Natural Remedies & How they Interact with Orthodox Medicines

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. Please come in and consult
our in-store naturopaths. We will be happy to advise on the safe
and effective use of our products.
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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 substances 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 it has an opposing effect.

Care is advised when taking with hypothyroid drugs as it can
potentiate the effects.

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.
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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.
It can also reduce side-effects of Levodopa.

Vitamin B complex is depleted by many drugs including
contraceptive pill and antibiotics. Supplementation is advised
if 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.
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Now, a special word about pregnancy.

Herbs to be avoided during pregnancy.
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