Drug-Herb Interactions You Should Be Concerned About
One of the most frustrating things I encounter as a naturopath is when clients tell me, “My doctor said it’s okay to start taking [insert herb] because it’s just a herb, and it won’t affect my medication.” This common misconception can be dangerous, and there are several layers to this issue that need to be addressed.
The Myth of "Safe Because It’s Natural"
Just because an herb is natural doesn’t mean it’s inherently safe, especially when you’re already altering your body’s biochemistry with pharmaceutical medications. Herbs, like any other substance, contain chemical compounds that can interact with medications, potentially leading to compound effects or diminishing the efficacy of the medication. It’s crucial to remember that all plants have active ingredients that cause chemical changes when ingested—everything can be toxic at a certain dose.
The Role of Healthcare Professionals in Drug-Herb Interactions
We rely on GPs for their comprehensive training in the human body and disease management and pharmacists for their deep understanding of pharmaceuticals. However, due to the lack of a central role for naturopaths in the conventional healthcare model, the professional with the most comprehensive training in plant medicine—especially in drug-herb interactions—is often overlooked. This oversight can lead to adverse effects, with the blame frequently misplaced on the herb or the naturopath, rather than the lack of proper guidance.
When GPs casually deem a herb “safe” for patients on medications, they may be unknowingly playing with fire. The complexities of herbal medicine require specialised knowledge in phytochemistry and drug-herb interactions that are not typically covered in conventional medical training.
The Importance of Professional Guidance
If you are on any medications, it’s vital not to assume that it’s safe to start taking a herbal supplement without proper guidance. Advice from well-meaning professionals who lack adequate training in this area can lead to significant risks. Understanding the potential for herb-drug interactions and determining whether they are severe enough to warrant avoidance should always be part of the decision-making process. Below are some key medications that require careful consideration before introducing a herbal supplement:
Antidepressants: Many herbs can interact with these medications, potentially leading to serious side effects. For example, St John’s Wort, Rhodiola, Ginseng and Ginkgo are contraindicated.
Oral Contraceptive Pills: Some herbs, like St. John’s Wort, are known to reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive pills, leading to unintended pregnancies. Many other herbs like Chaste Tree, St Mary’s Thistle and Dong Quai and even nutrients like magnesium can negatively interact with different types of oral contraceptive pills.
Anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs: Mediation that affects the blood, often called “blood thinners” have serious interactions with many herbal medications. Theoretically, taking herbal medicines with these drugs can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. For example, Andrographis, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Turmeric and mushrooms like Lion’s mane or Reishi are contraindicated.
Many other drug-herb interactions can occur beyond this shortlist. Essentially, if you are taking ANY prescription medication you should be seeking adequate advice before self-prescribing a herbal or nutritional supplement.
The Takeaway
Herbal supplements can offer powerful health benefits, but they must be used with caution, especially when combined with pharmaceuticals. As a naturopath specialising in complementary medicine, I strongly advise consulting with a professional trained in both natural medicine and drug-herb interactions (aka a naturopath!) before starting any new herbal supplement. Your health is too important to risk on assumptions or incomplete advice.
Read more about me here.
Find me on:
Please refer to my Website Terms of Use if you wish to reproduce this data.
