. It is particularly useful when baking using gluten free flours as it mimics the effects of gluten without any of the side effects. Also known as E415, it has been widely used in the food industry for many years. There are no side effects that we are aware of. (Various online sources)

Remedies For:

Anti-hypothyroid, anti-rheumatic, alterative, diuretic

Bladderwrack has proved most useful in the treatment of underactive thyroid glands and goiter. Through the regulation of thyroid function there is an improvement in all the associated symptoms. Where obesity is associated with thyroid trouble, this herb may be very helpful in reducing the excess weight. It has a reputation in helping the relief of rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis, both used internally and as an external application upon inflamed joints.

Glucomannan, the fiber obtained from the tubers of the konjac plant, is used mainly as a laxative. It may also encourage weight loss, help to lower blood sugar levels, and lessen cholesterol in the blood.

Individuals with diabetes should not take glucomannan due to possible changes in blood sugar that it may cause. Children under the age of 5 and women who are pregnant or breast-feeding may want to avoid using glucomannan, as well.

In tablet form, glucomannan has been associated with esophageal blockages. (Product must be taken with plenty of water due to the possibility of the pill swelling in the throat when the pill absorbs the water)

Glucomannan's potential decreasing effect on blood sugar may interfere with drugs or herbs that also lower blood sugar. Since Glucomannan cannot be digested, foods, herbals, and drugs may not be absorbed through the stomach so avoid use of drugs or herbals within 2 hours of taking Glucomannan.

Even though they are not proven to be effective, echinacea products are among the most widely used herbals in the world. They are taken by mouth to enhance immune system response and to lessen the duration and symptoms of colds and flu. When applied to the skin, they are used to relieve conditions such as eczema, insect bites, and psoriasis.

Ecinacea’s potential to increase immune function may worsen autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. Individuals with autoimmune diseases should not use echinacea. Pregnant and breast-feeding women and small children should also avoid its use.

Side effects reported from taking echinacea by mouth include nausea and diarrhea. Some individuals may develop an allergic reaction from taking echinacea, applying topical forms, or handling the plant.

Echinacea may interact with drugs that suppress the immune system and with several other drugs that are processed by the body in the same way that echinacea is processed. It may interfere with the breakdown of caffeine. If you are not sure whether a drug you take will interact with echinacea, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you begin to use echinacea. Make sure to mention any non-prescription and herbal products that you take as well as prescription medications.

Pineapple (bromelain) is pretty safe with rare cases of heart failure, coma, and increased menstrual flow.

Some limited clinical evidence seems to show that garlic taken orally can help moderately to reduce high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Less evidence supports its effectiveness in preventing heart disease, enhancing immune function, and protecting against some types of cancer.

Garlic in recommended amounts seems to have few risks. People who have bleeding disorders or who take medications to thin the blood, should be aware that taking large amounts of garlic may further reduce the blood's ability to clot.

In the amounts used in food or recommended medicinal doses, garlic has few side effects. Large amounts, however, have been associated with irritated mouth or stomach. A few people may have asthma or rash from handling the garlic plants for a long time or in large amounts. If it is left in contact with the skin for extended periods of time, garlic may cause irritation or burns.

If it is taken at the same time as drugs or other herbs that "thin the blood"' very large amounts of garlic taken by mouth could increase the amount of time that blood needs to clot. Garlic in high amounts may interfere with some antiviral and antidiabetic medications, as well as with other drugs, such as acetaminophen, that are broken down by the same liver enzymes as garlic. It may increase the activity of drugs that lower blood sugar.

Aside from its value as a spice and flavoring agent, ginger is used in western countries mainly to relieve nausea. It may also have some ability to relieve stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal complaints.

Supplemental ginger should be avoided by women who are breast-feeding, individuals who have diabetes or gallstones, and children less than 2 years of age. Pregnant women should consult a health professional before taking ginger in supplemental amounts.

In humans, the medical use of ginger has been associated with minor side effects such as a tingling feeling in the mouth and diarrhea. In laboratory animals, however, extremely high doses of ginger may have caused heart rhythm changes and central nervous system impairment.

Although the amounts of ginger used in foods are not thought to interact with drugs, other herbal products, or foods; very large amounts of ginger could interfere with:

The leaves of the ginkgo tree contain chemicals that decrease the thickness of blood and increase the size of blood vessels. The resulting increased blood flow improves oxygen levels which may relieve conditions such as memory loss, intermittent claudication, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Roasted ginkgo seeds may sometimes be used to treat chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Due to its ability to inhibit blood clotting, ginkgo should be avoided by individuals with bleeding disorders. Since it may precipitate seizures, ginkgo should not be taken by individuals with epilepsy. And because ginkgo may affect blood sugar levels, individuals with diabetes should not take it.

Pregnant women, women who are breast-feeding, and young children may want to avoid ginkgo leaf because too little is known about its possible effects for those groups. Ginkgo seeds may cause seizures; however, so they should not be given to children and for adults they should be limited to no more than 10 per day for just a few days. Fresh ginkgo seeds and ginkgo fruits should never be taken by mouth.

