Lesson 1: Introduction to safety
Disclaimer
Through research and clinical experience, knowledge in medicine is subject to constant change. Our author Jeremy Ross has compiled and checked the diagnosis, safety, and therapy-relevant information in this online course to the best of his knowledge and belief. However, this does not release the users of this online course from their obligation to check other sources of information on this subject to see whether the information given there differs from that in this online course.
How To Prescribe Herb Combinations safely
It may be true that herbal medicines have fewer adverse effects than conventional medications. Nevertheless, even when used within the therapeutic dose range, some herbs may produce adverse effects with some people under some circumstances. It is therefore important to identify these potential risk situations for specific herbs before prescribing, and in the monitoring of the prescription.
Safety articles in the database
There are two articles on safety in the database:
- Safety in herbal medicine which is this article
- Herb cautions by and situation or disorder which is described in an own article in this online course
Safety in Herbal Medicine
This is the main article, and the one that you are now reading. It is essential to read it carefully before you prescribe any herb or herb combination from this database.
It has two parts:
- Part 1: Before prescribing (Lesson 2)
- Part 2: Monitoring (Lesson 3)
Herb Cautions and Contraindications by Situation or Disorder
Before you read this article, please read the article Safety in herbal medicine. This article is a useful quick overview, but it will not allow you to bypass the disclaimer message that will pop up on your screen before prescribing a herb combination.
Cautions or contraindications (C or C) for specific herbs are shown for the following prescription situations, normal functions or life stages, or disorders.
Cautions and contraindications according prescription situations (Lesson 4)
- Allergy
- Alterative Herbs
- Aromatic Oil
- External use only
- Fresh Herbs
- Phototoxicity
- Prolonged Use
- Sensivity to Herbs
Cautions and contraindications according normal functions or life stages (Lesson 5)
- Breastfeeding
- Children
- Conception
- Menopause
- Menstruation
- Pregnancy
Cautions and contraindications according disorders (Lesson 6)
- Arthritis and Rheumatism
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular Disorders
- Digestive Disorders
- Ear Disorders
- Eye Disorders
- Exhaustion
- Gallbladder Disorders
- Gynaecological Disorders
- Headache and Migraine
- Heat Sensations
- Heavy Sensations and Mental Dullness due to Damp
- Hepatic Disorders
- Hyperthyroidism
- Neurological Disorders
- Psychological Disorders
- Respiratory Disorders
- Sweating
- Skin Disorders (see Alterative Herbs)
- Urinary Disorders
Safety grades
The cautions and contraindications are divided into the following safety grades.
contraindicated contraindicated for the specific disorder, situation, or life-stage
caution herbs may be used, in some circumstances, but with caution
contraindicated or caution herbs so marked, eg. Glycyrrhiza for hypertension, indicates that the herb be used with caution and monitoring in mild to moderate cases and in lower doses, but is contraindicated in severe cases and in higher doses
contraindicated? herbs so marked indicates that some authors have contraindicated it, but other authors see no evidence to do so
caution? herbs so marked indicates that some authors have recommended caution, but other authors see no evidence to do so