Article Figures & Data
Tables
Have Used the Herb Know English Name Doctor Aware I Use Number % Number % Number % Immortal (Spider Milkweed) 7 1.4 5 71.4 3 42.9 Plumajillo (Pleurisy Root) 16 3.2 6 37.5 5 31.3 Canela (Cinnamon) 415 83.3 81 19.5 22 5.3 Clavo (Cloves) 292 58.6 27 9.2 8 2.7 Comino (Cumin) 295 59.2 27 9.2 14 4.7 Eucalipto (Eucalyptus) 214 43.0 30 14.0 20 9.3 Manzanilla (Chamomile) 421 84.5 54 12.8 45 10.7 Ajo (Garlic) 368 73.9 65 17.7 22 6.0 Jengibre (Ginger) 116 23.3 38 32.8 16 13.8 Cebolla (Onion) 352 70.7 88 25.0 19 5.4 Granada (Pomegranate) 165 33.1 23 13.9 15 9.1 Yerba Buena (Grass Syrup) 353 70.9 38 10.8 24 6.8 Anis Estrella (Star Anise) 131 26.3 22 16.8 17 13.0 Estafiate (Wormwood) 83 16.7 12 14.5 10 12.0 Siete Jarabes (Seven Syrups) 29 5.8 13 44.8 11 37.9 Cundeamore (Bitter Gourd) 14 2.8 11 78.6 6 42.9 Savila (Aloe Vera) 261 52.4 34 13.0 18 6.9 Una de Gato (Cat’s Claw) 62 12.4 15 24.2 12 19.4 Pelos de Elote (Corn Silk) 140 28.1 21 15.0 16 11.4 Tlanchalagua (Tea) 31 6.2 15 48.4 11 35.5 Oregano 322 64.7 41 12.7 22 6.8 Limon (Lemon) 378 75.9 82 21.7 22 5.8 Valeriana (Valerian) 66 13.3 19 28.8 10 15.2 Tomillo (Thyme) 137 27.5 12 8.8 9 6.6 Epasote (Wormseed) 220 44.2 8 3.6 6 2.7 *Number using the herb/total number of herb users [7/498 · 100 = 1.4].
**Number knowing the English name/number using the herb [5/7 · 100 = 71.4].
***Number indicating Doctor is aware/number using the herb [3/7 · 100 = 42.9].
Yes (N = 498) No (N = 122) P Value Number % Number % Do you currently take or have you ever taken an oral herbal remedy? 498 80.3 122 19.7 Which language do you feel most comfortable speaking? .001 Spanish 441 91.9 77 80.2 English 15 3.1 10 10.4 Both 24 5 9 9.4 Missing 18 26 What is your gender? .375 Male 99 20.6 26 24.5 Female 381 79.4 80 75.5 Missing 18 16.0 What is your age? .477 0 to 20 52 10.5 12 10.6 21 to 24 130 26.4 28 24.8 25 to 29 113 23.1 22 19.4 30 to 34 90 18.2 17 15.0 35 to 39 38 7.6 15 13.4 ≥ 40 70 14.2 19 16.8 Missing 5 9 What is the highest level of education you completed? .269 Less than High School 218 52.7 46 54.8 High School 153 37.0 34 40.5 College or above 43 10.4 4 4.8 Missing 84 38 Are you currently working? Yes 203 42.3 47 47.5 .343 No 277 57.7 52 52.5 Missing 23 Do you have health insurance? .760 Yes 141 30.0 30 31.6 No 329 70.0 65 68.4 Missing 27 How many times have you seen a medical doctor in the past year? .534 None 128 29.8 23 29.5 One to two times 145 33.8 31 39.7 Three or more times 156 36.4 24 30.8 Missing 69 44 How long have you lived in the United States? .000 Less than 5 years 207 47.0 27 29.4 5 years or more 234 53.0 65 70.6 Missing 57 30 Users (N = 498) Non Users (N = 122) Total (N = 620) P Value Number % Number % Number % Herbal remedies are drugs .012 No 65 15.1 14 26.4 79 16.4 Yes 260 60.5 21 39.6 281 58.2 Do not know 105 24.4 18 34.0 123 25.5 Missing 68 69 137 Some herbal remedies can interact with prescription medications .327 No 74 17.1 9 17.0 83 17.0 Yes 157 36.2 14 26.4 171 35.1 Do not know 203 46.8 30 56.6 233 47.8 Missing 64 69 133 Some herbal remedies can harm a baby if taken during pregnancy .016 No 37 8.4 8 16.0 45 9.2 Yes 247 56.4 18 36.0 265 54.3 Do not know 154 35.2 24 48.0 178 36.5 Missing 60 72 132 Herbal remedies are safer to use during pregnancy than prescription or over-the-counter drugs .917 No 154 35.5 17 33.3 171 35.3 Yes 84 19.4 11 21.6 95 19.6 Do not know 196 45.2 23 45.1 219 45.2 Missing 64 71 135 My family member has recommended an herbal remedy for me to take .000 No 122 29.6 33 56.9 155 33.0 Yes 287 69.7 23 39.7 310 66.0 Do not know 3 0.7 2 3.4 5 1.1 Missing 86 64 150 I have given my children (or grandchildren) herbal remedies .004 No 194 50.5 37 71.2 231 53.0 Yes 180 46.0 12 23.1 192 44.0 Do not know 10 2.6 3 5.8 13 3.0 Missing 114 70 184 Users (N = 498) Non Users (N = 122) Total (N = 620) P Value Number % Number % Number % I am able to communicate easily with my doctor .573 No 76 20.2 10 19.2 86 20.1 Yes 271 72.1 40 76.9 311 72.7 Do not know 29 7.7 2 3.8 31 7.2 Missing 122 70 192 I feel that I can tell my doctor anything No 52 13.4 7 13.2 59 13.4 .995 Yes 301 77.6 41 77.4 342 77.6 Do not know 35 9.0 5 9.4 40 9.1 Missing 110 69 179 My doctor asks me whether I am using any herbal remedies No 310 74.3 35 68.6 345 73.7 .081 Yes 73 17.5 7 13.7 80 17.1 Do not know 34 8.2 9 17.6 43 9.2 