Herbal Contraindications & Educational Considerations
At Wholehearted Harmony, we believe education, transparency, and biological understanding matter. While not every herb listed below is used in every formulation, this guide is intended to provide general educational considerations for many of the herbs commonly used throughout our blends for horses, dogs, cats, and people.
Please note: during custom formulations, some herbs used may not appear on this list, while some herbs listed here may not be included in a particular formulation. Herbal considerations are not always absolute and may depend on dosage, formulation, preparation method, duration of use, species, constitution, medications, health history, pregnancy status, and overall biological balance.
Many herbal considerations listed below are not always absolute contraindications. In some situations, herbs may be used alongside medications or as part of a carefully monitored process designed to support overall biological balance and function. Any reduction or adjustment of medications should always be approached thoughtfully, gradually, and with appropriate monitoring and guidance.
As an Advanced Master Herbalist, my goal is not simply to provide herbs, but to help educate and guide you in understanding how herbs interact within the body as part of a whole-systems approach. If you are unsure where to start, have questions regarding medications or health conditions, or see something listed that you are uncertain about, please reach out or schedule a consultation. I am here to help support and guide you every step of the way.
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A
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Amla Berry / Amalaki • Phyllanthus emblica • Ayurvedic • Native to India and Southeast Asia
Use caution alongside diabetic medications due to potential blood sugar-lowering activity. Use additional caution during pregnancy or nursing unless appropriately guided.
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Ashwagandha • Withania somnifera • Ayurvedic • Native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa
Use caution in hyperthyroid conditions or alongside thyroid medications unless appropriately monitored. May enhance the effects of sedatives or calming medications. Use additional caution during pregnancy or nursing unless appropriately guided.
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Astragalus • Astragalus membranaceus • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to China and Mongolia
Use caution alongside immune-suppressing medications unless appropriately monitored. Use additional caution during pregnancy or nursing unless appropriately guided.
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B
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Barberry • Berberis vulgaris • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia
Use caution alongside diabetic medications, blood pressure medications, or medications metabolized by the liver. Avoid during pregnancy unless professionally guided.
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Basil • Ocimum basilicum • Western Herbalism • Native to tropical Asia and Africa
Use caution in concentrated medicinal amounts alongside blood-thinning medications. Use additional caution during pregnancy or nursing unless appropriately guided.
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Bentonite Clay • Mineral Clay • Traditional Earth-Based Use • Naturally occurring volcanic ash clay
Use caution alongside oral medications or supplements due to possible interference with absorption. Allow separation between medications and clay use when appropriate.
Bilberry Leaf • Vaccinium myrtillus • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and Northern Asia
Use caution alongside diabetic medications or anticoagulants due to possible additive effects.
Black Cumin • Nigella sativa • Ayurvedic • Traditional Middle Eastern Herbalism • Native to Southwest Asia
Use caution alongside blood pressure or diabetic medications due to potential additive effects. Use additional caution during pregnancy unless appropriately guided.
Black Walnut Hull • Juglans nigra • Western Herbalism • Native to North America
Use caution in individuals with nut sensitivities. Avoid prolonged excessive use unless professionally guided.
Boswellia • Boswellia serrata • Ayurvedic • Native to India, Africa, and the Middle East
Use caution alongside anticoagulants or anti-inflammatory medications unless appropriately monitored. Use additional caution during pregnancy or nursing unless appropriately guided.
Burdock Root • Arctium lappa • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and Asia
Use caution alongside diabetic medications or diuretics due to possible additive effects. Use additional caution during pregnancy unless appropriately guided.
C
Cacao Nibs • Theobroma cacao • Central and South American Traditional Use • Native to Central and South America
Contains naturally occurring caffeine-like compounds and may not be appropriate in large amounts alongside stimulant medications or for caffeine-sensitive individuals.
