Diamond Author
There can be a blase' attitude towards herbal remedies; summed up as "Since it's all natural it can't hurt me." This can be far from the truth, though many standard herbal preparations are safe for most people to use. There are times, however, when you'll need to decide which is better for you, the herb or the drug. Some of them cannot be mixed, even when they are mild on their own. Read on to find out if what you are taking or plan to take could cause problems.
1) Antidepressants: There are many different types of antidepressant medications on the market, and it may be easy to see a few herbs that could be a problem. Any medication that causes drowsiness should not be mixed with herbs that can cause drowsiness. St. John's Wort, chamomile, lavender, jasmine, passionflower and several other herbs can fit this list.
There is one type of medication in this genre that may offer a surprise. If you take a tricyclic antidepressant, avoid iodine and kelp, which is high in the trace element. This combo could raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels.
2) Blood Pressure: As with antidepressants, there are several different types of blood pressure medication. Each has its own peculiarity, and you'll probably be given a sheet of information when you're prescribed one so that you can make sure to follow instructions. Some require you to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, many suggest caution when mixing them with things that cause drowsiness and at least two herbs interact. Licorice is the most critical to remember, as it will raise blood pressure quickly. Rosemary may be safe in food amounts, but teas and supplemental levels could be problematic.
3) Blood Thinners: A blood thinner regimen may be low dose aspirin therapy, which is fairly mild. It can also include stronger drugs such as anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs. Herbs that can do the same thing could make your blood too thin. Chamomile, garlic, willow bark and even fish oil can cause problems.
4) Diabetes: Diabetics don't just have to watch out for foods, herbs can also cause problems. Some, like licorice, can cause levels to go up, as they are high in sugar. Others, such as aloe, cinnamon and ginseng can lower sugar levels.
5) Immune Response: This applies to those with autoimmune disorders and those who have had transplants or have other reasons to dampen the immune response. Herbs that affect that system have to be watched. A good example here is echinacea, which is often used to improve immunity.
6) Sedatives: Like antidepressants, sedatives should not be mixed with medications that cause drowsiness. This includes St. John's Wort, chamomile, lavender, jasmine, kava and passionflower.
7) Statins: These medications are used to help lower LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. They can be an important part of preventing problems with the cardiovascular system, but there can be at least one major interaction. Taking goldenseal at the same time as any statin can cause serious muscle damage and renal failure.
The best thing you can do to prevent drug/herb interactions is to talk with your doctor and pharmacist. You may also want to consult a qualified herbal practitioner. This will help not only with possible interactions, but also with side effects and precautions. Make sure to give them a complete list of everything you are taking, both medicine and supplement. Also tell them about any medical conditions you have been diagnosed with. By using the team approach, you can use herbs safely.
About this Author
My eBook the Complete Guide to Complementary Remedies, has information from all of my mini books, plus much more. Topics include:
Blood pressure: Page Eleven
Depression: Page Fourteen
Kidney stones: Page Fifty-Six
Herbs and weight loss: Page One Hundred Two
Interaction list: Page One Hundred Fifteen
Our site has information on many topics and my five eBooks about herbal remedies. You can also download my free report, the Top Ten Herbs. It details ten popular herbs, their uses, side effects, precautions and drug interactions. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me: mary@healing-home-remedies.com
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