A report from the Mayo Clinic lists the following known drug interactions between natural remedies and prescribed medications & conditions:
St. John Wort – Increases the potency of some drugs.
S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) – Interacts with drugs that affect serotonin.
Garlic – Avoid if taking anti-clotting medications.
Ginseng – Avoid if taking anti-clotting medications.
Ginger – Avoid if taking anti-clotting medications.
FeverFew – Avoid if taking anti-clotting medications.
Ginko – Avoid if taking anti-clotting medications & can interfere with anti-seizure medication
Kava – Avoid if you have liver problems or taking cholesterol medications
St. Johns Wort – Image from Shandchem
I use natural remedies myself – but it is important to remember that natural remedies CAN interact with prescribed medications – just like any other medicine! My personal choice is to work with an Integrative Doctor who prescribes both prescription and non-prescription drugs. If you see a traditional Doctor, or don’t have an Integrative Doctor in your area, be sure to keep your doctor informed of any natural therapies you are using.
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so true. Since alternative medicine is an unregulated indusry, you can prety much get anything you want, often wihout knowing the ossible side effects. My friend takes antidepressants and a mood stabilizer and drinks green tea. He had blood in his urine. As a rule, it is bes not to mix prescription drugs with holistic remedies. Would love to trade links. Am going to link to this post on my health blog ‘Closer..’. Here’s to your health! -Ann, alternative health practitioner
.-= Ann Reilly´s last blog ..How I Get Traffic or Hits to MY Blog… =-.