Missing 81 71 152 My doctor has recommended an herbal remedy for me to take .631 No 362 89.8 54 93.1 416 90.2 Yes 24 6.0 3 5.2 27 5.9 Do not know 17 4.2 1 1.7 18 3.9 Missing 95 64 159 My doctor takes time to listen to me at each appointment .823 No 36 9.0 5 9.3 41 9.0 Yes 338 84.1 44 81.5 382 83.8 Do not know 28 7.0 5 9.3 33 7.2 Missing 96 68 164 My doctor understands my cultural background .243 No 42 11.7 9 19.1 51 12.6 Yes 211 58.8 28 59.6 239 58.9 Do not know 106 29.5 10 21.3 116 28.6 Missing 139 75 214 52.7 My doctor works with me (and my family) to improve my health .525 No 52 14.2 9 19.6 61 14.8 Yes 275 74.9 31 67.4 306 74.1 Do not know 40 10.9 6 13.0 46 11.1 Missing 131 76 207 If I went to a curandero for treatment, I would tell my doctor about it .531 No 44 11.6 9 17.0 53 12.2 Yes 274 72.1 36 67.9 310 71.6 Do not know 62 16.3 8 15.1 70 16.2 Missing 118 69 187 Number % Only those who “use” or “ever used” herbal remedies, were asked the following questions: What do you tell your doctor about your use of herbal remedies? I would tell my doctor about all the remedies that I use 37 15.0 I would tell my doctor about some of the remedies that I use 46 18.7 My doctor never asks whether I use any herbs 163 66.3 Missing 252 What would happen if you told your doctor that you use herbal remedies? My doctor would understand the use of these remedies 92 41.8 My doctor would not know what these herbal remedies are used for 57 25.9 My doctor would tell me to stop using all herbal remedies 45 20.5 My doctor would encourage me to keep using the remedies that are safe 23 10.5 My doctor would ridicule me 3 1.4 Missing 278 Herb Use Potential Interactions with Prescription Medications Immortal (Spider Milkweed) Orally, for arthritis, asthma, cough, edema, syphilis, valvular insufficiency, senile heart, to strengthen weak heart muscles following pneumonia, and for diuresis. Topically, for warts. Digoxin, diuretics Plumajillo (Pleurisy Root) Orally, for cough, pleurisy, uterine disorders, shortness of breath, pain, spasms, and to promote sweating; for bronchitis, pneumonitis, and influenza. Digoxin, diuretics, estrogen Canella (Cinnamon) Orally, for colds, poor circulation, and as a bitter tonic. In foods, as a cooking spice. None known Clavo (Cloves) Orally, clove for dyspepsia, as an expectorant, for diarrhea, hernia, halitosis, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting. Topically, for toothache, postextraction alveolitis, pain, a dental anesthetic, mouth and throat inflammation. In combination with other ingredients, topically for premature ejaculation. In foods and beverages, as a flavoring agent. In manufacturing, in toothpaste, soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes. Antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents Comino (Cumin) Orally, as an antiflatulent, stimulant, antispasmodic, diuretic, aphrodisiac, for stimulating menstrual flow, treating diarrhea, colic, and flatulence. In foods, spices, and beverages, as a flavoring agent. In manufacturing, as a cosmetic fragrance. Antidiabetic agents Manzanilla (Chamomile) Orally, for flatulence, travel sickness, nasal mucous membrane inflammation, allergic rhinitis, nervous diarrhea, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, restlessness, insomnia, gastrointestinal spasms, inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, gastrointestinal ulcers associated with NSAIDs and alcohol consumption, and as an antispasmodic for menstrual cramps. Topically, for hemorrhoids, leg ulcers; for skin, anogenital, and mucous membrane inflammation; for bacterial skin diseases; for treating or preventing chemotherapy- or radiation-induced oral mucositis. Via inhalation, for inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract. In foods and beverages, as a flavoring agent. In manufacturing, in cosmetics, soaps, and mouthwashes. Benzodiazepines; CNS depressants (eg, fentanyl, morphine, etc.); contraceptive drugs; cytochrome P450 1a2 (Cyp1a2) substrates (eg, amitriptyline, haloperidol, verapamil, propranolol, theophylline, ondansetron, etc.); cytochrome P450 3a4 (Cyp3a4) substrates (eg, lovastatin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fexofenadine, triazolam, etc.); estrogens; tamoxifen; warfarin Ajo (Garlic) Orally, for hypertension, hyperlipidemia; for prevention