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A P P E N D I X F  Complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies

■■ TABLE F Complementary and alternative therapies (continued) Substance Reported uses and possible risks

kudzu

Oral: reduces cravings for alcohol ; being researched for use with alcoholics Interacts with anticoagulants , aspirin , oral hypoglycaemic agents , cardiovascular drugs

lavender

Topical: astringent for minor cuts, burns Oral: treatment of insomnia, restlessness Advise caution with CNS depressants ; oil is potentially poisonous

Ledum tincture liquorice

Topical: treatment of insect bites, puncture wounds; dissolves some blood clots and bruises Oral: prevents thirst, soothes coughs; treats “incurable” chronic fatigue syndrome; treatment of duodenal ulcer Acts like aldosterone; blocks spironolactone effects; can lead to digoxin toxicity because of effects of lowering aldosterone; advise extreme caution; contraindicated with renal or liver disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding; warn against taking with thyroid drugs , antihypertensives , hormonal contraceptives Oral: treatment of colds, nasal congestion, asthma Contains ephedrine; warn against use with antihypertensives , oral hypoglycaemic agents , MAO inhibitors , digoxin ; serious adverse effects could occur; banned import into Australia Oral: relief of jet lag; treatment of insomnia, jet lag Advise caution with antihypertensives , benzodiazepines , beta-blockers , methamphetamine Oral: treatment of hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver caused by alcohol or drug use May affect metabolism and increase toxicity of drugs using cytochrome P450 (CYP450) , CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 systems Oral: improves resistance to disease; adjunct therapy in cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy Oral: promotes weight loss; relief of signs and symptoms of diabetes Advise caution with antihypertensives , CNS depressants , immunosuppressants Oral: blocks intestinal absorption of glucose; lowers blood glucose; weight loss Advise caution when taken with oral hypoglycaemic agents Topical: stimulation of hair growth, treatment of bleeding Oral: treatment of rheumatism, allergic rhinitis; antispasmodic; expectorant Advise against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding; increases effects of diuretics Oral: treatment of parkinsonism, enhancement of athletic performance Advise against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding; avoid use with carbidopa-levodopa Oral: treatment of jaundice, asthma, menstrual difficulties, urinary infections, conjunctivitis Risk of serotonin syndrome with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) , lithium , opioids ; increased hypotension with antihypertensives Oral: treatment of fertility problems Oral: relief of muscle tension, increases wound healing Advise against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding Oral: stimulates circulatory system; treatment of eye disorders

ma huang

mandrake root marigold leaves and flowers

melatonin

milk thistle

milk vetch

mistletoe leaves

Momordica charantia (karela)

nettle

nightshade leaves and roots

octacosanol

parsley seeds and leaves

passionflower vine Oral: sedative and hypnotic

May increase sedation with other CNS depressants , MAO inhibitors ; advise against drinking alcohol while taking this herb; advise person not to use with anticoagulants

peppermint leaves Oral: treatment of nervousness, insomnia, dizziness, cramps, coughs Topical: rubbed on forehead to relieve tension headaches psyllium Oral: treatment of constipation; lowers cholesterol

Can cause severe gas and stomach pain; may interfere with nutrient absorption; avoid use with warfarin , digoxin , lithium —absorption of drug may be blocked; do not combine with laxatives Oral: healing of minor wounds; control and treatment of diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, upper respiratory disorders Advise caution with oral hypoglycaemic agents ; disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol Oral: oestrogen replacement in menopause, suppresses whooping cough, asthma Risk of bleeding with anticoagulants , antiplatelets ; discourage use in pregnancy Oral: cholesterol-lowering agent Increased risk of rhabdomyolysis with cyclosporin , fibric acid , niacin , lovastatin , grapefruit juice

raspberry

red clover

red yeast rice

rose hips

Oral: laxative, to boost the immune system and prevent illness Advise caution with oestrogens , iron , warfarin

rosemary

Topical: relief of rheumatism, sprains, wounds, bruises, eczema Oral: gastric stimulation, relief of flatulence, stimulation of bile release, relief of colic Disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol

rue extract

Topical: relief of pain associated with sprains, groin pulls, whiplash Advise caution with antihypertensive drugs , digoxin , warfarin

saffron

Oral: treatment of menstrual problems, abortifacient