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A P P E N D I X F
Complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies
■■
TABLE F Complementary and alternative therapies (continued)
Substance
Reported uses and possible risks
kudzu
Oral: reduces cravings for
alcohol
; being researched for use with alcoholics
Interacts with
anticoagulants
,
aspirin
,
oral hypoglycaemic agents
,
cardiovascular drugs
lavender
Topical: astringent for minor cuts, burns
Oral: treatment of insomnia, restlessness
Advise caution with
CNS depressants
; oil is potentially poisonous
Ledum tincture
liquorice
Topical: treatment of insect bites, puncture wounds; dissolves some blood clots and bruises
Oral: prevents thirst, soothes coughs; treats “incurable” chronic fatigue syndrome; treatment of
duodenal ulcer
Acts like aldosterone; blocks
spironolactone
effects; can lead to
digoxin
toxicity because of effects
of lowering aldosterone; advise extreme caution; contraindicated with renal or liver disease,
hypertension, coronary artery disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding; warn against taking with
thyroid drugs
,
antihypertensives
,
hormonal contraceptives
ma huang
Oral: treatment of colds, nasal congestion, asthma
Contains ephedrine; warn against use with
antihypertensives
,
oral hypoglycaemic agents
,
MAO
inhibitors
,
digoxin
; serious adverse effects could occur;
banned import into Australia
mandrake root
Oral: treatment of fertility problems
marigold leaves
and flowers
Oral: relief of muscle tension, increases wound healing
Advise against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
melatonin
Oral: relief of jet lag; treatment of insomnia, jet lag
Advise caution with
antihypertensives
,
benzodiazepines
,
beta-blockers
,
methamphetamine
milk thistle
Oral: treatment of hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver caused by alcohol or drug use
May affect metabolism and increase toxicity of
drugs using cytochrome P450 (CYP450)
,
CYP3A4
and CYP2C9 systems
milk vetch
Oral: improves resistance to disease; adjunct therapy in cancer chemotherapy and radiation
therapy
mistletoe leaves
Oral: promotes weight loss; relief of signs and symptoms of diabetes
Advise caution with
antihypertensives
,
CNS depressants
,
immunosuppressants
Momordica
charantia (karela)
Oral: blocks intestinal absorption of glucose; lowers blood glucose; weight loss
Advise caution when taken with
oral hypoglycaemic agents
nettle
Topical: stimulation of hair growth, treatment of bleeding
Oral: treatment of rheumatism, allergic rhinitis; antispasmodic; expectorant
Advise against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding; increases effects of
diuretics
nightshade leaves
and roots
Oral: stimulates circulatory system; treatment of eye disorders
octacosanol
Oral: treatment of parkinsonism, enhancement of athletic performance
Advise against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding; avoid use with
carbidopa-levodopa
parsley seeds and
leaves
Oral: treatment of jaundice, asthma, menstrual difficulties, urinary infections, conjunctivitis
Risk of serotonin syndrome with
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
,
lithium
,
opioids
;
increased hypotension with
antihypertensives
passionflower vine Oral: sedative and hypnotic
May increase sedation with other
CNS depressants
,
MAO inhibitors
; advise against drinking
alcohol
while taking this herb; advise person not to use with
anticoagulants
peppermint leaves Oral: treatment of nervousness, insomnia, dizziness, cramps, coughs
Topical: rubbed on forehead to relieve tension headaches
psyllium
Oral: treatment of constipation; lowers cholesterol
Can cause severe gas and stomach pain; may interfere with nutrient absorption; avoid use with
warfarin
,
digoxin
,
lithium
—absorption of drug may be blocked; do not combine with
laxatives
raspberry
Oral: healing of minor wounds; control and treatment of diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders,
upper respiratory disorders
Advise caution with
oral hypoglycaemic agents
; disulfiram-like reaction with
alcohol
red clover
Oral: oestrogen replacement in menopause, suppresses whooping cough, asthma
Risk of bleeding with
anticoagulants
,
antiplatelets
; discourage use in pregnancy
red yeast rice
Oral: cholesterol-lowering agent
Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis with
cyclosporin
,
fibric acid
,
niacin
,
lovastatin
,
grapefruit juice
rose hips
Oral: laxative, to boost the immune system and prevent illness
Advise caution with
oestrogens
,
iron
,
warfarin
rosemary
Topical: relief of rheumatism, sprains, wounds, bruises, eczema
Oral: gastric stimulation, relief of flatulence, stimulation of bile release, relief of colic
Disulfiram-like reaction with
alcohol
rue extract
Topical: relief of pain associated with sprains, groin pulls, whiplash
Advise caution with
antihypertensive drugs
,
digoxin
,
warfarin
saffron
Oral: treatment of menstrual problems, abortifacient
