Basil: Do not take large amounts (several cups a day) for extended periods.

Black Cohosh: Do not use for more than six months at a time.

Cayenne:May irritate the gastrointestinal tract if taken on an empty stomach.

Chamomile:Very rarely, can cause an allergic reaction when ingested.  People allergic to closely related plants such as ragweed, asters, and chrysanthemums should drink the tea with caution.

Comfrey:Do not use topically on deep or infected wounds; can promote surface healing too quickly and not allow healing of the underlying tissue.

Dandelion Root:If you have gallbladder disease, do not use dandelion preparations without medical approval.

Echinacea:Do not use if you have an autoimmune condition such as lupus, tuberculosis, or multiple sclerosis.  Do not use if allergic to plants in the daisy family such as chamomile and marigold (calendula).

Eucalyptus: Do not use if you have inflammatory disease of the bile ducts or severe liver disease.  May cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in doses higher than 4 grams a day.  Do not apply eucalyptus preparations to the face, especially the nose, in infants and young children.

Ginger:  May increase bile secretion; if you have gallstones, do not use therapeutic amounts of dried root or powder without guidance form a health-care practitioner.  Fresh ginger is safe when used as a spice.

Ginseng:May cause irritability if taken with caffeine or other stimulants,  Do not take if you have high blood pressure.

Hawthorn:If you have a cardiovascular condition, do not take hawthorn regularly for more than a few weeks without medical supervision.  You may require lower does of other medications, such as blood pressure drugs.  If you have low blood pressure caused by heart valve problems, do no use without medical supervision.

Licorice:Do not use if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disorders, or low potassium levels.  Do not use daily for more than four to six weeks; overuse can lead to water retention, high blood pressure caused by potassium loss, or impaired heart and kidney function.

Marshmallow: May slow the absorption of other medications taken at the same time.

Nettle: May worsen allergy symptoms; take only one dose a day for the first few days.

Oat straw:          Do not use if you have gluten intolerance; contains gluten, a grain protein.

Parsley: If you have kidney disease, do not use large amounts; increases urine flow in large does (several cups a day).  Safe as garnish or food ingredient.

St. John’s Wort:Do not use with antidepressants without medical approval.  May cause photosensitivity; avoid overexposure to direct sunlight.

Shepherd’s purse: Do not use if you have kidney stones.

Uva-ursi (Bearberry):       Do not use for more than two weeks without medical supervision.  Do not use if you have kidney disease; contains tannins, which can cause further kidney damage and irritate the stomach.

Yellow dock: If you have a history of kidney stones, do not take without medical supervision; contains oxalates and tannins that may adversely affect this condition.

Pregnant or Breastfeeding?  Avoid internal use of these herbs: Black cohosh, Cinnamon, Comfrey, Licorice, Mugwort, Osha, Red Clover, Rhubarb, Sage, Shepherd’s purse, Turmeric, Yellow dock.

If you have a medical condition, take prescription drugs regularly, or are pregnant/nursing and want to use herbal remedies you should talk with your health-care practitioner or qualified herbalist.