Saw Palmetto Contraindications – Knowing The Risks

Drugs have undergone comprehensive testing & evaluation prior release to the market for consumer use. There are over the counter drugs, as there are prescription drugs that one can only buy with the recommendation of a doctor. Even with these drugs or conventional medicines, there is a need for a doctor’s guidance so that the right dosage will be administered and the side effects that may come with the use of the product be seen beforehand.

One’s specific condition, age, allergies, medical history and degree of illness play a part in your doctor’s assessment on recommending a particular drug. Much in the same manner with herbal medicine that such factors are also considered. In both types – whether conventional or alternative treatment is done – the side effects and interactions with other medicines are always considered. There have been cases wherein interactions of different drugs resulted to risks in one’s health – even to one’s life.

As with saw palmetto use, it is important that the necessary precautions are observed, and all essential factors are considered before use. Saw palmetto contraindications must be known and must be identified, so that one will be properly guided on the safe use of the herb.

Saw palmetto contraindications include the avoidance of this herb with pregnant and nursing women. Since this herb is not well studied, its effect on one’s baby are not known – it may very well not have any effect but one must not risk finding out at the baby’s expense.

Consideration of saw palmetto contraindications is vital as its use in combination with Coumadin. Coumadin is a blood thinning medication, and is known to have many interactions with other drugs, herbs, certain foods, etc. When one is on medication for Coumadin, it would be necessary to consult your doctor on how to go about your situation.

Saw palmetto contraindications include as well stomach or gastrointestinal pains – but is said to be remedied by taking this herb with food. Another would be the risk of heart disease as one of the herb’s active ingredient – beta-sitosterol is chemically the same as cholesterol.

Other such claims are decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction. Also there were claims of increased bleeding - especially dangerous when subject is scheduled for surgery. There are many other side effects or saw palmetto contraindications but are of little bases. These things are worthy of one’s attention and should be taken note of - to avoid any danger to one’s health with the use of saw palmetto.