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There are millions of Americans running to their local health food store or pharmacy in search of that magic "natural" bullet. Most folks think that because it is natural, it is safe. I have even heard a well-known medical doctor say that you can take as much of these herbs as you want because they are just "food." This is just not the case.

In pharmacy school, we were taught that a person taking six or more prescription drugs was guaranteed an interaction. If you know that herbs possess compounds called "phyto-chemicals," it follows that herbs can cause interactions, too - with prescription medicines as well as with other herbs. This article is designed to make you think about the products you take and to encourage you to ask more questions. I urge you to be well-informed when using natural products. The following is just a short list of the more commonly used herbs and drugs, as well as some of the potential interactions that may arise when they are taken together. Some of these precautions are for those with a particular health condition (high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, etc).

Common Mistakes
Ginkgo Biloba is the most popular supplement used to support memory and brain function. Ginkgo provides many benefits to accomplish this result. It thins the blood, which allows for greater flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain and nervous system. When people use this herb with other blood thinners, however, there is reason for concern. Drugs such as Coumadin, aspirin, and Ticlid® have strong blood thinning properties that, if mixed with Ginkgo Biloba, could cause serious interactive consequences.

Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (Prozac®, Zoloft®, Paxil®) are the leading class of prescribed anti-depressants on the market. People are often looking to get off of these medications. Problems may arise when they mix the commonly used mood support supplements with this class of drug. Supplements such as 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) and St. John's Wort also have an effect on serotonin. The combination of an SSRI and one of these supplements will most likely result in the condition "Serotonin Syndrome". This condition may result in headaches, sweating, dizziness, agitation, restlessness, nausea, and vomiting. It is not recommended to stop your medication and start a supplement without the consent and knowledge of your health care provider.

Coumadin®, mentioned earlier in conjunction with Gingko Biloba, is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for those who need fast and effective blood thinning. The biggest concern a medical doctor has is adjusting the dose of this drug in order to reach full benefit without harm to the patient. Some foods, aspirin, and popular herbs such as ginger and ginseng can interact with this drug.

Estrogen Advice
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is another hot subject. Millions of baby boomer women are making the decision about whether or not to take prescribed hormones. This article does not address that decision, but presents the strong concern in mixing the natural with the prescribed.Herbs such as soy, red clover and black cohosh are the leading choices of women choosing to "go natural." The underlying concern is when a woman is currently using a prescribed estrogen-type drug with one of these supplements. Soy, red clover and black cohosh compete with estrogen for estrogen receptor sites in the body. This will leave more prescribed free-estrogen floating around in your body, which may cause other side effects.

Knowledge is Power
With the supplement industry fast approaching $100 billion annually, it is important to educate yourself and your health care provider about new and exciting products available to support good health. It is just as important to use common sense and caution when combining herbs, vitamins and medications.Remember to always inform your health care provider about your use of OTC medications and supplements.Without that knowledge, he or she may not be able to help you on your path to good health.

The information in this newsletter is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace nutritional advice. Approaches and suggestions offered in this newsletter are not intended as cures, prescriptions, or diagnoses. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for the correct or incorrect use of this information. No attempt to use this information should be made as a form of treatment without the approval and guidance of your physician or health care provider.