Warnings Concerning Herbs: Drug Interactions

As more and more people begin to take an interest in alternative medicine; i.e., herbal medicine, the potential for dangerous drug interactions rises. People who are being treated by a medical professional and are taking prescription medications should be especially careful when they decide to add herbal remedies to their treatment. Some herbs to not react well when taken with other types of medications. They can also counteract one another, leaving you worse off than you were when you first began treatment. Following are some common herbs that, though usually quite safe by themselves, can be harmful when taken in conjunction with other medications.

Feverfew
Feverfew is often used to treat headaches, especially migraines. It also happens to inhibit blood clotting; therefore, if you are taking any anticoagulant medications, you should avoid feverfew. In addition, if you are taking vitamin E supplements, you might want to also avoid the use of the herb. [For more on this herb, see my article on Feverfew.]

Garlic
Garlic is great for helping to lower blood pressure and for overall heart health. It, however, like feverfew, works to thin the blood. Once again, people on anticoagulant medications should avoid garlic. If you take vitamin E supplements, you should consult your primary healthcare professional and/or certified herbalist before using garlic for medicinal purposes. (There is no indication that just using garlic in culinary amounts can harm those using vitamin supplements. I, for example, use garlic all the time. I also regularly take vitamin E.) [If you would like to grow garlic in your own garden, see: Garlic: Plant Now for Benefits Later.]

Ginkgo
Ginkgo is another one of those herbs that should be avoided by those with clotting disorders and who are taking anticoagulants. In fact, surgeons have placed this herb on their list of herbs not to be taken by any patient at least two weeks prior to surgery. (There is some disagreement among researchers, however, just how much of a hazard ginkgo can be. You should consult your primary healthcare professional, therefore, if you do have a clotting disorder before taking any ginkgo.)

Ginseng
Ginseng is generally believed to help improve a person's overall health. It, however, is also a stimulant. If you are on medication for high blood pressure, take ginseng only after consulting with your doctor. Also, as with all of the herbs already mentioned, it should not be taken by anyone taking anticoagulant drugs. In addition, it is another herb whose use should be suspended at least two weeks prior to surgery. [You can learn more by reading my article on Ginseng.]

St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is often used to treat depression and has been touted as the herb to use by menopausal women to help control the mood swings associated with menopausal. This herb should not be taken, however, if you are already taking any antidepressants. In addition, if you are taking protease medications as a treatment for HIV, avoid St. John's Wort. Furthermore, St. John's Wort can interfere with the action of cyclosporine, which is used as an anti-rejection drug for those who have undergone an organ transplant.

You should always remember that just because something is called an "herb" and "all-natural," it is not always safe. In addition, many herbs that are generally quite safe for the majority of people may not be safe for some, especially those people who are already taking prescription medications. Learn everything you can about any herb that you wish to use for medicinal purposes. When in doubt, consult your primary healthcare professional and/or a certified herbalist. In addition, be sure to always tell your physician about any herbs and/or supplements you are taking.

Reference:
Castleman, Michael. The New Healing Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Inc., 2009.