Thursday, July 12, 2012

Herbal Medicines and Flying - Possible Dangers

Herbal Medicines

This is a partial list of more common herbal medicines. Just the side effects that may interfere with your ability to fly are listed. Please consult your physician with the normal use of these medications. Keep in mind that extensive, tightly controlled investigations of herbal medicine, in most cases, are not done and/or incomplete. Dosage is not correlated to sex, height or weight. 

Chamomile 

It contains coumarin, an anticoagulant. Like other anticoagulants it should be closely monitored by a physician if you take chamomile.

Echinacea
May, with long term use, suppress the body's immune system. Problems that cause liver damage may occur.

Feverfew

Side effects include ulcers and gastrointestinal irritation. If you take it for migraines and stop taking it a rebound headache may occur. Don't use it if you take warfarin and other anticoagulants.

Garlic 

It should not be used with warfarin, an anticoagulant, because garlic affects clotting.

Ginger

Like garlic it affects clotting. Consult your physician.
 
Gingko 

Seeds are toxic but extract from leaves is nontoxic. Don't use with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants, anticonvulsant drugs or tricyclic antidepressants. 

Ginseng

Side effects are high blood pressure and tachycardia. Don't use with warfarin, heparin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, estrogens or corticosteroids, or digoxin. Don't use if your diabetic. 

Goldenseal

There are toxic components in goldenseal. Consult a physician for details specific for you.

Melatonin
 Melatonin is a hormone produced by your body. Hormone abuse is dangerous above normal body concentrations. Approved by the FAA but only on individual cases. Consult a physician

St. John's Wort

Side effect is sensitivity to light, but only noted in people taking large doses of the herb. 


Saw Palmetto

Side effects are gastrointestinal upset and headache, both mild.

Valerian

Should not be taken with other sedatives.