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Allergic Reactions to Herbal Remedies
by
Martha Schindler Connors with Larry Altshuler, MD
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- Some herbs cause allergic reactions in some people
- Herbs can aggravate common allergies
- Many herbs, like cayenne & ginger, contain salicylates
- Click here to buy The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies
Several medicinal herbs belong to botanical families that, unfortunately, can cause allergies in some people. The Asteraceae/Compositae family contains many medicinal plants—and a few common allergens. If you’re allergic to ragweed, marigolds, or daisies, avoid these herbs:
- Arnica (Arnica montana)
- Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus, C. scolymus)
- Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
- Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
- Dandelion (Taraxucum officinale)
- Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
- Eclipta (Eclipta alba, E. prostrata)
- Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
- Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Salicylic acid is part of a group of chemicals called salicylates, which occur naturally in many plants and are also produced synthetically for use in a variety of consumer products.
Many people are sensitive to salicylates, and so should avoid them in all their incarnations. Skip salicylates if you’re taking prescription blood thinners or diabetes medications. Herbs with salicylates include:
- Cayenne (Capsicum annuum, C. frutescens)
- Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum, C. aromaticum)
- Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
- Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Grape (Vitis vinifera)
- Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
- Sage (Salvia officinalis, S. lavandulaefolia)
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
- Willow (Salix alba)
…from The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies.
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