Either ginkgo leaf or – more likely – ginkgo seed may initiate seizures.

Taking ginkgo leaf preparations may cause unexpected bleeding into the eyes or under the skin. Mild headache, muscle weakness, or stomach upset may also be attributed to using ginkgo leaf.

Consuming any amount of fresh ginkgo seeds or more than about 10 roasted seeds at one time has resulted in breathing difficulty, unconsciousness, or death.

Eating or touching ginkgo fruits may be associated with skin irritation, redness, or swelling.

Ginkgo leaf extract may increase the effects of drugs and herbals that reduce blood clotting. It may interfere with insulin and oral drugs or herbs that affect blood sugar.

Taking either ginkgo leaf or ginkgo seed may decrease the effects of anticonvulsant drugs. They may also increase the chance of a seizure if they are taken with several different types of prescription and non-prescription drugs or herbal products that may also make seizures more likely to occur.

Taken most commonly as an adaptogen to help the body resist stress, Panax ginseng has been studied for improving memory, treating asthma, and enhancing immune function. It may also help to reduce levels of blood sugar and blood cholesterol. Either orally or topically, it may treat erectile dysfunction and it may also help to relieve some types of male infertility. Possible estrogenic effects need further investigation.

Individuals who have heart conditions or cancers of the breast, ovaries, prostate, or uterus should not take Panax ginseng. Pregnant women, infants, and young children should also avoid taking it. Individuals who have diabetes or insomnia should be careful if they decide to take Panax ginseng.

Rarely, newborn babies who are given Panax ginseng have developed an intoxication-like condition. In adults, rare cases of hepatitis or inflamed blood vessels in the brain have been attributed to taking it. One case of possible severe allergy to Panax ginseng resulted in breathing problems, low blood pressure, and sudden rash. More often, Panax ginseng is associated with milder and temporary side effects such as diarrhea, heart rate changes, insomnia, and nervousness.

Panax ginseng may interfere with many prescription drugs, non-prescription products, and herbals, including:

In addition to its standing as a popular beverage, yerba mate is used as a tonic, diuretic, and as a stimulant to reduce fatigue, suppress appetite, and aid gastric function in herbal medicine systems throughout South America. It also has been used as a depurative (to promote cleansing and excretion of waste). In Brazil, mate is said to stimulate the nervous and muscular systems and is used for digestive problems, renal colic, nerve pain, depression, fatigue, and obesity. A poultice of the leaves also is applied topically to anthrax skin ulcers (for which mate's tannin content - highly astringent - may be the reasoning behind this use).

Main Actions (in order):
stimulant, tonic (tones, balances, strengthens overall body functions), thermogenic (increase fat-burning), nervine (balances/calms nerves), anti-allergy

Main Uses:

Properties/Actions Documented by Research:
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, bile stimulant, stimulant, thermogenic (increases fat burning), vasodilator

Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use:
anti-allergy, antidepressant, appetite suppressant, blood cleanser, cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart), central nervous system stimulant, digestive stimulant, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), nervine (balances/calms nerves), neurasthenic (reduces nerve pain), neuroprotective (protects brain cells), purgative (strong laxative)

Cautions: It contains natural caffeine. Don't use if allergic to caffeine or zanthines

Meadowsweet is used most frequently as supportive therapy for the common cold. It may also be somewhat effective for the treatment of various stomach conditions such as heartburn and ulcers.

Because meadowsweet has been associated with causing constriction of the airways in the lungs, it should be avoided in individuals with asthma. Pregnant women also avoid meadowsweet due to the possibility of causing uterine contractions.

Children and individuals with aspirin and sulfite allergies should not take meadowsweet due to its salicylate component.

Although few side effects have been reported from meadowsweet, it may cause nausea or stomach upset in individuals who use it.

Some evidence suggests that meadowsweet may increase both the effects and the risk of side effects from narcotic analgesics.

The heparin-like and salicylate compounds in meadowsweet may increase the risk of bleeding when it is used with warfarin, other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, aspirin, or herbal products that also have an anticoagulant effect.

Currently, St. John's wort is best known for mild antidepressant effects, but it is also being studied to treat other mood disorders such as anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It may have antiviral and antibacterial effects and it has been used topically for skin injuries.

St. John's wort may cause the rejection of transplanted organs, therefore transplant recipients should not take it. Alzheimer's patients, individuals with mental illnesses, couples trying to conceive a child, and pregnant or breast-feeding women should also avoid it.

Rarely, taking St. John's wort may be associated with "serotonin syndrome" -- an excess of serotonin that may cause confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.

Both oral and topical forms of St. John's wort may make the skin more likely to sunburn. Other possible side effects are generally mild. They may include drowsiness, headache, rash, and upset stomach.

If St. John's wort is taken with psoralens or certain antibiotics, the chance of sunburn may increase.

St. John's wort may interfere with a large number of drugs and herbal products including: