What
You Need To Know
Herbals
For centuries, people have
depended on plants for food and as sources of medicine.
Nearly half of all
prescription and non-prescription medicines either come
from a natural source or have active ingredients copied
from a natural source.
In recent years, people
have expressed a renewed interest in natural source
medicines. The key to using herbal products is being well
informed and using them wisely.
Common
Name: Devils Claw
Traditional
Uses: Relief of inflammatory conditions
(e.g. arthritis)
Precautions: Avoid in cases of
stomach ulcers; avoid during pregnancy; high doses
may interfere with treatment of heart and blood
pressure conditions
Common
Name: Dong Quai
Traditional
Uses: Relief of menstrual, menopausal
symptoms
Precautions: Do not use during
pregnancy; may cause diarrhea, skin rash
Common
Name: Echinacea
Traditional
Uses: Prevention and relief of colds/flu;
aid in healing of minor skin abrasions
Precautions: Use continuously for a
maximum of 10- 1 4 days followed by a few days rest
period; use with caution in multiple sclerosis, HIV,
tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus
Common
Name: Evening Primrose Oil
Traditional
Uses: Relief of pre-menstrual discomfort,
chronic inflammatory conditions, skin conditions,
autoimmune conditions
Precautions: May cause mild stomach
upset, diarrhea, headache; interacts with some
anti-seizure medications
Common
Name: Garlic
Traditional
Uses: Relief of respiratory injections;
prevention of high cholesterol and high blood
pressure
Precautions: May increase the effect
of anticoagulant drugs; indigestion and stomach
irritation can occur at high doses; causes unpleasant
odour to the breath and sweat; taken by breast
feeding women can cause infant colic
Common
Name: Ginkgo Blob
Traditional
Uses Improves blood circulation to areas
including the brain
Precautions: Can cause mild stomach
upset and headache; effect in pregnancy and breast
feeding unknown so best avoided
Common
Name: St. John's Wart
Traditional
Uses: Relief of depression and related
symptoms
Precautions: Can cause sensitivity
to the sun in fair-skinned people; avoid foods with
high tyramine content (e.g. cheese, game, beer, wine)
and drugs known to interact with some antidepressants
Common
Name: Valerian
Traditional
Uses: Relief of nervous excitability,
insomnia
Precautions: Do not use during
pregnancy; avoid using with alcohol; use caution with
any drug that can affect alertness; high doses can
cause headaches, restlessness and nausea
Our own brand Of CERTIFIED
health products are carefully chosen and tested to ensure
the utmost in quality and value.
Please read label
carefully and consult your PharmAssist(tm) pharmacist for
more information on uses and dosage.
 The information in this publication is presented as an educational
service. It is not intended as a substitute for medical
advice from your physician.
Your PharmAssist(tm)
pharmacist is available to discuss any questions or
concerns you may have. To locate the PharmAssist(tm)
pharmacist nearest you, please call 1-877-378-4100 or
e-mail: pharmacist@pharmassist.ca
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