Calendula • Calendula officinalis • Western Herbalism • Native to the Mediterranean region
Use caution alongside sedative medications due to possible mild calming effects. Use additional caution during pregnancy unless appropriately guided.
Cardamom • Elettaria cardamomum • Ayurvedic • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to India and Sri Lanka
Use caution alongside anticoagulant medications in concentrated medicinal amounts.
Cascara Sagrada • Rhamnus purshiana • Western Herbalism • Native to North America
Not intended for prolonged excessive use unless professionally guided. Use caution alongside diuretics, cardiac medications, or laxatives due to potential electrolyte imbalance. Avoid during pregnancy or nursing.
Cat's Claw • Uncaria tomentosa • Indigenous South American Herbalism • Native to the Amazon rainforest
Use caution alongside immune-suppressing medications, blood pressure medications, or anticoagulants. Avoid during pregnancy unless professionally guided.
Catnip • Nepeta cataria • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and Asia
May enhance the effects of sedatives or calming medications. Use additional caution during pregnancy unless appropriately guided.
Chamomile • Matricaria chamomilla • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and Western Asia
Use caution in individuals with ragweed or Asteraceae family sensitivities. May enhance the effects of sedative medications. Use additional caution during pregnancy unless appropriately guided.
Chaparral • Larrea tridentata • Indigenous Southwestern Herbalism • Native to the Southwestern United States and Mexico
Use caution in individuals with liver conditions or alongside medications metabolized heavily through the liver. Avoid prolonged excessive use unless professionally guided. Avoid during pregnancy or nursing.
Chickweed • Stellaria media • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and naturalized widely
Use caution in large medicinal amounts alongside diuretics.
Cinnamon • Cinnamomum verum / Cinnamomum cassia • Ayurvedic • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to Sri Lanka and Asia
Use caution alongside diabetic medications or anticoagulants due to possible additive effects.
Cleavers • Galium aparine • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe, Asia, and North America
Use caution alongside diuretics due to possible additive effects.
Clove • Syzygium aromaticum • Ayurvedic • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to Indonesia
Use caution alongside anticoagulants or before surgery due to possible blood-thinning activity.
Coltsfoot • Tussilago farfara • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and Asia
Use cautiously and only from reputable properly processed sources due to naturally occurring pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Avoid during pregnancy or nursing unless professionally guided.
Cordyceps Mushroom • Cordyceps militaris / Cordyceps sinensis • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to Asia
Use caution alongside immune-suppressing medications or anticoagulants unless appropriately monitored.
Corn Silk • Zea mays • Indigenous North American Herbalism • Native to Central America
Use caution alongside diuretics or diabetic medications due to possible additive effects.
D
Dandelion Root • Taraxacum officinale • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and Asia
Use caution alongside diuretics, lithium, or diabetic medications. Individuals with ragweed or Asteraceae family sensitivities should use cautiously.
Diatomaceous Earth • Fossilized Silica-Based Earth • Traditional Earth-Based Use
Use only food-grade forms internally when appropriate. Avoid inhalation of fine dust particles.
Dill Leaf / Dill Seed • Anethum graveolens • Western Herbalism • Native to the Mediterranean region and Western Asia
Use caution in concentrated medicinal amounts alongside diabetic medications.
Dong Quai • Angelica sinensis • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to China
Use caution alongside anticoagulants or hormone-sensitive conditions. Avoid during pregnancy unless professionally guided.
E
Elderberries • Sambucus nigra • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and North America
Raw berries, leaves, and stems should not be consumed unprepared. Use caution alongside immune-suppressing medications.
Elderflowers • Sambucus nigra • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and North America
Use caution alongside diuretics or diabetic medications due to possible additive effects.
Echinacea • Echinacea purpurea • Western Herbalism • Native to North America
Use caution alongside immune-suppressing medications or in individuals with autoimmune conditions unless appropriately monitored.
