Herbal Medicine: What You Need to Know

Herbal medicine is the use of plants or plant extracts to support health. It’s popular because many people feel it’s natural and less invasive than prescription drugs. But “natural” doesn’t always mean safe, especially if you’re on other meds or have bleeding concerns.

First off, herbal products can work in different ways. Some boost immunity, others calm nerves, and a few help with pain or inflammation. The key is to match the herb’s action with what you’re trying to achieve, and to keep track of how you feel.

Common Herbal Supplements

Here are a few herbs that show up a lot in our articles:

Devil’s Club – A woody shrub from North America. People use it for energy, immune support, and joint comfort. It contains compounds that can thin blood, so watch out if you’re on blood thinners.

Chenopodium Oil – Extracted from the seeds of the chenopodium plant. It’s praised for its omega‑rich profile and skin health benefits. It’s generally mild, but high doses may affect clotting.

Lukol – A garlic‑based supplement marketed for heart health. Garlic can interfere with platelet function, which matters for anyone monitoring bleeding risk.

All these herbs are sold over the counter, but the quality can vary. Look for products that list the exact plant part, concentration, and third‑party testing.

Safety and Bleeding Risks

If you’re using the CRUSADE Bleeding Score to gauge bleeding risk, add herbs into the mix before you calculate your score. Some herbs act like aspirin or warfarin, raising the chance of bruising or internal bleeding.

Practical steps to stay safe:

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new herb.
• Write down every supplement, herb, and medication you take.
• Start with the lowest recommended dose and watch for signs like nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or unusually heavy periods.
• If you have liver or kidney disease, be extra cautious—herbs are processed there too.

When you notice any bleeding change, pause the herb and re‑evaluate with your clinician. Adjusting the CRUSADE score after adding an herb can help you and your doctor decide if you need a dosage change or a different therapy.

Another safe‑practice tip is to choose standardized extracts. These give you a known amount of active ingredient, reducing the guesswork that comes with raw herbs.

Finally, keep an eye on interactions with common drugs. For example, combining Devil’s Club with clopidogrel or aspirin can double the antiplatelet effect. That’s a red flag you shouldn’t ignore.

In short, herbal medicine can be a useful addition to your health routine, but it needs the same careful check‑up you give any prescription. By staying informed, tracking your responses, and consulting professionals, you can enjoy the benefits without upping your bleeding risk.