Why Herbs And Drugs Can Be A Dangerous Duo

 Now of days, most people are using alternative medicine in addition to conventional medicine.  This blending of the two types of modern and ancient can be very beneficial, but also very dangerous!  Some drugs and herbs are safe when taken separately can cause serious and dangerous side effects when taken together.

If you're taking a supplement, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it could interact with a prescription drug that you are taking.  Here is a list of few potential problems to watch out for.

 Many herbalist recommend ginko to improve your memory.  How ginko works is that it improves the blood flow to your brain.  It ny widens your vessels and makes platelets less sticky.   If you are already taking a daily aspirin or aanticoagulants such as wararin, or heparin, don't use ginkgo.  It could magnify the blood - thinning effect.  Epileptics who take anticonvulsants, like carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital, shouldn't take ginkgo because it might also effect these medicines.

 Echinacea is one of the best selling herbs and is also thought to boost the immune system, making it very popular during the flu and cold season.  But if you have Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis, you shouldn't take this herb.  It can counter act the effects of your medication.  Echinacea, if taken for long periods of time loses its effectiveness and may cause liver damage.  For that reason alone, don't take echinacea with any other medications that cause liver damage as a potential side effect.

 Ginger is a well-know soother for stomachs and helps prevents nausea from motion sickness.  A study at the University of Alabama it also eases the causes of nausea from chemotherapy.  Because ginger is a blood thinner, don't take it when you are on anticoagulant drugs. 

In Eastern medicine, ginseng is considered an "adaptogen", meaning it strengthens your body's resistance to unhealthy influences and works to keep it in balance. Studies have found that is has a favorable effect on blood sugar levels of diabetics. Ginseng shouldn't be used when you are on anticoagulants like warfarin and heparin. It may inhibit platelet function for it is a blood thinner. Also if you are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin, it may cause problems. Additional problems can arise when taken with corticosteroids.

Studies show this supplement is an effective way to treat mild to moderate depression. Its main notable side effect is that it can make you more sensitive to the sun. In addition to limiting your sunbathing, don't combine it with other medications that could make your skin more sensitive to the sun. St. John's Wort shouldn't be taken with prescription anti-depressants, particularly MAO inhibitors.

 For almost 2,000 years this herb has been used to treat migraines.  It is known in modern studies to reduce the number and severity of a migraine attacks.  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin can reduce the effectiveness of feverfew.  Don't take feverfew if you are allergic to ragweed, yarrow, or chamomile.  Those plants are in the same family and you could be allergic to feverfew also.

 Although this herb will give you a good night's sleep, it won't if you are drinking alcohol.   Experts aren't sure if it interacts with alcohol, but to be on the safe side, don't combine the two.  Since Valerian prolongs the effects of barbiturates like thiopental, pentobarbital. it shouldn't be taken with any barbiturate.