Herbs

Overview

Herbs are plants used for flavor, health, or traditional medicine. Herbal products can come as teas, capsules, powders, extracts, oils, or creams. They are often sold as supplements, which are products meant to add to your diet. They are not the same as prescription medicines and may not be tested or regulated in the same way.

Yes. Many people use herbal teas, supplements, and traditional remedies. Some use them for sleep, stress, digestion, pain, or general health. Use is common, but safety information is not always clear.

Anyone can use herbs, but some people are more likely to have problems: children, older adults, pregnant or breastfeeding people, people with liver or kidney disease, people with bleeding problems, people taking prescription medicines, and people preparing for surgery.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Many people have no symptoms. If problems happen, common ones can include stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, or sleep changes.
• Skin rash, itching, or mild allergic reactions.
• Changes in blood pressure, blood sugar, mood, or thinking can happen with some products.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding can happen with some herbs or when herbs are mixed with medicines.

Symptoms in children

• Herbal products are not recommended for children unless a qualified children's health professional advises it.
• Watch for stomach upset, rash, drowsiness, unusual agitation, breathing problems, or changes in behavior.
• Children can be more sensitive to herbs, and some products contain substances that are not safe for them.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults often take more medicines, so herb-medicine interactions are more likely.
• Watch for dizziness, confusion, falls, unusual bruising or bleeding, appetite changes, sleep changes, or blood pressure changes.
• Liver and kidney changes with age can affect how the body handles herbal products.

Causes

Main causes

• The herb itself can cause side effects or allergic reactions.
• Herbs can interact with prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, or other supplements.
• Some products may be contaminated, mislabeled, or mixed with other substances.
• Using the wrong plant, the wrong part of the plant, or a product made in an unsafe way can cause harm.
• Taking too much, taking several herbal products together, or using herbs instead of needed medical treatment can lead to problems.

Risk factors

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Being a child or an older adult.
• Liver or kidney disease.
• Bleeding disorders or upcoming surgery.
• Taking medicines for blood pressure, blood sugar, mental health, heart problems, or bleeding risk.
• Having allergies, asthma, or a weakened immune system.
• Using many supplements at the same time.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have any emergency symptoms, such as trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, chest pain, seizure, or severe bleeding.
• You have yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, or unusual bruising or bleeding.
• You have a fast or irregular heartbeat, new confusion, high fever, or a spreading rash.
• You feel very unwell after taking an herbal product.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You are thinking about starting an herbal product and take prescription medicines.
• You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering an herbal product for a child.
• You have a long-term health condition, such as liver, kidney, heart, or bleeding problems.
• You have surgery planned.
• You use herbal products for sleep, stress, mood, or pain and want to review them safely.
• You want help checking whether a product is reputable or right for you.

Diagnosis

There is no single test for herbs. If you have symptoms after using an herbal product, a healthcare provider will ask what you took, when you took it, how much, and why. They will review your medicines, supplements, health conditions, and allergies. They may examine you and check your product packaging or label. Tests are chosen based on your symptoms.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check liver, kidney, and blood cell health.
• Allergy testing in some cases.
• Heart tracing if you have chest pain, palpitations, or fainting.
• Urine tests or other tests depending on your symptoms.
• Review of the product label, ingredients, and how it was made or stored.

What to expect at your appointment

Bring the product container or a photo of the label. Tell the clinician about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you use. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what symptoms you have and which product you used. The first step is often to stop the suspected herbal product and get advice. Most people improve with supportive care and monitoring. Serious reactions need care in a hospital.

Self-care at home

• Stop the herbal product if you think it is causing symptoms, and ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
• Keep a written list of all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take.
• Read labels carefully and avoid products with unclear ingredients.
• Do not mix many herbal products or take more than the label says.
• Store herbs safely away from children and pets.
• Tell every healthcare provider you see about your herbal use, especially before surgery.

Medical treatments

Medical care may include watching your symptoms, stopping the product, treating an allergic reaction, or supporting liver, kidney, heart, or breathing problems. Treatment is chosen by a healthcare professional based on your needs. Do not use herbal products to self-treat a serious condition.

When is surgery considered?

Tell your surgeon and anesthesia team about all herbal products you use. Some can affect bleeding, blood pressure, blood sugar, or anesthesia. Follow their instructions about stopping any product before surgery.

Living with this condition

If you use herbs, treat them like medicines. Keep a clear list, buy from reputable sellers, and tell your healthcare team. Avoid starting several new products at once so you can tell what affects you.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat regular meals, stay active, and get enough sleep.
• Limit alcohol, which can stress the liver and interact with some products.
• Do not use herbs to replace prescribed treatment or needed medical care.
• Ask your pharmacist to check for interactions before you start a new herbal product.
• Keep all products in their original containers with labels.

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet for using herbs. A balanced diet and regular movement support general health. If a product upsets your stomach, tell your pharmacist or doctor. Some herbs may interact with caffeine or alcohol, so ask before combining them.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Some people use herbs for stress, sleep, or mood. Herbal products can interact with mental health medicines and can affect sleep or mood. Do not stop prescribed mental health treatment on your own. If you feel unsafe or in crisis, contact your local emergency number or a local crisis support service right away.

Prevention

Many herb-related problems can be prevented. Check with a qualified healthcare provider before use, especially if you take medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition. Choose products from reputable sellers and avoid unclear or unlabeled products.

Vaccines

Not applicable.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for herbal use. Your clinician may review your medicines and supplements at check-ups.

Complications

If left untreated

• Serious allergic reactions.
• Liver or kidney injury.
• Dangerous bleeding or changes in blood pressure or blood sugar.
• Interactions that make prescribed medicines work less well or cause side effects.
• Problems during surgery or anesthesia.
• Harm from contaminated or mislabeled products.

Long-term outlook

Most people recover well if they stop the problem product and get advice early. Serious reactions are less common but need quick care. Using herbs wisely and telling your healthcare team about them helps keep you safe.

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