How to Avoid Negative Interactions Between Alternative Remedies & Regular Medications

Complementary medicine is the practice of using alternative medicine along with conventional medication to treat illnesses and disorders. This can mean taking herbal supplements in addition to prescription medication. While a combination of the two medications can be beneficial, interactions between herbal supplements and prescriptions can cause serious side effects.

Ginseng, Asian Ginseng, and Panax Ginseng are used to treat Type II Diabetes, sexual dysfunction in men, and as stimulants. According to the Physicians Desk Reference,Ginseng may interfere with blood thinning medications like Plavix, Warfarin, or aspirin, and could result in uncontrolled bleeding, hemorrhage, or clotting. Ginseng may exaggerate the effects of the anti-psychotic medication Haloperidol, and block the pain killing effects of morphine. This supplement may interact with MAO inhibitors used for depression, and cause head ace, tremors, or manic episodes. Always consult your physician if you are taking blood thinners, asthma medications, MAOI's, or are planning on having surgery before beginning ginseng therapy.

Hoodia Gordonii is a South African plant used to suppress appetite. Popular as a herbal diet remedy, hoodia may have negative interactions with medications for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and depression. It is possible that hoodia tricks the brain into thinking that the body has enough blood sugar, this can be especially dangerous for diabetics. Hoodia is also thought to suppress thirst, and dehydration is a possible result.

St. Johns Wort is an herbal supplement used to treat depression. In a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health was shown to have a negative interaction with Indinavir, a protease inhibitor used in the treatment of HIV. In 2000, a Public Health Advisory was issued, stating that St. Johns Wort may affect the way certain prescription medications are metabolized. Some of the drugs mentioned in the advisory are medications used for heart disease, seizures, depression and oral contraceptives. St. Johns Wort may cause the decreased effectiveness of these drugs.

Echinacea, is used as a blood purifier, to prevent infection, and promote healing. It may be able to boost your immune system, but can impair immune suppressive medications that are administered during surgeries involving transplants. This could result in a rejection of the transplanted organ.

Ginko Biloba is used to increase circulation, and to help with concentration and memory problems. Ginko can interfere with blood thinners and complicate surgeries.

Ephedra is used for its decongestant properties, but also increases the heart rate and blood pressure. This could result in a heart attack or stroke during surgery.

Saw-Palmetto, thought to be an anti-inflammatory, and effective in the treatment of enlarged prostate, stomach problems and bronchitis. This herbal supplement is know to interact with everything from prenatal vitamins to estrogen. Saw-Palmetto can also increase the risk of bleeding when taken in conjunction with blood thinning medications.

It is very important to discuss any and all over the counter medications and herbal supplements you are taking with your doctor and pharmacist, in order to avoid harmful or fatal drug interactions.