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Kava Kava or Valerian Root with Sedatives/Tranquilizers |
| Uses | Mechanism of Interaction | Interacting Rx Drugs | Notes |
Kava Kava is used by the native inhabitants of the South
Pacific as a ceremonial drink to relax the body and enhance mental activity. Kava pyrones
are believed to be the most important constituents. Helpful in the support of insomnia,
nervousness, neuralgia (nerve pain), nervous tension, nervous irritability, and irritable
bladder syndrome. It is also helpful in relieving pain due to rheumatic difficulties. Oral
preparations of valerian root are similarly used: The German Commission E monograph cites
indications of insomnia and/or restlessness with nervous conditions.  |
These herbs increase the sedative properties of other depressants. do not combine them with sleeping pills, tranquilizers, psychotropic drugs, alcohol, barbiturates or other herbal sedatives like passionflower. Always inform physicians. |
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This product should not be taken with any alcoholic beverages. Excessive consumption may impair ones ability to drive or operate heavy equipment. Consult a healthcare professional before taking this product if you are pregnant or nursing a baby. Not recommended for use by persons under age 18. |
Black Cohosh & Dong Quai with HRT and Anti-Coagulants |
| Uses | Mechanism of Interaction | Interacting Rx Drugs | Notes |
| Useful
as a support with arthritis, high blood pressure, high stress, mild pain, delayed or
painful menstruation, PMS, menstrual cramps, and for women with low estrogen levels. Black
Cohosh has been used as a mild relaxant, antidepressant, and antirheumatic aid since
Native Americans discovered its uses centuries ago.
Cohosh is an Algonquian Indian name for ""rough"", referring to
its roots and not to the activity. Black Cohosh has proven to be one of the most valuable
herbs introduced to early American settlers by North American natives. It was extensively
used alone and in combination with other herbs for a wide range of female complaints and
conditions. Black Cohosh was believed to be a natural precursor to estrogen and due to its
estrogen-like constituents, was used as a menstrual aid. |
Black cohosh exerts estrogenlike activity. It may interfere with hormone - replacement therapy used in menopause, oral contraceptives and certain estrogen promoters used in osteoporosis. Black cohosh and dong quai have blood-thinning and blood pressure-lowering effects, so people on antihypertensives should use caution. |
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Although considered useful as a parturient in the last 4 weeks of term, Black Cohosh should not be used in early pregnancy. May occasionally cause gastric discomfort and headaches. Do not exceed recommend dosage. Overdose can cause vertigo and irritation of the central nervous system which may cause headaches. Breast-cancer patients should check with their doctors before using any herbs with estrogenic activity. |
Feverfew/Ginkgo Biloba /Garlic with Anti-Coagulants |
| Uses | Mechanism of Interaction | Interacting Rx Drugs | Notes |
| When
taken daily, Feverfew is best used for long-term
treatment and prevention of migraine headaches. It can also be used for fevers, dizziness,
brain pressure, nerve pressure, minor arthritis pain, and in promoting menstruation (in
amenorrhea). As its common name implies, Feverfew has been used since the Middle Ages as an herb to reduce fevers. Primarily used as a remedy in Britain, the fresh leaves were administered with food (three to four of the small fingernail-sized leaves pressed between coarse bread). Ginkgo biloba has shown to be helpful in several conditions caused by reduced circulation. Increased circulation to the brain improves mental sharpness, concentration, short-term memory, and cognitive ability. It also helps in some cases of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and vertigo. Improved peripheral circulation helps reduce cold extremities, intermittent leg pain and cramping. Ginkgo also supports treatment for diabetic neuropathy, macular degeneration, and other circulatory related problems. Ginkgo's antioxidant activity protects the brain and nervous system from free radical damage, possibly helping deter the effects of aging. Ginkgo biloba protects the blood-brain barrier (anatomical barriers and transport systems that control types of substances entering extracellular space of the brain). It decreases blood viscosity (stickiness) by inhibiting the platelet activating factor (PAF). Ginkgo decreases tissue damage during circulatory stress and increases circulation to the extremities. Ginkgo biloba assists in the delivery of oxygen and glucose to the brain. It also protects arteries, veins and capillaries from damage, and helps regulate their tone and elasticity. |
Feverfew Ginkgo biloba, and Garlic affect blood-clotting factors in the body and can increase bleeding time in patients on anti-coagulant medications, NSAIDS or certain circulation enhancers. Seek your doctor's counsel in the co-administration of anti-coagulants and feverfew or ginkgo. |
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Supplements such as vitamin E, garlic and ginger (in therapeutic doses) possess blood-thinning properties. Consult with your doctor before combining with other anti-coagulants. Ginkgo may enhance the effects of MAOI drugs. |
St. John's Wort with Antidepressants and Other Drugs |
| Uses | Mechanism of Interaction | Interacting Rx Drugs | Notes |
| St. John's Wort is a pain-relieving mild
sedative and antidepressant. It is effective in a number of nerve-related conditions
including anxiety, nervous stress and some types of neuralgia. It has been found helpful
in relieving rheumatic and arthritic pains and in treating injuries to the nerves. In
controlled studies the hypericin relieved symptoms of anxiety and depression in women
probably through a process of monoamine oxidase inhibition. Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme
that delaminates, (removes the amino group from a compound), monoamines oxidatively and
that affects the nervous system by breaking down monoamine neurotransmitters. St. John's
Wort is especially regarded as an herb to use where there are menopausal changes
triggering irritability and anxiety. In addition, to relieving neuralgic pain, St.
