Herbal remedies are used to treat disorders that keep you awake, like insomnia. Herbal remedies are also used as stimulants to combat excessive daytime sleepiness, or even just to give a boost when energy begins to wilt.
The stimulant herbal drug of choice is caffeine, like in a big mug of black coffee to get you going in the morning, and a few more throughout the day to keep your energy level high. And yes, caffeine is a drug. In fact, it's the most widely used drug in the world. As well as in your coffee cup, you will find caffeine in many soft drinks, in chocolate, and in over-the-counter stay awake preparations, like No Doz. Caffeine can cause irregular heartbeats, ulcers and heartburn.
The stimulant herb, ephedra, can cause heart attacks, strokes and other health problems. Another stimulant (and supposedly an aphrodisiac,) yohimbe, causes hypertension, increased heart rate, irritability and water retention.
There are several herbal sedatives available, including valerian, hops, passion flower and German chamomile. These herbs seem to have few side effects, although chamomile is a member of the daisy family, and anyone who suffers from allergies should avoid it.
However, kava kava, another sedative, is a different story. This from Web MD:
"Do not take Kava Kava when using other substances that act on the brain, such as alcohol, barbiturates, or other mood-altering drugs. It may increase their effect. Be especially wary of taking it with the tranquilizer Xanax; the combination has caused coma.
Kava Kava also has an antagonistic effect on dopamine. If you are taking a levodopa-based medication for Parkinson's disease, avoid this herb."
Of course, you may argue that prescription drugs also cause serious side effects. The difference is that prescription drugs have been laboratory tested and the side effects are known. When dealing with a reputable drugstore, patients are warned of the possible effects. Many herbal products have no warnings posted at all.
Another danger, like with kava kava, is herbal interactions with prescription drugs. Some herbal remedies counteract the benefits you are supposed too receive from your prescription medications. Other herbal remedies increase the effects of the drugs, and this can be very dangerous, especially in the case of medication for sleeping.
Always check with both your doctor and either an accredited herbalist or holistic practitioner before mixing prescription drugs and herbal remedies.
A good rule to follow when using herbal medications: If in doubt, don't!
