star anise

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An Aetna InteliHealth/Harvard Medical School Look At The News -- FDA

Warning On Herbal Tea

 

Forgive me if someone else has posted this bit of news - I haven't seen

the digest yet.

 

As usual, the part that stands out for me is that patients are

instructed to have their MD review any herbal product they are taking.

No mention of a professional, licensed herbalist to turn to. --Laurie

Burton

 

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WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers

not to drink teas brewed from the herb star anise, as it investigates

reports of people, including 15 infants, suffering seizures after

ingesting them.

 

Read the full story

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC277/333/7228/369208.html

 

 

[A Perspective From Harvard Medical School]

 

September 11, 2003

 

By Alice Chang, M.D.

Harvard Medical School

 

How does this article relate to me?

 

This report is another reminder that " herbal " or " alternative " does not

always mean " safe. " In particular, the use of any type of tea with

infants should be avoided unless you specifically approve it with a

pediatrician. Any herbal treatments that you hear about should also be

reviewed with your pediatrician.

 

With regards to star anise, this article describes the concern that the

known toxic or poisonous Japanese version of star anise may have been

mixed up with the Chinese variety that is safe. You can also review the

U.S. Food and Drug Administration report that describes symptoms among

adults and infants. In addition to seizures, people have reported

vomiting, jitteriness and rapid eye movement.

 

What changes do I need to make?

 

Be sure to check all your teas for star anise. Many Asian types of teas

contain star anise, even if the tea has a different name. Until more is

known, stick to another type for now.

 

If you have a baby or child, make sure you review any herbal products

you are considering with your physician. This includes anything that is

labeled a " natural " remedy. Always review the ingredients of products

you buy for hidden herbal ingredients. Many cold/flu remedies you can

buy without a prescription contain herbal ingredients.

 

What can I expect in the future?

 

The FDA is just starting to collect more information about the star

anise teas. Before you start drinking these teas again, you will want to

know: 1) what was the cause of the side effects and 2) if new tests or

regulations are making the tea supply safer here and elsewhere in the

world. Eventually, the hope is that the government will be able to

regulate the production and sale of all herbal products and supplements.