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General considerations for herbal products | How to use & Precautions

General considerations for herbal products:

How to use & precaution

Please read the following information carefully.

  1. All texts/ illustration on the eoil website is intended for information purposes and as a guide, and not as a replacement for a consultation with a trained herbalist, phyto-therapist or a medical professional. If you have a specific health condition, chronic disorder or experiencing any physical and/or mental symptoms or ailments please consult your healthcare professional. We always advise that you seek help from a qualified healthcare professional before embarking upon taking an herbal product, for specific medical symptoms.
  2. If pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication or have a specific health condition, chronic disorder or experiencing any physical and/or mental symptoms or ailments please consult your healthcare professional before taking any herbal products.
  3. If you are already taking any medication or prescribed medication, including blood thinners, it is essential to seek professional advice before taking herbal medicine.

General considerations.

  1. Herbal products must not replace a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle choices.
  2. Always check the recommended dose for each individual herbal product.
  3. It is not recommended to use a single or combined blend of herbs at a therapeutic dose (a dose which is taken at a certain strength regularly) for long periods of time unless prescribed and monitored by a qualified herbalist. The body may build up a degree of adaptation to the herbal remedy with prolonged use and some herbs are simply not suitable for long-term use.
  4. Keep herbal products tinctures, dried herbs and capsules out of reach from children.
  5. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

When not to use herbal products:

The most common situations in which qualified health professionals generally advise to not use herbs are:

  • During the first 3 months of pregnancy: any herb taken in therapeutic dosages should specifically be checked for safety and use during pregnancy with a qualified herbalist. Most herbs should not be used internally during pregnancy unless prescribed by a qualified health professional trained in the appropriate use of herbal products.
  • When breastfeeding: any herb should be specifically checked for safety and use when breastfeeding in consultation with a qualified herbalist.

Most herbs should not be used internally by breastfeeding mothers unless prescribed by a qualified health professional trained in the appropriate use of herbal products.

  • No herbs internally for children under 6 months
  • In individuals with symptoms of liver and or kidney failure
  • In individuals with known hyper-sensitivity or who have suffered previous allergic reactions to herbs
  • If you are taking prescription medication, please consult your healthcare professional before taking any herbal products.
  • 2 weeks pre- and post-surgery or a medical procedure.

How to use herbs

Generally, herbal products can be taken or applied up to three times a day.

The dosage and frequency will vary depending upon your state of health and the type of herbal product.

The elderly, the young and those that have a weakened state or are sensitive, may require a lower dose than the standard healthy adult.

The recommended dosage stated in our website, in reliable herbalist books or literature sources should be used as a guideline only.

There are many ways to use herbal products:

  • Internally in the form of tinctures, teas, powders and capsules and
  • Externally as infused oils, compresses and foot/hand baths.
  • Tinctures and teas can also be added to cream, lotions or sprays for external use and natural skincare.
  • Herbal products can be used beneficially in culinary doses in food, cordials, syrups and herbal teas.

 

The most used methods of herbal tinctures, infusions and teas

  1. Herbal tinctures

A tincture is a concentrated herbal liquid. It is made by combining fresh or dried herb with alcohol and water then leaving it to macerate for a specific amount of time.

This is then pressed and produces a liquid which contains the active constituents of the required herb. Tinctures come in varying strengths such as 1:5 25%, 1:10 60%.

For example, a 1:3 45% strength means that: one part (in weight) plant material is macerated with three times the amount (in volume) of alcohol and aqueous liquid which is called the ‘menstruum’. 45% of the menstruum is alcohol, the remaining 55% is water. Always check the recommended dose for each individual herbal tincture. Eoil offers single herbs herbal tinctures.

Our tinctures are made using organic grain alcohol - fermented wheat.

Please read the product page carefully, noting any allergens and dosage information and consult the information in this leaflet as a guide only. Please consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions.

Herbal tinctures may have a strong flavour that is not always palatable. The dose can be added to a cup of water to drink, which will dilute the taste.

Always keep well hydrated whilst taking a course of herbal remedies.

  1. Herbal infusions

An infusion uses either dried or fresh herbs and is made like a tea. It uses the soft part of plants like flowers, leaves and small berries or seeds. It can be made in a teapot, cafetière or tea ball. A standard infusion for one cup is a teaspoon of a single dried herb or herb blend. Add boiling water, preferably cover to avoid the loss of volatile oils. Leave to infuse for 5-10 minutes, strain and enjoy.

