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Herbs and Drug Interactions
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Blood Thinners:
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- Garlic, Ginger, Ginko, Feverfew, and Bromelain: Reduce clotting tendency of the blood which helps protect against heart attacks and strokes. (Problem is with the concentrated extracts not culinary use)
- Taking with Coumadin or Aspirin may increase risk of bleeding. (New England Journal of Medicine, 1997)
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Antidepressants:
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- St. John's Wort: Affects serotonin level and used as effective treatment for mild to moderate depression in many European studies.
- One study reported “Serotonin syndrome” (lethargy and confusion) caused by an interaction between St. John's Wort and Paxil. (American Family Physician 3/98)
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Sedatives:
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- Kava Kava and Valerian: Used for short term treatment of anxiety, insomnia, muscle relaxant. May have additive effect with other depressants such as alcohol and prescription sedative.
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Stimulants:
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- Yohimbe, Guarana, Yerba mate, and Asian Ginseng: Claim to promote weight loss, increase energy, or treat asthma and allergies often contain herbal stimulants such as ephedra.
- Be cautious with over-the-counter or prescription drugs that contains stimulants such as caffeine (including Excedrin), pseudoephedrine (usually sold as decongestant) and phenylpropanolamine (found in over-the-counter diet pills and cold remedies). Taking double dose of stimulants can cause or exacerbate anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, and rapid heart rate. In addition herbal stimulants may interfere with medications that lower blood pressure or regulate cardiac arrhythmia.
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Immune Enhancers:
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- Astragalus, Echinacea, Maitake, and Reishi: Used to enhance the immune response.
- May counteract the effect of corticosteroids and other drugs that suppress immune response.
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Laxatives:
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- Cascara sagrada and Senna: Used as herbal irritant laxatives. Better choice are bulk laxative including psyllium, flaxseed, and triphala
- May lead to dependency and deplete the bodies potassium levels. Particularly important if taking prescription diuretics for high blood pressure or fluid retention. Severe potassium loss can result in confusion, weakness, irregular heartbeat, and even death.
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| Source: Self Healing Newsletter, Andrew Weil, MD |
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