Eleuthero • Eleutherococcus senticosus • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to Russia, China, Korea, and Japan
Use caution alongside stimulant medications, blood pressure medications, or diabetic medications. Use additional caution during pregnancy unless appropriately guided.
Eyebright • Euphrasia officinalis • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe
Use caution alongside diabetic medications due to possible blood sugar effects.
F
Fennel Seed • Foeniculum vulgare • Western Herbalism • Native to the Mediterranean region
Use caution in hormone-sensitive conditions due to mild phytoestrogenic properties. Use additional caution during pregnancy unless appropriately guided.
Fenugreek Seed • Trigonella foenum-graecum • Ayurvedic • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to the Mediterranean region and Asia
Use caution alongside diabetic medications or anticoagulants due to possible additive effects. Avoid excessive use during pregnancy unless professionally guided.
Feverfew • Tanacetum parthenium • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe
Use caution alongside anticoagulants or NSAIDs due to possible additive effects. Avoid during pregnancy.
G
Ginger Root • Zingiber officinale • Ayurvedic • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Western Herbalism • Native to Southeast
Asia
Use caution alongside anticoagulant or blood-thinning medications due to potential mild blood-thinning activity. May be stimulating in larger amounts for individuals with significant gastric irritation, active ulcers, or severe acid reflux. Use additional caution during pregnancy or nursing unless appropriately guided.
Ginkgo Biloba • Ginkgo biloba • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to China
Use caution alongside anticoagulants, NSAIDs, seizure medications, or before surgery due to possible blood-thinning activity.
Gotu Kola • Centella asiatica • Ayurvedic • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to Asia
Use caution alongside sedatives or medications metabolized heavily through the liver. Use additional caution during pregnancy unless appropriately guided.
Gymnema • Gymnema sylvestre • Ayurvedic • Native to India and Africa
Use caution alongside insulin or diabetic medications due to possible additive blood sugar-lowering effects.
H
Hawthorn Berry • Crataegus monogyna • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia
Use caution alongside cardiac medications, blood pressure medications, or anticoagulants unless appropriately monitored.
Hibiscus • Hibiscus sabdariffa • Traditional African Herbalism • Ayurvedic • Native to Africa and Asia
Use caution alongside blood pressure or diabetic medications due to possible additive effects. Use additional caution during pregnancy unless appropriately guided.
J
Jasmine Flower • Jasminum officinale • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to Asia
Use caution alongside sedative medications due to mild calming effects.
Juniper Berry • Juniperus communis • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe, Asia, and North America
Use caution in kidney conditions or alongside diuretics. Avoid excessive use during pregnancy.
K
Kelp • Ascophyllum nodosum / various sea vegetables • Traditional Coastal Herbalism
Use caution in hyperthyroid conditions or alongside thyroid medications due to naturally occurring iodine content.
L
Lavender • Lavandula angustifolia • Western Herbalism • Native to the Mediterranean region
May enhance the effects of sedatives or calming medications. Use additional caution during pregnancy unless appropriately guided.
Lemon Balm • Melissa officinalis • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and the Mediterranean region
May enhance the effects of sedative or thyroid medications. Use caution in hypothyroid conditions unless appropriately monitored.
Lemon Grass • Cymbopogon citratus • Ayurvedic • Traditional Asian Herbalism • Native to tropical Asia
Use caution alongside diabetic medications due to possible additive effects. Use additional caution during pregnancy unless appropriately guided.
Lemon Peel / Orange Peel • Citrus limon / Citrus sinensis • Western Herbalism • Native to Asia
Use caution in individuals with citrus sensitivities or severe reflux conditions.
Lemon Verbena • Aloysia citrodora • Western Herbalism • Native to South America
May enhance the effects of sedatives or calming medications.
Licorice Root • Glycyrrhiza glabra • Ayurvedic • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and Asia
Use caution in high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, or alongside corticosteroids, diuretics, or cardiac medications unless appropriately monitored. Avoid prolonged excessive use unless professionally guided.