  1. Herbal decoctions

Decoctions are used for solid or woodier parts of the plant, like roots, bark and tough seeds or large berries where an infusion would not extract the properties sufficiently. The herbs are simmered in a covered pan for 10-15 minutes. A standard decoction is one teaspoon of dried herb per cup of water. Tip: you can make 3 cups at the same time and keep in a sealed, insulated container. This can be drunk hot or cold throughout the day. Do not store longer than one day to avoid bacterial growth.

 

Safety informations

Agnus castus/ chaste berry vitex agnus-castus fruit - do not use if you have a pituitary gland disorder, are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding. - avoid using if you are taking progestogenic drugs, the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy. - not for use in those under 18 years unless prescribed by qualified herbalist. - do not take more than 1 - 2 mls (20-40 drops) a day unless otherwise prescribed by a qualified herbalist.

 

Alfalfa medicago sativa herb - avoid using if you have oestrogen-sensitive breast cancer.

 

Angelica angelica archangelica root - avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight when taking angelica as it may cause photosensitivity. - use cautiously if you have peptic ulcers or acid regurgitation. - do not use when taking medication to thin the blood or for diabetes.

 

Aniseed* pimpinella anisum seed - use cautiously if you have gastro-oesophageal reflux.

 

Ashwaghanda withania somnifera root - do not use if you are suffering from congestion or acute upper respiratory infection.

 

Astragalus astragalus membranaceus root - avoid using if you have an acute infection, such as colds, coughs and flu. - use cautiously if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs.

 

Black cohosh cimicifuga racemosa root - not suitable for people with a previous history of liver disease. - if you are taking this and develop signs and symptoms suggestive of liver weakness such as tiredness, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes or skin, severe upper stomach pain with nausea, vomiting or dark coloured urine please stop use and contact your healthcare professional.

 

Bladderwrack fucus vesiculosus thallus - take extra care not to exceed the recommended dose if you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

 

Blue cohosh caulophyllum thalictroides root - only suitable for use in late pregnancy under the supervision of qualified herbalist. - due to the content of saponins in this plant, it is contraindicated with coeliacs disease, fat malabsorption, vitamin a,d,e,k deficiency and some upper digestive system irritations.

 

Blue flag iris versicolor root - use cautiously when taking in order to reduce the possibility of exacerbating chronic skin conditions. - can cause vomiting or diarrhoea in high doses.

 

Bogbean menyanthes trifoliata leaf - excessive doses may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhoea, griping pains, nausea and/or vomiting.

 

Boldo peumus boldus leaf - do not use if you have an obstruction of bile ducts or severe liver disease. - only for short-term use - no longer than 4 weeks. - only use under the supervision of a qualified herbalist.

 

Borage borago officinalis herb - for external use - not recommended for longer than 3 weeks unless under the supervision of a qualified herbalist. - contains pyrollizine alkaloids.

 

Cacao theobroma cacao fruit – use cautiously if you have a known sensitivity to caffeine as cacao contains theobromine, which has a similar action.

Calamus root acorus calamus root – take extra care not to exceed the recommended dose. – not for long-term use. – only use in consultation with a qualified herbalist.

Celery seed apium graveolens seed – allergen – use cautiously if you have a kidney disorder, especially inflammation of the kidneys.

Chinese angelica / dang gui angelica sinensis root – avoid using if you have an acute infection e.g. A brief cold, cough or the flu. – avoid using if you are experiencing a heavy menstruation. – avoid using if you have purpura (bleeding under the skin) or peri-menopausal flooding.

Cleavers galium aparine herb – external use only- do not use for more than 6 weeks. Coltsfoot tussilago farfara leaf – take extra care not to exceed the recommended dose. – do not use for longer than 4 – 6 weeks per year. – contains pyrollizine alkaloids.

Comfrey symphytum officinale leaf – for external use- taken in large doses, comfrey is linked to possible liver toxicity. – take extra care not to exceed the recommended dose. – do not use for longer than 4 – 6 weeks per year. – best used under the supervision of a qualified herbalist. – contains pyrollizine alkaloids.

Dandelion taraxacum officinale root – use cautiously if you have gallstones, an ulcer or gastritis.

Dandelion taraxacum officinale leaf – use cautiously if you have gallstones, an ulcer or gastritis.

Devil’s claw harpagophytum procumbens root – avoid using if you have gastric and/or duodenal ulcers. – if you have gallstones, only use under supervision with a qualified herbalist.

Echinacea echinacea spp. Root and herb – only suitable for adults and children over the age of 12. – do not use if you are taking immunosuppressant medication. – allergic reactions extremely rare but possible when using echinacea.

Elderberry sambucus nigra fructus berry – may have a mild laxative effect if unripe fruit is used for dried herbs or tincture.