of coronary heart disease, age-related vascular changes and atherosclerosis; for reducing reinfarction and mortality rate post-myocardial infarction, earaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, and menstrual disorders; for HIV-drug induced lipid disorders and Helicobacter pylori infection; for prevention of colorectal, gastric, breast, lung, and prostate cancer; for bladder cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes, arthritis, allergies, traveler’s diarrhea, colds and flu; for immune system stimulation, prevention of tick bites, and prevention and treatment of bacterial and fungal infections; for diarrhea, amoebic and bacterial dysentery, tuberculosis, bloody urine, diphtheria, whooping cough, scalp ringworm, hypersensitive teeth, and vaginal trichomoniasis; for fever, cough, headache, stomachache, sinus congestion, athlete’s foot, gout, rheumatism, hemorrhoids, asthma, bronchitis, shortness of breath, arteriosclerosis, low blood pressure, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and snakebites; as a diuretic, stimulant, cathartic, aphrodisiac; for enhancing circulation, fighting stress and fatigue. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents; contraceptives; cyclosporine; cytochrome P450 2e1 (Cyp2e1) substrates (eg, acetaminophen, ethanol, theophylline, etc.); cytochrome P450 3a4 (Cyp3a4) substrates (eg, lovastatin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fexofenadine, triazolam, etc.); non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors; saquinavir Jengibre (Ginger) Orally, for motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, dyspepsia, flatulence, chemotherapy-induced nausea, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, loss of appetite, post-operative nausea and vomiting, migraine headache, anorexia, upper respiratory tract infections, cough, bronchitis, and as a diaphoretic, diuretic, and a stimulant. Fresh ginger: Orally, for treating acute bacterial dysentery, baldness, malaria, orchitis, poisonous snake bites, rheumatism, and toothaches. Dried ginger: orally, for chest pain, low back pain, and stomach pain. Topically, for thermal burns and as an analgesic. In foods and beverages, as a flavoring agent. In manufacturing, as a fragrance component in soaps and cosmetics. Antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents; antidiabetic agents; calcium channel blockers Granada (Pomegranate) Orally, for hypertension, heart failure, myocardial ischemia, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, acidosis, hemorrhage, HIV disease, tapeworm infestations, diarrhea, dysentery, and opportunistic intestinal worms; for preventing prostate cancer, and as an astringent and abortifacient; for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, influenza, stomatitis, periodontal disease, erectile dysfunction, diabetes, and cancer. Topically, as a gargle for sore throat and to treat hemorrhoids. Antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents; antidiabetic agents; ACE inhibitors; antihypertensive agents; cytochrome P450 3a4 (Cyp3a4) substrates (eg., lovastatin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fexofenadine, triazolam, etc.); cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates (eg, amitriptyline, fluoxetine, codeine, tramadol, ondansetron, etc.) Anis Estrella (Star Anise) Orally, for respiratory infections and inflammation, influenza, avian flu, gastrointestinal upset, flatulence, loss of appetite, infant colic, cough, and bronchitis; for increasing milk secretion, promoting menstruation, facilitating childbirth, increasing libido, and treating symptoms of male climacteric. Through inhalation, for respiratory tract congestion. In foods and beverages, as a culinary spice and flavoring agent. In manufacturing, as a fragrance component in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, and toothpaste, and to mask undesirable odors in drug products. None known Estafiate (Wormwood) Orally, for loss of appetite, indigestion and digestive disorders, biliary dyskinesia, fever, and liver disease; as an anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, tonic, antispasmodic, and to stimulate sweating and the imagination. Topically, for healing wounds and insect bites and as a counterirritant. In foods, wormwood as a flavoring