The licorice root is a regular sight in the stall of any herb seller, and it's usually in dry form. These days, it also comes in capsule form and is reputed to be used in the treatment of ulcers and other stomach ailments, bronchitis and sore throat, and some viral infections. The risk is that licorice root can raise blood pressure. And, like aloe vera, it can also cause a dangerous drop in blood potassium levels.
Consultant Cardiologist with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Folashade Daniel, said it was absolutely unadvisable for a heart patient to combine orthodox medicine with herbal preparations. She said she had patients who attempted it, with dire consequences.
"Many of these herbal preparations contain alcohol, which is not good for someone with heart condition," she warns; "as they contain ingredients that are usually unstated beyond the fact that they are 'blendedwith active medicinal plant extracts.'"
She says the effect of alcohol on health and heart disease iscomplex.
On the observation that someherbal preparations do enhance the libido, and whether it is safe for a heart patient to engage in sexual activity — an issue on which physicians differ — Daniel says when someone has heart disease, the last thing on his or her mind is sex.
She explains, "Albeit, it's a matter of individual preference. While a study claims that men who have sex at least twice a week cut their chances of having a heart attack almost by half, for those who already have heart issue, it's a different ball game. This is because sexexerts physical pressure on the heart. When having sex, the heart rate goes from 70 beats per minute to 150; and this may take its toll on someone who is suffering from heart condition.
"When you undertake a particularly strenuous bout oflovemaking, you might wonder whether the exertionis actually stressing, rather than strengthening, your heart. Anyone who is in doubt should ask his or her physician, who will be able tocounsel them aright based ontheir medical history."
Professor of Chiropractor andPresident, Federal College of Complementary & Alternative Medicine, Bishop Magnus Atilade, agrees with Daniel that it is not advisable to combine both treatments, because one element might work against the other.
He says, "Chemically-prepareddrugs (orthodox medicine) must not be combined with organically-prepared ones (alternative medicine) because the elements may work against the other.
"Unlike orthodox medicines which are instant in the way they work, alternative medicines take time to work in the human system becausethe body needs time to adjustto it. We advise people against marrying the treatments."