Eucalyptus eucalyptus globulus leaf – not be taken internally by those with severe liver diseases and inflammatory disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract and kidney.

Eyebright euphrasia officinalis herb – caution to be taken when using the tincture around the eye area.

Fenugreek* trigonella foenum greacum seed – high doses are not recommended if you have low thyroid activity. Figwort scrophularia spp. Herb – avoid using if you have ventricular tachycardia.

Gentian gentiana lutea root – avoid using if you have gastric and/or duodenal ulcers. – avoid using if you have hyperacidity or gastric inflammation. – do not use in large doses – strong, bitter herb. Dosage: 5ml per week or 7.5ml per 150ml.

Ginger zingiber officinale rhizome – use cautiously if you have peptic ulceration or gallstones.

Gingko ginkgo biloba herb – blood thinning action. This may potentiate the effect of antiplatelet drugs or agents. Avoid use before and after a medical intervention. Ginseng panax ginseng root – doses greater than 1g/day may overstimulate the mind and body. – avoid if you have acute asthma, excessive menstruation, nose bleeds, acute infections, or high blood pressure (hypertension).

Goat’s rue galega officinalis root – only use under the supervision of a qualified herbalist. Goji berries lycium barbarum fruit – use cautiously if you have diarrhoea or weak digestion. Golden seal hydrastis canadensis root – do not use for more than 3 weeks – this is a very strong herb and can cause stress to the liver and stomach due to potential toxicity of alkaloids naturally present in the plant. – do not use if you have raised blood pressure, gastric and/or duodenal ulcers. –

Gotu kola centella asiatica herb – avoid if you have epilepsy. – may not be suitable if you have coeliac disease, fat malabsorption, vitamin a,d,e,k deficiency, upper gastrointestinal irritations due to saponin content. – do not use on open wounds as may cause irritation due to saponin content.

Green tea camellia sinensis leaf – contains caffeine. Do not use if you are sensitive to caffeine.

Hawthorn crataegus spp fruit – do not use alongside heart and/or blood pressure medication unless under the supervision of a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional. Hops humulus lupulus strobile – avoid using if you have depression. – avoid using if you have oestrogen-sensitive breast cancer.

Horse chestnut aesculus hippocastanum fruit – due to its saponin content, horse chestnut can cause or aggravate gastrooesophageal reflux. – should not be applied directly to unbroken or ulcerated skin. – take care not to exceed the recommended dose.

Horsetail equisetum arvense herb – due to its abrasive action, horsetail is best combined with demulcent herbs, such as cornsilk or marshmallow. – do not use for more than 3 weeks maximum

Jamaican dogwood piscidia erythrina bark – do not use if you have a weakened heart condition, bradycardia or cardiac insufficiency. – only use in consultation with a qualified herbalist.

Juniper berry* juniperus communis berry – do not use if you have inflammation of the kidneys. – do not take for more than 6 weeks.

Kelp laminaria digitata thallus – do not use if you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). – take care not to exceed the recommended dose.

Lemon balm melissa officinalis leaf – not for use in hypothyroidism.

Lemon grass* cymbopogon citratus leaf – may interfere with action of thyroid hormones. Liquorice root* glycyrrhiza glabra root – do not use if you have a cholestatic liver disorder or cirrhosis of the liver. – do not use if you have hypokalemia or severe kidney insufficiency. – do not use if you have high blood pressure (hypertension). – do not take for long periods. Maca lepidium meyenii root – avoid using if you have a hormone related cancer. – avoid using if you have a thyroid issue.

Marjoram* origanum marjorana leaf – not suitable for extended use.

Matcha camellia sinensis leaf – use cautiously if you have a known sensitivity to caffeine. Meadowsweet filipendula ulmaria herb – do not use if you have a hypersensitivity to salicylates (e.g. Aspirin).

Mistletoe viscum album herb – do not use if you have a protein hypersensitivity. – do not use if you have gastric ulcers. – do not use if you have a chronic progressive infection e.g. Tuberculosis.

Mugwort artemisia vulgaris herb – allergic reactions are possible when using mugwort. – take care not to exceed the recommended dose.

Mulberries morus spp. Fruit – use cautiously if you have diarrhoea or weak digestion.

Myrrh commiphora molmol resin – do not use if you have an inflammatory kidney condition.

Oat seed avena sativa seed – allergen. Olive olea europaea leaf – use cautiously if you have low blood pressure (hypotension).

Parsley* petroselinum crispum leaf – do not use if you have an inflammatory kidney condition.

Peppermint* mentha piperita leaf – do not use if you have gastro-oesophageal reflux. – do not use if you are in the first trimester of pregnancy. – contraindicated with gastric and/or duodenal ulcers.