Linden Flower • Tilia cordata / Tilia europaea • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe
May enhance the effects of sedative medications or calming supplements.
Lobelia • Lobelia inflata • Western Herbalism • Native to North America
Use cautiously and only in appropriate formulations due to strong physiological activity. Avoid during pregnancy unless professionally guided.
Lungwort • Pulmonaria officinalis • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe
Use cautiously and only from reputable sources due to naturally occurring pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
M
Marshmallow Root • Althaea officinalis • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa
May interfere with absorption of medications or supplements if taken simultaneously. Allow separation from medications when appropriate.
Meadowsweet • Filipendula ulmaria • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and Western Asia
Contains naturally occurring salicylate compounds. Use caution alongside anticoagulants, aspirin, NSAIDs, or salicylate sensitivities.
Milk Thistle Seed • Silybum marianum • Western Herbalism • Native to the Mediterranean region
Use caution alongside medications metabolized heavily through the liver due to possible influence on liver enzyme pathways.
Mullein • Verbascum thapsus • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa
Use caution in individuals with sensitivities to the Scrophulariaceae plant family.
N
Neem • Azadirachta indica • Ayurvedic • Native to India
Use caution alongside diabetic medications due to possible additive blood sugar-lowering effects. Avoid during pregnancy unless professionally guided.
Nettle Leaf • Urtica dioica • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe, Asia, and North America
Use caution alongside diuretics, diabetic medications, blood pressure medications, or anticoagulants due to possible additive effects.
Nutritional Yeast • Saccharomyces cerevisiae • Nutritional Whole Food Ingredient
Use caution in individuals with yeast sensitivities or severe histamine intolerance.
O
Olive Leaf • Olea europaea • Western Herbalism • Native to the Mediterranean region
Use caution alongside diabetic or blood pressure medications due to possible additive effects.
Oregano • Origanum vulgare • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and the Mediterranean region
Use caution in concentrated medicinal amounts alongside anticoagulants or diabetic medications.
P
Passionflower • Passiflora incarnata • Western Herbalism • Native to North and South America
May enhance the effects of sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, or sleep medications. Use additional caution during pregnancy unless appropriately guided.
Parsley • Petroselinum crispum • Western Herbalism • Native to the Mediterranean region
Use caution in kidney conditions or alongside diuretics. Avoid excessive medicinal amounts during pregnancy.
Pau d'Arco • Tabebuia impetiginosa • Western Herbalism • Native to South America
Use caution alongside anticoagulants due to possible blood-thinning activity.
Peppermint • Mentha piperita • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and the Middle East
May aggravate reflux symptoms in some individuals. Use caution alongside antacids or reflux medications.
Plantain • Plantago major • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and Asia
May interfere with absorption of medications if taken simultaneously.
Psyllium Husk • Plantago ovata • Ayurvedic • Native to India
May interfere with absorption of medications or supplements if taken simultaneously. Allow separation from medications when appropriate.
Pumpkin Seed • Cucurbita pepo • Western Herbalism • Native to the Americas
Use caution alongside diuretics due to possible additive effects.
R
Raspberry Leaf • Rubus idaeus • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and Asia
Traditionally used during later pregnancy under guidance. Use additional caution during early pregnancy unless appropriately guided.
Red Clover Blossom • Trifolium pratense • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe, Western Asia, and Africa
Use caution alongside anticoagulants or in hormone-sensitive conditions due to phytoestrogenic properties.
Red Reishi Mushroom • Ganoderma lucidum • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to Asia
Use caution alongside anticoagulants, immune-suppressing medications, or before surgery due to possible blood-thinning and immune-modulating effects.
Rhodiola Root • Rhodiola rosea • Western Herbalism • Native to cold mountainous regions of Europe and Asia
Use caution alongside stimulant medications, antidepressants, or bipolar conditions due to possible stimulating effects.
