A P P E N D I X F
Complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies
963
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TABLE F Complementary and alternative therapies (continued)
Substance
Reported uses and possible risks
barberry
Oral: antidiarrhoeal, antipyretic, cough suppressant
Risk of spontaneous abortion if taken during pregnancy
May increase effects of
antihypertensives
,
antiarrhythmics
basil
Oral: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycaemic
Risk of increased hypoglycaemic effects of
oral hypoglycaemic agents
bayberry
Topical: to promote wound healing
Oral: stimulant, emetic, antidiarrhoeal
May block effects of
antihypertensives
bee pollen
Oral: to treat allergies, asthma, impotence, prostatitis; suggested use to decrease cholesterol
levels
Risk of hyperglycaemia; discourage use by diabetic patients or with
oral hypoglycaemic agents
;
may cause allergic reaction in individuals allergic to bees
betel palm
Oral: mild stimulant, digestive aid
Increased risk of hypertensive crisis with
monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
; blocks heart-rate
reduction of
beta-blockers
,
digoxin
; alters effects of
antiglaucoma drugs
bilberry
Oral: treatment of diabetes; cardiovascular problems; lowers cholesterol and triglycerides;
treatment of diabetic retinopathy; treatment of cataracts, night blindness
Increased risk of bleeding with
anticoagulants
; disulfiram-like reaction with
alcohol
birch bark
Topical: treatment of infected wounds, cuts
Oral: as tea for relief of stomach ache
Topical form very toxic to children
black cohosh root
Oral: treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal disorders, rheumatoid arthritis
Contains oestrogen-like components; caution against use with
hormone replacement therapy
or
hormonal contraceptives
; discourage use during pregnancy and breastfeeding; may lower blood
pressure with
sedatives
,
antihypertensives
,
anaesthetics
; increased risk of fungal infection with
immunosuppressants
blackberry
Oral: as tea for generalised healing; treatment of diabetes
Risk of interaction with
oral hypoglycaemic agents
bromelain
Oral: treatment of inflammation, sports injuries, upper respiratory tract infection, PMS, adjunctive
therapy in cancer treatment
May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, menstrual disorders
burdock
Oral: treatment of diabetes; atropine-like adverse effects, uterine stimulant
May increase hypoglycaemic effects of
oral hypoglycaemic agents
capsicum
Topical: external analgesic
Oral: treatment of bowel disorders, chronic laryngitis, peripheral vascular disease
May increase bleeding with
warfarin
,
aspirin
; increases cough with
angiotensin-converting-
enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)
; increases toxicity with
MAO inhibitors
; increases sedation with
sedatives
catnip leaves
Oral: treatment of bronchitis, diarrhoea
cat’s claw
Oral: treatment of allergies, arthritis; adjunct in the treatment of cancers and AIDS
Discourage use during pregnancy and breastfeeding and use by transplant recipients; increased
risk of bleeding episodes if taken with oral
anticoagulants
; increased hypotension with
antihypertensives
cayenne pepper
Topical: treatment of burns, wounds, relief of toothache
celery
Oral: lowers blood glucose, acts as a diuretic; may cause potassium depletion
Advise caution when taken with
oral hypoglycaemic agents
chamomile
Topical: treatment of wounds, ulcer, conjunctivitis
Oral: treatment of migraines, gastric cramps, relief of anxiety
Contains coumarin–closely monitor individuals taking
anticoagulants
; may cause depression;
monitor individuals on
antidepressants
; cross-reaction with ragweed allergies may occur;
discourage use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
chaste-tree berry
Oral: progesterone-like effects; used to treat PMS and menopausal problems and to stimulate
breastfeeding
Advise caution when taken with
hormone replacement therapy
and
hormonal contraceptives
chicken soup
Oral: breaks up respiratory secretions, bronchodilator, relieves anxiety
chicory
Oral: treatment of digestive tract problems, gout; stimulates bile secretions
Chinese angelica
(dong quai)
Oral: general tonic; treatment of anaemias, PMS, menopause; antihypertensive, laxative
Use caution with the flu, haemorrhagic diseases; monitor people on
antihypertensives
,
vasodilators
or
anticoagulants
for toxic effects; advise caution when taken with
hormone
replacement therapy
chondroitin
Oral: treatment of osteoarthritis and related disorders (usually combined with glucosamine)
Risk of increased bleeding if combined with
anticoagulants
Continued on following page
