Interactions: 

Herbs, natural supplements and medications can generally be used collectively without adverse reactions. Quite often, herbs and natural supplements will help to reduce the side effects of conventional medications and enhance one’s health. There are however exceptions to the rule. Adverse reactions generally occur when someone uses highly potent standardized herbs, takes mega doses of herbs or supplements or are unfamiliar with the chemistry of herbs and vitamins and combines them with a drug that has a similar therapeutic effect (i.e. combining blood thinning drugs with blood thinning herbs).  Here at Nature’s Apothecure we value your health and can’t stress enough that if you are currently taking medications, you should consult with your doctor prior to taking any herbs or natural supplements.

One should not be afraid of taking herbs or natural supplements, as they are a wonderful way of supporting and even improving one’s health, but do your research and practice their usage wisely and safely, avoiding excessive dosage.

 Here is a list of some common health concerns and interactions between herbs, natural supplements, and medications. 

Bee Pollen:  Avoid if you are allergic to bees. It is rare, but could cause anaphylactic shock.

Brigham Tea (Ephedra):  This is a wonderful decongestant, and is very effective if properly used in small doses. Avoid this herb if you are prone to high blood pressure, or are being treated for the following: heart problems, high blood pressure, glaucoma, or thyroid conditions.

Chamomile: Avoid if allergic to Ragweed

Echinacea:  Avoid if allergic to Ragweed or flowers in the Aster family. Also avoid if you have an autoimmune disease including HIV. Echinacea stimulates the immune system, which can aggravate conditions caused by an already overactive immune system.

Feverfew:  Very effective for treating headaches, but avoid if you are currently taking other medications for migraines, as it may raise heart rate and blood pressure.  Avoid also if taking anti-coagulants (blood thinners) or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) as the combination can irritate the stomach lining.

Ginkgo:  A wonderful herb for increasing blood flow and circulation throughout the body. It can also help improve memory as it increases blood flow to the brain. Since it has blood thinning effects, it can interfere with some anticoagulants and antiplatlet drugs including aspirin and ibuprofen.

Ginseng:  Reduces stress and boosts energy. May increase blood pressure, so avoid if prone to high blood pressure or are taking medications for high blood pressure.

Hawthorn:  A supreme herb for treating cardiovascular problems, and supporting the heart. Has been shown to reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol. Avoid if taking Lanoxin (Digoxin) as it could lower your heart rate excessively.

Licorice:  Mega doses can lead to high blood pressure, water retention and potassium loss. Avoid if taking Diuretics, Lanoxin (Digoxin), or have high blood pressure.

Peppermint:  Avoid if you have a hiatal hernia

Poke Root: Has a diuretic effect, avoid if already taking diuretics

Red Clover: Research is still being conducted, but high doses could possibly interfere with HRT (hormone replacement therapy) and birth control pills.  Avoid if taking anticoagulants.

St. John’s Wort:  A natural anti-depresssant. Avoid if taking other anti-depressants, HIV medications, oral contraceptives, certain blood thinning medications and Tamoxifen (a cancer drug).  Some research also shows that there can be an adverse reaction when taking St. John’s Wort and consuming foods high in the amino acid Tyramine. It could lead to a rapid rise in blood pressure, severe headache and even fainting. Foods you should avoid include: aged cheese, chicken liver, Chianti (and some other red wines), yeast extracts, bologna (and other processed meats), dried or pickled fish, legumes, soy sauce, and beer. St. John’s Wort can also cause photosensitivity, if outdoors in the daylight for a prolonged time, wear a high SPF sun block.

Uva Ursi: Has a diuretic effect, avoid if already taking diuretics.

Valerian:  A mild sedative often used to promote sleep. Avoid if taking Valium or Alcohol.

White Willow:  Used to treat fevers, headaches, and pain. If large doses are used for an extended period of time, gastrointestinal upset can occur. It exhibits similar reactions to aspirin, as aspirin is derived from White Willow. Also avoid if taking anticoagulants.

Vitamin A:  High doses of Vitamin A can be toxic and should be avoided during pregnancy. Avoid if taking Accutane for acne, as it is similar in structure to Vitamin A and can have similar toxicities. Also avoid if you are being treated for thyroid cancer. Beta Carotenes (which are converted to Vitamin A in the liver as needed) are a safer choice for people concerned with Vitamin A toxicity.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10):  A vitamin-like chemical produced in the body from the amino acid Tyrosine. CoQ10 and Tyrosine are also present in a wide variety of foods, including peanuts, soy oil, sardines, and organ meats. CoQ10 is essential for the body to function normally.

CoQ10's physical structure is similar to Vitamin K. Vitamin K can interfere with the action of blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin (Warfarin). Speak to your doctor before trying CoQ10 if you are taking Coumadin.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Mevacor (Lovastatin) and Lopid (Gemfibrozil) and the diabetes medicines, Glyburide (Micronase), Acetohexamide (Dymelor), and Tolazamide (Tolinase), can lower the amount of CoQ10 in the body. You may want to raise your dose of CoQ10 while you are taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. If you are diabetic you should talk to your doctor before taking this supplement because it can lower the body's blood sugar level.