HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS INDICATION/USES
1. BILBERRY  Anti-inflammatory
 Relaxes smooth muscles of
blood vessels
 Inhibits platelet aggregation
 Treatment for simple
diarrhea
 DM
 Antioxidant
 Treatment of varicose veins,
hemorrhoids
2. BLACK COHOSH  Binds to estrogen receptor
 Inhibits luteinizing hormone
 Apparent estrogen-like
activity
 Treatment pf PMS and
postmenopausal symptoms
 Promotes labor of pregnancy
 Decreases BP
 Treatment of snake bites
 Others: dysmenorrhea,
rheumatism, antispasmodic,
astringent, diuretic,
expectorant, sedative
3. ECHINACEA  Most common: prevention or
reduction of symptoms of
cold/influenza
 Boost immune system and
increases body’s resistance
 Treatment: Herpes simplex,
Candida infections
 Topically: wound healing,
antioxidant from UVR
4. GINGKO  PVDs: Raynaud’s Disease,
intermittent claudication
 Varicosities
 Cerebral vascular
insufficiencies
 Treatment of depression-
related cognitive disorders
 Tinnitus, vertigo
 Improvement of symptoms
of early-stage senility of
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
 May increase coagulation
time.
 May interfere with iron
absorption when taken
internally.
 Use cautiously with ASA,
anticoagulants.
 CI: pregnancy and
lactation.
 CI: antihypertensives,
lactation
 May cause bradycardia,
hypotension.
 Use in pregnancy only when
birth is imminent to
promote labor.
 Not to be used in presence
of autoimmune disease
(HIV/AIDS, MS, PTB)
 Not to be used with
immunosuppressants.
 Prolonged used may cause
hepatotoxicity and
suppression of immune
system.
 CI: alcoholism, children,
pregnancy, and lactation.
 Lag time: 4 – 8 weeks
 Large doses: may cause
restlessness, headache,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
 CI: pregnancy, lactation,
children
 Avoid use with: bilberry,
anticoagulants, ASA
 Alzheimer’s type
5. GINSENG  Most common: counteract
effects of physical and mental
fatigue
 Improve stamina and
concentration
 Treatment of chronic
hepatotoxicity r/t alcohol
and drug ingestion
 Improve body’s resistance
 Regulates BP
 Reduce serum cholesterol
 Regulate blood glucose in
TYPE II DM
 Aphrodisiac
6. HAWTHORN  Mild hypertension
 Athero- and arteriosclerosis
 Prevention of chronic
angina; not intended for
acute angina
 CHF
7. St. JOHN’S WORT  Mild to moderate depression
 Possible: antibacterial,
antiviral, wound healing
properties
 Avoid concomitant use with
stimulants, e.g. coffee, tea,
and cola.
 May potentiate MAOI
action.
 A/E: insomnia, palpitations,
pruritus.
 Avoid use with
antihypertensives or nitrates
 A/E: nausea, fatigue,
perspiration, increased CNS
depression and sedation
 Avoid concomitant use with
antidepressants (SSRI,
MAOI)
 Should not be taken with
foods high in tyramine:
aged cheese, smoked meats,
liver, figs, yeast, beer, wine
 May inhibit absorption of
iron
 A/E: GI distress, fatigue,
pruritus, weight gain,
headache, dizziness,
restlessness
 May cause photosensitivity:
avoid sun exposure
 May decrease digoxin levels
 CI: pregnancy, lactation,
and children