agent. In manufacturing, as a fragrance component in soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes, and as an insecticide. Anticonvulsants Cundeamore (Bitter Gourd) Orally, for diabetes, psoriasis, gastrointestinal upset, ulcers, colitis, constipation, intestinal worms, kidney stones, fever, hepatic disease, and to induce menstruation. Topically, for skin abscesses and wounds, and anorectal herpes lesions. Antidiabetic agents Savila (Aloe Vera) Orally, for osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, fever, itching and inflammation, as a general tonic, for gastroduodenal ulcers, diabetes, asthma, and radiation-related mucositis. Topically, for burns, wound healing, psoriasis, sunburn, frostbite, inflammation, osteoarthritis, and cold sores; and as an antiseptic and a moisturizer. Oral medications (in general); sevoflurane; diuretics; digoxin; antidiabetic agents Una de Gato (Cat’s Claw) Orally, for diverticulitis, peptic ulcers, colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids, parasites, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, wound healing, arthritis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, cancer (especially of the urinary tract), glioblastoma, gonorrhea, dysentery, birth control, bone pain, “cleansing” the kidneys, and viral infections, including herpes zoster, herpes simplex, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Antihypertensive agents; immunosuppressants; cytochrome P450 3a4 (Cyp3a4) substrates (eg, lovastatin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fexofenadine, triazolam, etc.) Pelos de Elote (Corn Silk) Orally, for cystitis, urethritis, nocturnal enuresis, prostatitis, inflammation of the urinary tract, diabetes, hypertension, and as a diuretic for congestive heart failure. Antihypertensive agents; antidiabetic agents; diuretics; corticosteroids; warfarin Oregano Orally, for respiratory tract disorders, including cough, asthma, croup, and bronchitis; for gastrointestinal disorders, such as dyspepsia and bloating; for dysmenorrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract infections, headaches, heart conditions, intestinal parasites, allergies, sinusitis, arthritis, cold and flu, earaches, and fatigue. Topically, for acne, athlete’s foot, dandruff, insect and spider bites, canker sores, gum disease, toothaches, psoriasis, seborrhea, ringworm, rosacea, muscle pain, varicose veins, and warts, and as an insect repellent. In foods and beverages, as a culinary spice and a preservative. None known Limon (Lemon) Orally, as a source of vitamin C in the treatment of scurvy and colds; as a digestive aid, an anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and to improve vascular permeability. In foods, as a food and flavoring agent. None known Valeriana (Valerian) Orally, as a sedative-hypnotic for insomnia and as an anxiolytic for restlessness; for mood disorders such as depression, mild tremors, epilepsy, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, and chronic fatigue syndrome; for muscle and joint pain, asthma, hysterical states, excitability, hypochondria, headaches, migraine, stomach upset, menstrual cramps and symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes and anxiety. Topically, as a bath additive for restlessness and sleep disorders. In manufacturing, as flavoring in foods and beverages. Alcohol; benzodiazepines; CNS depressants; cytochrome P450 3a4 (Cyp3a4) substrates (eg, lovastatin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, fexofenadine, triazolam, etc.) Tomillo (Thyme) Orally, for bronchitis, pertussis, sore throat, colic, arthritis, dyspepsia, gastritis, diarrhea, enuresis, dyspraxia, flatulence, skin disorders, as a diuretic, urinary disinfectant, anthelmintic, and as an appetite stimulant. Topically, for laryngitis, tonsillitis, stomatitis, and halitosis; as a counterirritant, an antiseptic in mouthwashes and liniments, and for alopecia areata. Otically, as an antibacterial and antifungal ingredient. In foods, as a flavoring agent. In manufacturing, in perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, and toothpastes. Antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents Epasote (Wormseed) Orally, for ascaris and oxyuris infestations. None known
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