Generally speaking, herbs and supplements are safe to take and cause no side effects when taken in the recommended dosages, however there are some exceptions to this and some orthodox medicines which shouldn’t be taken with certain natural remedies.

There are also ways to use natural remedies to increase effectiveness or decrease side effects of conventional medicines.

This is by no means a complete list so if you have any questions or concerns please come in and consult our in-store naturopaths. We will be happy to advise on the safe and effective use of our products.

Let’s start with some potentially dangerous combinations…

• Vitamin E, fish/flax/evening primrose oils, garlic and ginkgo should not be taken if you are on blood thinning drugs such as warfarin or aspirin as these remedies also thin blood and can lead to dangerous bleeding conditions. These supplements should also be stopped a week before any surgical procedure to reduce the risk of excess bleeding. Evening Primrose is also to be avoided if on anti-psychotic drug Phenthiazine.
• Vitamin K supplementation is not recommended by Warfarin patients either as it causes the blood to clot therefore reducing the effects of the warfarin.
• St John’s Wort must not be used if you are taking anti-depressant drugs, barbiturates, anti convulsants, Warfarin, Digoxin, Cyclosporin, the contraceptive pill or certain asthma and cholesterol-lowering medications.
• Black Cohosh and Red Clover should not be used with hormone replacement therapy.
• Valerian should not be used if you are taking Valium or Barbituates.
• Siberian Ginseng interacts with Warfarin, Diabetes medications, Digoxin and Methotrexate.
• Echinacea can reduce the effectiveness of Methotrexate.
• Kelp and Iodine should not be used with hyperthyroid drugs as they have an opposing effect.
• Liquorice raises the blood pressure so should not be taken if you are on blood pressure-lowering medication.
• Vitamin A should not be taken with acne medication Roaccutane.
• Tyrosine amino acid must not be taken if you’re on antidepressants or the Parkinson’s disease medication Levodopa.
• Psyllium shouldn’t be taken closer than two hours to any supplements or medication as it will reduce the amount absorbed by the digestive system.

Now let’s have a look at some helpful interactions...

• Probiotics can be taken after a course of antibiotics to restore healthy gut flora.
• Milk Thistle will protect your liver while taking drugs such as Methotrexate, Roaccutane, Panadol and many others.
• Vitamin D works with Hormone replacement therapy to prevent osteoporosis.
• Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron supplements and can also reduce side-effects of Levodopa.
• Vitamin B complex is depleted by many drugs including contraceptive pill and antibiotics. Supplementation is advisedif on these medications.
• Andrographis can reduce harmful effects of paracetamol.
• Fish Oil, Vitamin E and Glucosamine can enhance effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Selenium can lower toxicity of heavy metals.
• Magnesium may increase effectiveness of some diuretics and antiarrythmia drugs.

Now, a special word about pregnancy and the herbs that should be avoided during this time.

• Stimulating laxatives: including Senna, Cascara, Rhubarb root, Aloe Vera
• Hormonally active herbs: Black Cohosh, Pulsatilla, Fenugreek
• Uterine stimulants: Sage, Golden Seal, Bearberry, Barberry, Tansy, Mugwort, Wormwood, Celery seed, Rue
• Toxic herbs: Jamaican dogwood, Poke Root, Thuja
• Blood-pressure-raising herbs: Liquorice.