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Allergy & Asthma Advocate: Summer 2006
Risks of herbal medicine for the allergy patient
By Clifford W. Bassett, MD, FAAAAI
 According to recent data, approximately three-quarters of the world’s population have used herbal supplements. Most individuals use these herbal medicines to enhance their health, as well as to actively treat medical or health symptoms. Allergy and cold complaints are among of the main reasons that individuals utilize non-traditional therapy.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found over one-third of U.S. adults use alternative treatment for health, as reported in a 2002 study. While prescription drugs in the U.S. undergo rigorous evaluation by the FDA for safety and efficacy, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act classifies vitamins and herbs as dietary supplements rather than food or drugs. Supplements are therefore not subject to the same regulations and screening as prescription medications. The FDA can remove any supplement that is deemed unsafe or that makes false claims from the market. In 1992 the NIH inaugurated the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Therapy, and has been charged with investigating such therapies (http://nccam.nih.gov).
Side Effects and Risks with Herbal Medicines
- "Natural" doesn’t always mean safe. Like prescription drugs, herbs can cause unwanted side effects, as well as interact with other medications.
- Molds as well as other contaminants have been found in herbal preparations. There have been recent reports of heavy metals being found in some Asian herbal products.
- Herbal remedies made from plants can cause “allergic” type reactions, such as a skin rash, as well as inducing symptoms of asthma. Ingredients may be omitted or incorrect. Aspirin and steroidal substances have been found in these preparations without being notated on the label.
- Taking large quantities of herbs can produce unwanted symptoms and can be dangerous. Many herbs have drug-like effects on the body.
- According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), roughly 15 million adults are at risk for possible adverse interactions between prescription medicines and herbs. Even herbs that are considered safe can have side effects under certain conditions. For instance, some herbs can act adversely with anesthesia, causing problems.
- The safety of herbal supplementation in pregnancy or lactation is unknown. It is advised that you consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements. Dietary supplements may also interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- Lack of product standardization in the industry is not uncommon.
Safety Issues with Asthma and Allergic diseases
 Herbal teas may contain leaves and/or pollens in which a seasonal allergic patient may have sensitivity towards.- Alternative herbal supplements that have been advocated in the therapy of allergic diseases: Butterbur, Bromelain, Quercetin, Stinging nettle, and Vitamin C.
- Caution should be used with Echinacea for those who have sensitivity to ragweed since they are in the same family. The use of chamomile may cause similar allergic-type symptoms, especially in ragweed pollen sensitive persons.
- Echinacea can cause a worsening of seasonal allergies. If you have a sunflower seed and/or melon sensitivity, you may also react to Echinacea. You might use this supplement to fight off a cold and wind up with a worsening allergy-type reaction.
- Be vigilant for any reactions after taking herbal supplements, such as nasal, sinus and respiratory symptoms, particularly if you have asthma.
- Ginkgo biloba, aloe, stinging nettle, evening primrose have been purported for the use in the treatment of asthma and allergic diseases: These herbs can induce gastrointestinal distress. Bee pollen and royal jelly may cause interactions with drug associated effects with diabetes medications.
Be aware of unsubstantiated and false claims about herbal supplements. More research and investigation are clearly needed in the evaluation of the effectiveness of herbal remedies, especially in individuals with allergic sensitivities. You may report a possible adverse effect of an herbal supplement to the FDA at www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call them at 1-800-FDA-1088.
To learn more about herbal safety, go to http://nccam.nih.gov.
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