Be careful when consuming winter blend teas!

Some herbal teas can even cause miscarriage!

Too much linden causes dizziness!

Emphasizing that winter blend teas, which are beneficial for health, should be consumed carefully in cases such as allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, breastfeeding period, liver diseases and drug interactions, experts say that some herbs during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage.

Explaining that winter blend teas can interact with some drugs due to the herbal components they contain, they can cause unwanted side effects. Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman said that "It is important for people who use anticoagulants, hypoglycemic drugs, antihypertensive drugs and sedative drugs to consume these herbal teas carefully and consult a health professional." Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman said that "Linden, known for its soothing and relaxing properties, can cause sedation, drowsiness and dizziness when consumed in excess."

Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services Medical and Aromatic Plants Program Head Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman evaluated who should not prefer winter blend teas, the consumption of which increases in winter.

During pregnancy, certain herbs can increase the risk of miscarriage

Noting that winter blend teas are herbal teas preferred to alleviate the symptoms of diseases such as colds and flu, Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman said that "However, these teas may be inconvenient for people with some health problems. Excessive consumption of some herbs, especially in those with stomach and digestive system problems, can irritate the stomach, and also cause a burning sensation in people with acidic stomach problems. For example, mint, which can be found in winter blend teas, can trigger heartburn and acidic reflux, thyme can worsen some stomach problems, people with ailments such as stomach ulcers or gastritis are advised to avoid ginger. During pregnancy, some herbs can increase the risk of miscarriage. It has been stated that the consumption of high amounts of ginger, which is widely used to relieve nausea, may pose a risk of miscarriage. In addition, excessive use of herbs such as ginger, cinnamon and thyme in people with bleeding problems and anticoagulant use can trigger bleeding disorders by affecting blood clotting processes."

Individuals with a history of hormone-sensitive cancer should use chamomile with caution

Stating that thyme can lower blood pressure by interacting with blood pressure-lowering drugs in people with blood pressure problems, especially in people with high blood pressure, Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman said that "Cinnamon can interact with antidiabetic drugs, causing blood sugar to drop excessively. Therefore, it is important for people with diabetes to pay attention to the use of cinnamon and monitor their blood sugar levels. In addition, high consumption of cinnamon can have negative effects on the liver. Chamomile, known for its antiviral, anti-inflammatory and calming properties, may contain some compounds that may affect hormones, and individuals with a history of hormone-sensitive cancer should use it with caution."

Linden can cause some people to have an allergic reaction

Stating that echinacea, which is an immune-supporting plant that is frequently used against colds, can cause allergic reactions or side effects in some people, Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman said, "In individuals with autoimmune diseases (such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), echinacea can further activate the immune system, which can lead to exacerbation of the disease. There is a risk of allergic reactions for individuals who are sensitive to flower pollen. Linden, for example, can cause some people to have an allergic reaction. Caution is required as the effects of many plants on children have not been adequately studied."

Winter blend teas can interact with some medications and cause unwanted side effects

Explaining that winter blend teas can interact with some drugs due to the herbal components they contain, they can cause unwanted side effects. Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman continued her remarks as follows:

"Winter blend teas containing herbs such as ginger, elderberry, thyme, sage, chamomile, cinnamon and cloves may interact with anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin, aspirin, heparin) and antiplatelet drugs, affecting blood clotting mechanisms and increasing the risk of bleeding. Herbs such as cinnamon, cloves, and sage can increase the risk of hypoglycemia in individuals taking insulin or oral antidiabetic medications (e.g., metformin), causing blood sugar levels to drop dangerously. Herbs such as thyme, ginger, and linden can interact with antihypertensive drugs, lowering blood pressure excessively. Linden and chamomile, which have calming and sleep-inducing properties, can interact with sedative medications such as benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam), barbiturates, and sleep medications, creating excessive sedation, dizziness, and sleepiness."

Those who use blood pressure medication should consume herbal teas carefully

Explaining that some plants, especially cinnamon and thyme, can affect serotonin levels, therefore, attention should be paid to their use together with antidepressant drugs. Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman said that "Licorice root, which has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, may interact with drugs used in the treatment of hypertension. Peppermint, a plant with refreshing and antimicrobial properties that is often preferred in the treatment of problems such as colds, sore throats and digestive problems, can increase stomach acid, which can be especially problematic for people who use antacid drugs. Some herbs, such as echinacea and elderberry, can reduce treatment effectiveness by stimulating the immune system, interacting with immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., steroids or immunosuppressives). It is especially important for people who use anticoagulants, hypoglycemic drugs, antihypertensive drugs and sedative drugs to consume these herbal teas carefully and consult a health professional.

It can cause miscarriage and premature birth in pregnant women

Stating that pregnancy and breastfeeding is a very sensitive period in terms of maternal and infant health, Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman said that "It is reported that excessive consumption of ginger, which is widely used for nausea during pregnancy, may be associated with negative consequences such as miscarriage risk or premature birth. In addition, excessive use of ginger (more than 1 gram daily) is not recommended, as it can increase the risk of bleeding. It is recommended to use ginger with caution in breastfeeding mothers, as excessive consumption can affect the baby's digestive system and cause stomach problems such as colic. Cinnamon can trigger uterine contractions when used in high doses due to the coumarin it contains, which may pose a risk of miscarriage or premature birth. During breastfeeding, excessive use of cinnamon can affect the baby's digestive system and lead to some allergic reactions. Thyme and sage are also herbs that should be used in a limited way during pregnancy. Like cinnamon, it can increase uterine contractions, which can lead to premature birth during pregnancy."

Ginseng is known to be able to raise blood pressure

Stating that some plants can cause changes in blood pressure by creating negative effects on heart health, Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman continued her remarks as follows:

"Teas with such plants can often have properties that lower or increase blood pressure, which can affect the bioavailability of the drugs used and thus the treatment processes. In addition, herbal teas can interact with antihypertensive drugs, anticoagulants, or cardiac medications, causing serious side effects. In people treated for hypertension, thyme and ginger can interact with antihypertensive drugs and lower blood pressure excessively, leading to low blood pressure. Rosemary, which has blood circulation-enhancing properties, can also lead to extremely low blood pressure when combined with antihypertensive drugs and pose some risks for cardiovascular diseases. Ginseng, which is known for its energy-enhancing and immune system-boosting properties, is presented to be able to raise blood pressure and pose serious risks in hypertension patients, according to some studies. It is very important for people with hypertension or heart disease to consult their doctor before using any herbal tea regularly."

Too much linden causes dizziness

Stating that excessive consumption of herbs such as ginger, thyme and cinnamon can cause stomach and digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain, cinnamon can trigger stomach problems such as gastritis or ulcers in some people. Asst. Prof. Tuğba Kaman said that"Linden, known for its soothing and relaxing properties, can cause sedation, drowsiness and dizziness when consumed in excess. This can be risky in jobs that require attention. Cinnamon, which has metabolism-accelerating and anti-inflammatory properties, can cause liver toxicity and impair liver functions when taken in high doses due to the coumarin substance it contains. Fennel, which is a plant that is good for digestive system problems, can disrupt the hormonal balance when taken in excessive amounts, as it contains estrogen-like compounds. This may pose a risk, especially for people with a history of hormone-sensitive cancer (e.g., breast cancer). And the use of all these plants in high doses can adversely affect our immune system by developing hypersensitivity to the active ingredients they contain."

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)