Some herbs, meds shouldn’t be mixed
Herbal remedies may be used to treat symptoms of many conditions and can often be a viable tool in an overall health plan. But there is a dearth of research evaluating the use of herbal medicines, particularly in clinical trial.
However, The Mayo Clinic says about onehalf of adults in the United States reports having used at least one dietary supplement in the previous month, though research indicates that only about 34 percent of people who take herbal supplements tell their doctors about it, even those who are taking a prescription medication.
Just because a substance is naturally derived does not make it entirely safe to use in all instances.
In fact, many herbs can interact poorly with other drugs.
The information provided here should not replace the advice of a qualified physician. However, these are some known medication-herbal interactions that can occur.
Heart health
Several popular supplements, including Coenzyme Q-10, St. John’s Wort and Danshen, can interact with common heart medications.
It is important to read how these herbs can interact with Warfarin, calcium channel blockers, anticoagulants, and digoxin, among others. Interactions can include everything from reductions in drug efficacy to increased risk of bleeding to irregular heartbeat, states the Mayo Clinic.
Women’s health
Women who are going through menopause and have experienced hot flashes, painful menstruation and other vaginal conditions may take black cohosh.
But there is concern that black cohosh may enhance liver toxicity when taken with certain medications, such as astorvastatin, acetaminophen and alcohol, according to Drugs.com.
Colds, respiratory health
Historically, goldenseal has been used for various health conditions of the skin, ulcers and respiratory infections. Goldenseal is a potent inhibitor of liver enzymൾs. A 2012 review from the National Institutes of Health found that goldenseal has a high herb-drug interaction risk.
—Metro Creative