Indications
This group collects herbal, Unani and Ayurvedic products sold in Bangladesh that do not fit under one main ingredient. Each product has its own recipe and its own intended use, for example digestion, general weakness, cough, hair care or women’s health, so always read the label of the product you are buying. These are traditional remedies. They do not replace medicines prescribed for a diagnosed illness.
How It Works
This depends on the plants, honey, minerals and other ingredients in each product. For many traditional ingredients there is only limited scientific evidence about how well they work.
Dosage and Administration
Follow the dose on the label, or the advice of your doctor or a qualified practitioner. Do not take more than the label says, and do not combine several herbal products without advice. Give to children only if the product is made for children and a doctor agrees.
Interactions
Some herbs can change how medicines work. Take advice before using herbal products if you take:
- Warfarin or other blood thinners
- Medicines for diabetes, blood pressure or heart disease
- Medicines for epilepsy, depression or other mental health conditions
- Medicines after an organ transplant
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every herbal product you use, and ask whether to stop it before planned surgery.
Contraindications
Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredient. Avoid without medical advice in pregnancy, breastfeeding, young children, and in people with liver or kidney disease.
Side Effects
These vary by product. Common ones include stomach upset, loose stools, nausea and skin rash.
Get urgent medical help if you notice:
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing
- Yellow eyes or skin, or dark urine
- Severe stomach pain, vomiting or bloody stools
Pregnancy and Lactation
For most herbal mixtures, safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been proven. Avoid them unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Precautions and Warnings
- Buy only properly registered products and check the ingredient list.
- People with diabetes should check for honey or sugar in syrups.
- Never stop a prescribed medicine to take a herbal product instead.
- If symptoms do not improve within a few days, or get worse, see a doctor.
Overdose
Taking too much may cause vomiting, diarrhoea or other effects depending on the ingredients. Seek medical advice and take the pack with you.
Therapeutic Class
Herbal and traditional (Unani and Ayurvedic) preparations.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Close bottles tightly after use.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.