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Specific Vitamins, Herbs, Medications
observed, but this is a general warning no basis in an actual case which has occurred purely theoretical.
Milk Thistle, Latin Named: Silybum marianum is believed to possess very little toxicity. High dose, extended Animal
studies have not shown any negative effects. Possible mild gastrointestinal disturbance is possible but this is the
number one side effect of just about anything including food and drink. Milk Thistle is used as a food by some
cultures. No drug interaction are known, except the positive effect of protecting your liver from OTC and prescription
drugs that may damage it.
The general warning you will see for most herbs, supplements and drugs is safety in young children, pregnant or
nursing women, and individuals with severe renal or liver disease has not been established.
VALERIAN
QUESTION: I was just wondering if taking valarian root will cause any side effects???
ANSWER: Safety Issues on Valerian
Valerian is on the FDA's GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list.
Enormous amounts of Valerian need to be given to test animals to affect any serious adverse actions.
Some testing done with Valerian and Scullcap mixtures have resulted in liver problems for subjects, but a known
adulterant for Scullcap named Germander causes this problem and probably was the culprit.
One known general problem is possible mild gastrointestinal (GI) distress, but this is the most widely known side effect
for anything including food and drink
You will see general warnings, which are common sense, that persons using Valerian or other sedatives should not
drive or use mechanical equipment but again these are general warning individual response to this herb will vary.
Some test subjects using Valerion demonstrated it does not appear to cause longterm impairment of driving ability just
a short couple hours of reduced attention ability and others produced no morning drowsiness when it was taken at
night.
There have been no reported drug interactions with valerian. A 1995 study found no interaction between alcohol and
valerian as measured by concentration, attentiveness, reaction time, and driving performance, but again general
warnings and common sense says two sedatives, alcohol and Valerian might combine to work synergistically.
However, Valerian extracts could compound actions of other sedative or CNS depressants
Another general warning would be: Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or
kidney disease has not been established.
Interactions which could be possible include:
Avoid using prescription meds for insomnia or anxiety and using Valerian in combination, one class of these type of
drugs are benzodiazepines.
Read my other answers online about Valerian.
DO HERBS GO BAD?
QUESTION: Can capsules of the ground root of echinacea "go bad" after a certain amount of time if they are stored
in a cool, dry place?
ANSWERS: Once an herb is ground it is completely exposed to the air, which decreases potency, the same is true for
your Echinacea root capsule. The simple consumer at home test of potency is open a capsule and put the contents in
your mouth if your tongue tingles the Echinacea is still active. I must say the dry form of Echinacea is not the most
effective. This simple at home test works with all forms of the plant from fresh, dry to alcohol extract, my preferred
medicinal form. So to tell if the product you bought is as good as eating dirt or the active herb, try it on anything you
purchase immediately.
SENNA
QUESTION: I purchased a caffeine free weight loss tea just to try. I read the label and noticed nothing unusual. My
son and I tried the tea and within a couple of hours we had an almost automatic attack of diarrhea. Re-reading the
label I noted Senna Leaves, Malva Leaveas, Stevia Leaves and Panax Ginseng (all in small print at the bottom of the
label). I am not familiar with anything except the Ginseng. Will extended use of this tea cause problems?
ANSWER: Senna is the culprit, it causes you to void yourself. It is an herbal purgative and used in many laxative
formulas both natural and chemical based. I would suggest discontinuing the tea. This herb can cause bowel
dependence robbing your body of its own ability to go to the bathroom at regular times and make you a habitual
laxative user. Many people become addicted and need it or other chemical laxatives to go everyday. This is not a
good or healthy thing.
I feel it is not ethical for manufacturers to put this and other ingredients in a weightloss product, please read my other
answers online about this and weightloss.
The stevia is an herbal sweetener and a great sugar substitute when used by itself.
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