Herbal Treatments

Front 1

Aloe (áloe)

Back 1

Use: constipation (++), genital herpes (+)

SE: may cause electrolyte imbalance, lower blood glucose

Front 2

Bilberry (arándano)

Back 2

Use: cataracts (o), peripheral vascular disease (o), DM (o)

SE: may increase risk of bleeding, lower blood glucose

Front 3

Black Cohosh
(cohosh negro, raíz de culebra negra, raíz de cimicífuga)

Back 3

Use: menopausal symptoms (+)

Generally safe when used for up to 6 months in healthy, nonpregnant women

Front 4

Chamomile
(manzanilla, camomila)

Back 4

Use: common cold (o), GI disorders (o), sleep aid (o)

SE: may cause drowsiness, increase risk of bleeding

Contraindicated with known sensitivity to members of the ragweed family

Front 5

Echinacea (equinácea)

Back 5

Use: upper respiratory infections (+), immune system stimulation (o)

SE: may lead to liver

Short-term use (10-14 days)

Front 6

Evening Primrose (onagra)

Back 6

Use: eczema (+), skin irritation (+)

Contraindicated in individuals with seizure disorders

Front 7

Feverfew
(altamisa mexicana, santa maria, yerba de santa maria)

Back 7

Use: migraine headache prevention (+), rheumatoid arthritis (o)

SE: may increase risk of bleeding, long-term users may experience withdrawal symptoms

Front 8

Garlic (ajo)

Back 8

Use: hyperlipidemia (+), hypertension (o)

Use with caution in patients with bleeding disorders

Don't use in large amounts

Front 9

Ginger (jengibre)

Back 9

Use: N/V during pregnancy (+), chemo or post-op N/V (o), motion sickness (o)

Use with caution in patients with bleeding disorder

Use in pregnancy shouldn't exceed 1g/day

Front 10

Ginkgo Biloba (gingko, árbol de los cuarenta escudos)

Back 10

Use: claudication (peripheral vascular disease) (++), dementia (++), cerebral insufficiency (+)

SE: may increase risk of bleeding, may affect blood glucose

Generally well tolerated in recommended doses for up to 6 months

Front 11

Ginseng (ginseng)

Back 11

Use: improve mental performance (+), lower blood glucose in type 2 DM (+)

Use with caution in patients with DM and patients taking medication for BP and heart rhythm

Generally safe when used up to 3 months

Front 12

Goldenseal

Back 12

Use: heart failure (o), immunostimulant (o), upper respiratory infections (o), infections diarrhea (o)

SE: may increase risk of bleeding

Use with caution in patients with CV disease

Should not be used for longer than 2-3 weeks

Front 13

Hawthorn
(espino, espino blanco)

Back 13

Use: heart failure (++), coronary artery disease (o)

SE: additive effect with digoxin or antihypertensives

Front 14

Kava

Back 14

Use: anxiety (++)

SE: may cause hepatotoxicity, increase risk of bleeding

Front 15

Milk Thistle
(extracto de cardo mariano)

Back 15

Use: chronic hepatitis (+), cirrhosis (+)

Generally safe for up to 4-6 years

Use with caution in diabetic patients

Front 16

Peppermint (menta)

Back 16

Use: gastric spasms (o), indigestion (o), IBS (o)

SE: may interfere with liver's cytochrome P450 enzymes

Use in small doses only

Front 17

St. John's Wort
(hierba de san juan)

Back 17

Use: mild to moderate depressive disorder (++), anxiety (o)

SE: interacts with many herbs and medications!

Generally well tolerated for up to 1-3 months

Front 18

Saw Palmetto
(baya de sabal)

Back 18

Use: benign prostatic hyperplasia

SE: may increase BP and risk for bleeding

Generally well tolerated for 3-5 years

Front 19

Turmeric
(cúrcuma, azafrán de las Indias)

Back 19

Use: dyspepsia (o), osteoarthritis (o)

SE: may increase risk of bleeding, may cause upset stomach when used at high doses or over a long period of time

Front 20

Valerian
(amantilla)

Back 20

Use: insonmia (+), anxiety (o)

Generally safe for up to 4-6 weeks

Prolonged use may cause insomnia