What it means
Herbal products come from leaves, roots, flowers or seeds and are sold as teas, pills, liquids and creams. Examples include St. John's wort, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, echinacea and valerian. In the US they are sold as dietary supplements, so they are not tested for safety and effect the way prescription drugs are. Many interact with medicines.
For the nurse
Ask every client about herbal products, vitamins and supplements, because many do not think of them as medicines. Some raise bleeding risk with anticoagulants (ginkgo, garlic, ginger), and St. John's wort can weaken many drugs, including birth control pills, and can cause serotonin syndromesair-uh-TOH-nin SIN-drohmA drug reaction caused by too much serotonin activity in the nervous system.Full entry with antidepressants. Most should be stopped before surgery as ordered.
At a glance
| Spanish | herbario, a base de hierbas |
|---|---|
| Also written | herbals, herbal supplement, herbal supplements, herbal remedy |
Related terms
side effect
An effect of a drug, other than the one it is given for, that is known and expected to happen in some people.
acupuncture
A treatment from traditional Chinese medicine in which very thin needles are placed in the skin at specific points.
serotonin syndrome
A drug reaction caused by too much serotonin activity in the nervous system.