Herbal medicine uses such ingredients as pumpkin seed oil, pygeum extract and uva ursi for treating common ailments. Each individual extract may be added to a primary active ingredient in an herbal formula, or several may be combined in an herbal remedy. Uva ursi, for instance, has a role in alternative health care for treating urinary tract infections and bladder inflammation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), while pygeum is used for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Pumpkin seed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. Consumers should be aware that some side effects are possible when taking supplements based on these three herbs.

Minor Side Effects

Most side effects associated with pygeum and uva ursi are mild, as noted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Some people may experience diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain or nausea. The Physicians’ Desktop Reference advises talking with your doctor if you experience nausea or vomiting while taking uva ursi. You shouldn’t take this herb if you already have digestive problems such as cramps, gas, diarrhea, ulcers or Crohn’s disease. In addition, some individuals taking uva ursi may experience irritability and have trouble sleeping. Neither of these herbs should be given to children because of lack of research on pediatric patients along with the risk of side effects.