When I first started learning about herbs and herbal remedies, I concentrated on plants that could harm or kill my children.
Like most kids, they would put things in their mouths and I didn't always know if they were harmful.
As I've developed my career, I've continued to study plant chemicals in order to prevent as many interactions as possible.
Here are some of my findings: Black Cohosh: This herb is used primarily by women, especially those going through menopause and perimenopause.
However, because it does contain a plant estrogen, it will interact with medications used for that same purpose.
It can also increase the risk of hormone related cancers in people at risk for them.
Goldenseal: Most people mistake this plant for one that can boost the immune system; not so.
It's primary use is for the digestive tract.
If you take a statin to lower your cholesterol, it's important to avoid this herb at all costs.
It can cause serious muscle damage and renal failure when combined.
Hawthorn: For a healthy person, this herb doesn't pose much of a threat, but if you have heart disease, it could interact with your medications and increase your risk of a heart attack.
Licorice: Primarily used for sore throats and digestive complaints, licorice has a couple of important interactions.
First, it should never be taken at the same time as any laxative.
Second, it can cause your blood pressure to go up.
Pairing it with medications that lower it can cause a potentially serious interaction.
You should be safe eating most licorice candies, as only a few use it.
Most are now flavored with anise in order to prevent the interaction.
St.
John's Wort: There are two problems with this herb as well.
While it could be helpful for mild to moderate depression, it cannot be used for severe depression, nor can it be used with any medication that causes sleepiness.
This includes many prescription antidepressants.
It should also be avoided if you have been diagnosed as bipolar, as it can make the problem worse.
Soy: Like black cohosh, soy is often used to deal with the hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause.
It will also interact with hormone replacement therapy, and increase the risk for hormone related cancers.
Any time you wish to add an herbal supplement to your diet, it is best to check with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure it won't cause undo problems.
Look up the side effects, precautions and interactions to insure your safety.
Like most kids, they would put things in their mouths and I didn't always know if they were harmful.
As I've developed my career, I've continued to study plant chemicals in order to prevent as many interactions as possible.
Here are some of my findings: Black Cohosh: This herb is used primarily by women, especially those going through menopause and perimenopause.
However, because it does contain a plant estrogen, it will interact with medications used for that same purpose.
It can also increase the risk of hormone related cancers in people at risk for them.
Goldenseal: Most people mistake this plant for one that can boost the immune system; not so.
It's primary use is for the digestive tract.
If you take a statin to lower your cholesterol, it's important to avoid this herb at all costs.
It can cause serious muscle damage and renal failure when combined.
Hawthorn: For a healthy person, this herb doesn't pose much of a threat, but if you have heart disease, it could interact with your medications and increase your risk of a heart attack.
Licorice: Primarily used for sore throats and digestive complaints, licorice has a couple of important interactions.
First, it should never be taken at the same time as any laxative.
Second, it can cause your blood pressure to go up.
Pairing it with medications that lower it can cause a potentially serious interaction.
You should be safe eating most licorice candies, as only a few use it.
Most are now flavored with anise in order to prevent the interaction.
St.
John's Wort: There are two problems with this herb as well.
While it could be helpful for mild to moderate depression, it cannot be used for severe depression, nor can it be used with any medication that causes sleepiness.
This includes many prescription antidepressants.
It should also be avoided if you have been diagnosed as bipolar, as it can make the problem worse.
Soy: Like black cohosh, soy is often used to deal with the hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause.
It will also interact with hormone replacement therapy, and increase the risk for hormone related cancers.
Any time you wish to add an herbal supplement to your diet, it is best to check with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure it won't cause undo problems.
Look up the side effects, precautions and interactions to insure your safety.