Herbal Remedies and Medication: Are They a Safe Combination?

There is an herbal remedy for just about everything from a simple cold to back pain and headaches. But what if you have a medical condition that requires prescription medication? Most people are not aware of possible harmful interactions that can lead to more serious problems in the long run.

According to the Department of Pharmacy at the National University of Singapore, the interactions between herbal remedies and prescription medication depends on many factors. Most importantly the factors concerning the herbal remedy, the prescription medication and the patient themselves should be taken into consideration before allowing a person to take the herbal remedy in conjunction with their prescription medication. While herbal remedies do help, a need for greater awareness is needed as well as the herbal supplemental itself should be properly labeled to alert of potential interactions.

While more research is being conducted to fully understand all potential interactions, a few have been discovered. While there is still testing going on, people who take herbal supplements while taking prescription medication need to speak to their doctor before using any herbal supplement.

According to WebMD (www.webmd.com) five years ago cardiologists recommended that their patients take additional herbal supplements of Vitamins A and C as well as other antioxidants. But now, it had been determined that the extra dosage could cause coronary damage and have stopped recommending same. Another set of herbal remedies that can also be harmful is used extensively with prescription medication include Ginseng and Kava Kava as well as St. John's Wort and Ginger. Thus, if a person taking blood thinning medication and these herbal remedies may raise their blood pressure to a dangerous level.

Finally WebMD had stated that amino acids can actually hinder a person's metabolism, making it harder for a person to lose and maintain a healthy weight. Further, most amino acid claims are just that - claims, they doe not live up their hype of adding muscle or bulk.

It is far more safer to get these sorts of supplements naturally through fruit and vegetables. The complex compounds that are in each piece of produce works in combination with the others and it turns out to be more beneficial for the person consuming the produce. But, if you are able to take herbal supplements or remedies, consult with an herbalist. According to Robin Dispasquale, ND of the Botanical Medicine Department at Bastyr University, look for an herbalist who works closely with a doctor or who has general medical knowledge and training as they will be more knowledgeable when it comes to recommending an herbal remedy or suggest one seek medical attention.

Herbal remedies are good in helping keep a person healthy, but they should be taking in moderation and a person should consult with their doctor before starting any such herbal remedy or supplement and this is more true if a person takes prescription medication.