Side Effects of Jiaogulan Tea
Jiaogulan, marketed as China's "immortality herb," is used in herbal teas to strengthen the immune system and lower cholesterol. Studies have shown that it produces mild to serious side effects, including severe nausea and diarrhea. In rare cases, it causes uncontrolled bleeding, according to "Drug Digest Review."
Jiaogulan Potential Side Effects with Immunosuppressant Drugs
The Office of Complementary Medicine in Australia, a team of scientists working in the alternative medicine industry, deemed Jiaogulan safe in preliminary reviews; however, combining Jiaogulan with over-the-counter and prescription medications can pose more serious side effects. Mixing Jiaogulan--an immune-system strengthener with immunosuppressant medicines, such as Imuran, cyclosporine, Rapamune, CellCept, Prograf and Zenapak--reduces the therapeutic effects of the immunosuppressant drugs. Immunosuppressant drugs, prescribed to organ-transplant patients, prevent the body's rejection of the transplanted organ.
Jiaogulan Potential Side Effects with Blood-Thinners
Jiaogulan should not be combined with anti-coagulant, medication blood thinners. Studies indicate that this combination increases bruising and bleeding. Anti-clotting medicines include aspirin, Plavix, diclofenac, ibuprofen and Coumadin. Jiaogulan lengthens the time blood needs to clot, countering the beneficial effects of blood thinners. Mixing Jiaogulan with these medications can cause uncontrolled bleeding, according to several alternative-health Websites, including Jiaogulan.com
Adverse Effects in Pregnant and Nursing Women
Since Jiaogulan causes birth defects in animals, pregnant or nursing women should not ingest Jiaogulan. Pre-operative patients should avoid taking Jiaogulan two weeks before surgery, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Consult with your physician before you add jiaogulan tea to your health care regiment to avoid potentially toxic combinations.
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