This page was written as a response to an article on herbs by Diane Wakat, Ph.D., founder of Intelligent Nutrition Systems. Below is a summary of her copyrighted article Herbs Women Should Avoid. This is not an attack on her specifically but merely completed or corrected information for those who have heard "bad" things about the following herbs.

Alfalfa -can aggravate lupus and other auto-immune disorders which are more frequent in women.

Dong Quai - excess dosage can negatively affect blood pressure, heart rhythm and respiration

Ma Huang (ephedra) - you should have read warnings about this any number of places since the FDA is investigating deaths caused by it, but according to the article, it has negative effects on the heart and blood pressure, women in particular are at risk of stroke when using the amounts in some weight loss products.

Pau D'Arco - active ingredient has been shown to be toxic in human studies.

Borage Seed Oil - long term intake of may cause toxicity.

<My response>

Since many people are unfamiliar with herbs, it is important to understand that not all people should be using all herbs. There are a few herbs that may produce adverse effects on people with certain health problems. At first, the world of herbs and natural remedies is extremely confusing, as many herb books contradict each other as to what is safe. I suggest educating yourself and seek out the most information that you can from reliable sources. I am not familiar with Diane Wakat who wrote the article but some of the things she stated did not give all the information. I know from my own education and experience that some information is just not accurate. It could be that this is her own school of thought, as there are many theories about natural healing. I have found that more "traditional" ideas about herbs seem to work the best; this information has been around and used for over 3000 years!

Alfalfa is a great source of minerals, but it is alfalfa SPROUTS that people with lupus and other immune problems should avoid. They have been found to form canavain (a toxic substance made into protein in place of arginine) but alfalfa supplements are safe.

Dong Quai, used for 20 centuries in Chinese medicine, helps to stimulate female reproductive organs and is used as a general nerve and organ tonic. Some men use it for kidney problems and eczema. It is used for hemorrhages and pernicious anemia (it has a high iron and cobalt content). It is also used to regulate monthly periods, menopausal hot flashes, cramps, and recovery after birth. Dong Quai thickens the blood. Obviously, it should not be used by those with high blood pressure or heart problems. Dong Quai is only intended to be used 7-10 days a month or when needed. Continuous use of this herb is definitely contraindicated.

Ma Huang is a natural ephedra and should not be confused with the synthetic ephedra that everyone is having problems with and even dying from (the synthetic one has been in the news). However, even though it is natural, it should not be used by anyone with the following: anxiety disorders (panic attacks), glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and those using MAO inhibitor drugs (for depression).

Pau D'Arco is an immune system stimulant, general tonic, blood builder / purifier and anti-fungal. It works great for yeast infections, especially in conjunction with acidophilus. Studies done at the University of Illinois and in Brazil have found Pau D'Arco to contain substances that are highly effective in fighting cancer. The best of the dozens of this species is Tabebuia heptaphylla from Argentina. Pau dark's active ingredient alone may be toxic but when taken in it's natural herbal form, there is no evidence of toxicity.

Borage Seed Oil is an adrenal tonic and balancer, and a wonderful source of essential fatty acids. I can find nothing in over 25 books that indicates that this should not be used long term because of possible toxicity.

If you are going to try herbs or natural remedies, read as much as you can and don't just go by what one person says...even ME! I've done a lot of research, and have been making my own herbal blends (in the form of teas), learning much by trial and error, but different herbs work differently for people. What works great for one, may not work well for another, you just have to experiment. Read a lot of opinions and know that certain health conditions warrant CAUTION. Be responsible for your own health!

This information is not intended to prescribe or diagnose in any way. Please consult a health care professional before using any of the herbs mentioned above.