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DRUGS vs. HERBAL ALTERNATIVES
Depression

Drugs: Monoamine oxidase (MAO
inhibitors); Nardil; Wellbutrin; Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s);
Prozac, Zoloft, Elavil, Adapin, Sinequin

Side Effects: Sexual dysfunction; chest
pain and chills; fever, edema, arrrythmias,
migraine, CHF, hypotension.
Depresssion
Bronchitis
Cough suppressants, with or w/o codeine and
antihistamines and decongestants (Comtrex, Contac,
Actifed – Robitussin, Proventil)
Side effects: rash, urticaria (hives), angioedema (like hives
but eruptions occur under the skin usually around the
eyes, mouth and feet), hoarseness, oropharyngeal
edema (swelling of the air passage, inability to speak,
wheezing, inability to rid secretions), atrial fibrillation
(upper chambers of the heart quiver and beat
irregularly), supraventricular tachycardia (rapid rhythm
of the heart), extrasystoles (Premature Ventricular
Contractions)
Bronchitis

Herb: Horehound, licorice, marshmallow,
mullein, wild cherry bark
Bruises

Analgesics: Aspirin, acetaminophen,
ibuprofen
Bruises (handle externally)

Herbs: Arnica, calendula, chamomile,
comfrey and St. John’s Wort
Burns
Topical Analgesics: Bactine, Solarcaine,
Lanacaine (Basic Lidocaine)
 Side-effects: Corticosteroids cause
numbness of skin and mucous
membranes, pigmentation changes (37%)
or blanching; redness or erythema;
allergic reactions like urticaria,
angioedema and bronchospasm

Burns

Herbs: Aloe, calendula, comfrey, gotu
kola, plaintain
Canker Sores

Drugs: Anbesol, Orajel or topical steroids
like aristocort and fluinide

Side effects: Same side effects of lidocaine
Canker Sores

Herbs: Ginkgo, goldenseal, gotu kola,
licorice
Cardiac Arrhythmia

Drugs: Lanoxin (digoxin); propranolol
(inderal); verapimil (Calan, Covera)

Side Effects: drowsiness, arrhythmias,
interactions with diabetes, thyroid,
depression, kidneys, liver and circulation
problems
Cardiac Arrhythmias

Herbs: Chamomile, hawthorn, kava-kava,
reishi, valerin
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Drugs: Lasix (diuretic furosemide) and
HCTZ, NSAID’s (Naproxen)

Side Effects: sulfa allergies; sudden fluid
loss effects kidneys and result in coma,
lowering of blood K,NA and Mg. and heart
abnormalities
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Herbs: Boswellia, Gingko and Turmeric
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Drugs: Valium, Xanax (benzodiazepines);
and NSAID’s like Motrin and Aleve

Side Effects: Clumsiness, slurred speech,
drowsiness, unsteady gait, stomach
cramps, blurred vision, libido drop,
constipation, diarrhea, mouth watering,
weakness, muscle spasms.