SICKLE CELL AND HERBAL PRODUCTS OR SUPPLEMENTS

Herbal supplements are products derived from plants and/or their oils, roots, seeds, berries or flowers. Herbal supplements have been used for many centuries. They are believed to have healing properties.

Herbal supplements, sometimes referred to as “botanicals,” have been used for medicinal purposes for many centuries and they continue to gain popularity among consumers today. These supplements are marketed for the prevention and management of many disease states and ailments. Currently, an estimated 75% of the world’s population have used or are using some type of herbal supplement.

For centuries, herbal supplements have been used for their healing properties. Before you take herbals, make sure you know what’s in them, if they’re safe, and how they react with other supplements and medications.

Echinacea to prevent colds. Ginkgo to improve memory. Herbal remedies aren’t new — plants have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.

It’s important to learn about potential benefits and side effects of herbal supplements before you buy. Be sure to talk with your doctor, especially if you take any medicines, have a chronic health problem, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Herbal products can pose unexpected risks because many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong effects in the body. For example, taking a combination of herbal supplements or using supplements together with prescription drugs could lead to harmful, even life-threatening results.

Herbal medicines are those with active ingredients made from plant parts, such as leaves, roots or flowers. But being “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean they’re safe for you to take.

As the popularity of these supplements continues to increase, some people elect to use these supplements in place of traditional medications. It is important that the consumer be informed about the safe use of herbal supplements before taking them. There are several factors to consider prior to using these natural supplements. While these are considered to be natural supplements, they may still cause several types of drug/supplement interactions and serious adverse effects, as well as exacerbate certain medical conditions. Patients with certain medical conditions are at a greater risk of developing adverse effects when using herbal supplements.

What are the forms of herbal supplements?

Herbal products come in many different forms and may be used internally or externally. The forms of herbal products include:

• Liquid extracts.
• Teas.
• Tablets and capsules.
• Bath salts.
• Oils.
• Ointments.

If you are considering using an herbal supplement, you should be aware that many herbal supplements may interact with both prescription and nonprescription medications and can cause some very serious interactions and adverse effects.

The complementary treatments covered in this guide shouldn’t replace your current medications.

Aloe Vera: used topically for burns, psoriasis and osteoarthritis. Used in the oral form for digestive issues such as gastritis or constipation.

Chamomile: used to treat sleeplessness, anxiety, upset stomach, gas and diarrhea. It is also used topically for skin conditions. Caution in people with ragweed allergy.

Fish oil: Omega-3 fatty acids, the primary component in fish oil, are healthy fats that your body needs. Omega-3s may help prevent chronic inflammation and ease symptoms associated with arthritis pain. Fish high in omega-3 include herring, mackerel, salmon, and tuna.

Ginko: used to treat memory problems and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). 

GINGER: People take this to try to ease nausea brought on by surgery, chemotherapy, or motion sickness. And sometimes it’s used to treat arthritis or other joint pain. But ginger may cause problems with blood clotting, heart rhythms, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor before taking this if you are on blood thinners or have diabetes.

MORNINGA: Moringa’s peppery leaves are often eaten as a vegetable. They’re also dried and ground into a powder used in soups and curries. They have iron, potassium, and calcium. The leaves also have nine essential amino acids, and vitamins A, B, and C. They’re full of protein and can be used as a substitute for meat, fish, and eggs. Moringa leaves have been used to help treat malaria, arthritis, skin diseases, and diabetes. Moringa bark extract has been used to help treat stomach issues, anemia, diabetes, and other conditions. They’re full of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. You can eat them raw, or boil or crush them. Moringa seeds can also be pressed into cooking oil. Moringa is packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants. It also may be antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. 

Peppermint oil: used to treat digestion problems such as nausea, indigestion, stomach problems and bowel conditions.

Turmeric: has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine for over four thousand years. The active ingredient in it is curcumin. It’s been shown to be anti-inflammatory, which can help with decreasing RA swelling and tenderness.

Rosemary: This Mediterranean shrub has been widely used as a food spice and fragrance in cosmetics. Rosemary, has also been praised for its medicinal benefits like relieving muscle pain and treating indigestion. Rosemary contains antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.

Caution:

If you are on prescribed medication because of a sickness, make sure you discuss the issue of using herbal supplements with your primary health care provider to help you make a safe choice. Remember, “natural” does not always mean safe and free of adverse effects. When it comes to your health, always ask questions when in doubt.

Just like conventional medicines, herbal medicines will have an effect on the body, and can be potentially harmful if not used correctly.

They should therefore be used with the same care and respect as conventional medicines.

If you’re consulting your doctor or pharmacist about health matters, or are about to undergo surgery, always tell them about any herbal medicines you’re taking.

Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before trying any herbs, supplements, or vitamins. Some remedies can cause serious side effects or cause a dangerous interaction with your current medications.

Also be sure to check you’re purchasing these products from reputable sources. Talk with your pharmacist or other healthcare provider about how to find high-quality products.

References: https://www.healthline.com/ – https://www.pharmacytimes.com/ – https://www.nhs.uk/ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/ – https://www.mayoclinic.org/ https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/

My book: HOW TO LIVE WITH SICKLE CELL: SICKLE CELL and I (is now available on OkadaBooks & Amazon). Pls get your own copy.