Poke root phytolacca decandra root – do not use if you suffer from gut irritations. – avoid using if you are taking immunosuppressive drugs. – only use in consultation with a qualified herbalist. – exceeding the recommended therapeutic dose causes poke root to work as an emetic and purgative.

Raspberry leaf rubus ideaus leaf – use under guidance of healthcare professional during pregnancy.

Rhodiola rhodiola rosea root – due to its stimulating properties this is not suitable for use for children under 16 years unless prescribed by a healthcare professional. – due to its stimulating properties, rhodiola is not suitable for use with high blood pressure (hypertension), nervous excitability or central nervous system (cns) depressants. Rosemary* rosmarinus officinalis leaf – may have a hypertensive action.

Sage* salvia officinalis leaf – do not take over a prolonged period. – take extra care not to exceed the recommended dose.

Sarsaparilla smilax rnate root – can cause or aggravate gastro-oesophageal reflux due to saponin content.

Shepherd’s purse capsella bursapastoris herb – do not use if you have a history of kidney disease

Siberian ginseng eleuthrococcus senticosus root – do not take for more than 3 weeks. – due to its stimulating properties this is not suitable for use for children under 16 years unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Slippery elm ulmus fulva bark – take with plenty of liquid (e.g. 5g with 150ml cool water) stir briskly and swallow quickly. Maintain increased fluid intake thoughout the day. Southernwood artemesia abrotanum leaf – use for up to 3 weeks only.

Spirulina spirulina platensis micro-algae – do not use if you have phenylketonuria (pku), due to phenylalanine content in spirulina.

St john’s wort hypericum perforatum herb – please check with your healthcare professional or qualified herbalist if you are taking any prescribed medications (including the contraceptive pill) as st john’s wort may affect the way they work. – do not use if you have severe depression. – do not use if you have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder – as with all antidepressants, it may cause hypomania. – it is important that you do not use st john’s wort instead of seeking professional help from your healthcare professional. If taking st john’s wort and you do not notice a significant improvement in your symptoms after 4 weeks of use, please refer to your healthcare professional. – avoid in known photosensitivity, excessive exposure to full sun or uva.

Tansy tanacetum vulgare herb – take care not to exceed the recommended dose. – only use under the supervision of a qualified herbalist.

Thuja thuja occidentalis leaf – use in small doses for no longer than 4-6 weeks. – a powerful herb that stimulates and increases menstrual blood flow (emmenagogue). – not to be used during heavy menstruation, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Turmeric* curcuma longa rhizome – use cautiously if taking alongside blood thinning herbs or medication as it may potentiate the effects.

Uva ursi / bearberry arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf – do not use for prolonged periods without consultation with a qualified herbalist. – may cause cramping, nausea, vomiting and constipation due to high tannin content.

Valerian valeriana officinalis root – do not use if you have depression. – valerian may potentiate the effects of any existing sedatives.

White willow salix alba bark – do not use if you have a hypersensitivity to salicylates (e.g. Aspirin).

Wild cherry prunus serotina bark – take care not to exceed the recommended dose. – not for long-term use.

Wild lettuce lactuca virosa herb – do not use if you have depression. – not for long-term use.

Wormwood artemisia absinthium herb – do not use if you have hyperacidity. – do not use in large doses. Dosage: 5ml per week or 7.5ml per 150ml. – take care not to exceed the recommended dose. *food doses of these culinary herbs and spices are acceptable; avoid in larger therapeutic doses.

 

Herbal laxatives

Herbal laxatives must be taken with adequate amounts of fluid, otherwise they may swell and block the throat or oesophagus, which could lead to choking.

You should avoid using them if you have problems with swallowing or conditions likely to lead to intestinal obstruction (ileus).

Avoid if you have abdominal pain of unknown origin.

Absorption of other medications taken at same time may be delayed – take herbal laxatives at least one hour after other medication.

If you are diabetic, there may be a potential delay in glucose absorption when taking herbal bulk laxatives.

Herbal laxatives should be taken for 2-3 days. However, if you see no improvement, please discontinue and seek medical advice.

Directions: take with plenty of liquid (e.g. 5g with 150ml cool water), stir briskly and swallow quickly. Maintain increased fluid intake throughout the day. Take at mealtimes, not before going to bed.

Linseed / flax linum usitatissimum

Seed psyllium plantago psyllium seed and / or husks.

 

Allergen information

  1. Celery seed (apium graveolens seed) if you have a sensitivity or known allergy to celery do not use this product.
  2. Oat (avena sativa) if you have a sensitivity or known allergy to cereals containing gluten do not use this product.