Rose Hips • Rosa canina • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa
Use caution alongside anticoagulants in large medicinal amounts due to naturally occurring vitamin K variation.
Rose Petals • Rosa damascena and related species • Western Herbalism • Native to Asia and the Middle East
Generally well tolerated. Use caution in individuals with rose sensitivities.
Rosemary • Rosmarinus officinalis • Western Herbalism • Native to the Mediterranean region
Use caution alongside anticoagulants, seizure medications, or high blood pressure conditions in concentrated medicinal amounts.
S
Sage • Salvia officinalis • Western Herbalism • Native to the Mediterranean region
Use caution alongside seizure medications or during pregnancy in concentrated medicinal amounts.
Saw Palmetto Berry • Serenoa repens • Western Herbalism • Native to the Southeastern United States
Use caution alongside hormone therapies or anticoagulants.
Schisandra Berry • Schisandra chinensis • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to China and Russia
Use caution alongside medications metabolized through the liver due to possible enzyme pathway interactions.
Skullcap • Scutellaria lateriflora • Western Herbalism • Native to North America
May enhance the effects of sedative or anti-anxiety medications.
Slippery Elm Bark • Ulmus rubra • Western Herbalism • Native to North America
May interfere with absorption of medications or supplements if taken simultaneously. Allow separation from medications when appropriate.
Spearmint • Mentha spicata • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and Asia
Use caution in individuals with severe reflux conditions.
Star Anise • Illicium verum • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to China and Vietnam
Use only true culinary star anise from reputable sources. Use caution during pregnancy unless appropriately guided.
T
Thyme • Thymus vulgaris • Western Herbalism • Native to the Mediterranean region
Use caution in concentrated medicinal amounts alongside anticoagulants.
Tulsi / Holy Basil • Ocimum sanctum • Ayurvedic • Native to India
Use caution alongside diabetic medications, anticoagulants, or fertility treatments unless appropriately monitored.
Turmeric Root • Curcuma longa • Ayurvedic • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to India and Southeast Asia
Use caution alongside anticoagulants, diabetic medications, gallbladder conditions, or before surgery due to possible blood-thinning and blood sugar-lowering effects.
U
Uva Ursi • Arctostaphylos uva-ursi • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe, Asia, and North America
Traditionally intended for shorter-term use only. Avoid during pregnancy or nursing unless professionally guided. Use caution in kidney conditions.
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V
Valerian Root • Valeriana officinalis • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and Asia
May enhance the effects of sedatives, sleep medications, anti-anxiety medications, or alcohol.
Vervain • Verbena officinalis • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe
May enhance the effects of sedatives. Use additional caution during pregnancy unless appropriately guided.
Vitex / Chaste Berry • Vitex agnus-castus • Western Herbalism • Native to the Mediterranean region
Use caution alongside hormone therapies, fertility medications, dopamine-related medications, or hormone-sensitive conditions.
W
White Peony Root / Bark • Paeonia lactiflora • Traditional Chinese Medicine • Native to China
Use caution alongside anticoagulants or immune-suppressing medications unless appropriately monitored.
White Willow Bark • Salix alba • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and Western Asia
Contains naturally occurring salicylate compounds. Use caution alongside anticoagulants, aspirin, NSAIDs, or in individuals with salicylate sensitivities. Avoid during pregnancy unless professionally guided.
Wormwood • Artemisia absinthium • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and Asia
Use cautiously and only in appropriate formulations due to strong physiological activity. Avoid during pregnancy, seizure disorders, or prolonged excessive use unless professionally guided.
Y
Yarrow • Achillea millefolium • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe, Asia, and North America
Use caution in individuals with Asteraceae family sensitivities. Use caution alongside anticoagulants. Avoid excessive medicinal amounts during pregnancy.
Yellow Dock • Rumex crispus • Western Herbalism • Native to Europe and Western Asia
Use caution in individuals with kidney stones or alongside diuretics due to naturally occurring oxalates.