John's Wort will ease fibrositis and sciatica. Externally it is a valuable healing and
anti-inflammatory remedy. As a lotion it will speed the healing of wounds and bruises,
varicose veins and mild burns. The oil is especially good for healing sunburns. |
St.John's wort may increase the effects of antidepressants by excessive elevation of serotonin, a brain chemical linked to mood. Symptoms include confusion, anxiety, panic and tremor. patients who use antidepressants, mood stabilizers, sleep aids or certain pain relievers should check with their doctors before using St.John's wort. It has also been shown to decrease blood levels of theophylline, an asthma drug. |
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Limit exposure to the sun since the skin may become photo sensitive and sunburn
easily after several days of usage. It is recommended that continuous treatment (longer
than two consecutive months) be avoided without a two to three week rest period. Caution
should be advised in the case of marked depression. |
Ginseng and Blood-Pressure Medications |
| Uses | Mechanism of Interaction | Interacting Rx Drugs | Notes |
| Ginseng is one of the world's most well-known Oriental
medicinal herbs. The traditional Chinese philosophy of the man-shaped root improving and
prolonging life is still controversial, but most researchers agree that Ginseng exhibits excellent adaptogenic properties that
help tone and balance the body's metabolic and recovery functions. Applications in
traditional Chinese medicine include general weakness, chronic fatigue, lack of appetite,
anemia, nervousness, forgetfulness, thirst, and impotence. Common forms are: American,
Panax, Korean, and Siberian. |
Certain varieties of ginseng possess hypertensive effects, making them unsuitable for use with patients with high blood pressure. Seek your doctor's approval before combining ginseng with blood-pressure medications. For the same reason, patients who take MAOI drugs should strictly avoid the use of ginseng. People with heart conditions should also use caution. |
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Not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.Should be avoided in hypertension, hyperactivity or extreme nervous anxiety. |
Ma Huang with Multiple Prescription Drugs |
| Uses | Mechanism of Interaction | Interacting Rx Drugs | Notes |
| Ma huang, also known as ephedra, contains a
potent substance that aids in nasal and chest decongestion. Know to traditional Chinese
practitioners for centuries, ephedra is used in the treatment of reparatory ailments
involving nasal stuffiness, bronchial constriction or asthma and weight loss. |
Ephedra should be used only under the advice of a health-care professional for periods of limited duration. Side effects associated with its use include palpitations, heart-rhythm disturbances, elevations in blood pressure and blood sugar, nervousness, insomnia and mood disturbances. |
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Be sure to check labels on energy or diet products for ephedra content. Patients using MAOIs (drugs used for the treatment of psychiatric disorders), pregnant women and people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disorders, or anxiety disorders should strictly avoid ephedra. |
Yohimbe with Anti-Hypertensives and Antidepressants |
Uses |
Mechanism of Interaction |
Interacting Rx Drugs |
Notes |
| Derived
from the inner bark of the West African corynanthe tree. Its action as an Alpha 2
adrenergicaon appears to increase the flow of blood into the penis while at the same time
prevention blood from flowing out, causing erectile stimulation. Yohimbe treats sexual dysfunction, Male impotence, and
Increases libido. |
Yohimbe can affect blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety levels. Based on current understanding of its pharmacology, yohimbe has the potential to reverse the effects of anti-hypertensives like clonidine, while enhancing certain effects of tricycllic antidepressants. In both cases, elevated blood pressure can result. |
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I know of several people who continue safe and effective use of yohimbe in addition to a regimen of anti-hypertensive therapy. Work closely with your doctor or your health care counsel to monitor unwanted effects. |
| Hawthorn with Heart Medication |
Uses |
Mechanism of Interaction |
Interacting Rx Drugs |
Notes |
| Hawthorn has a short-term lowering effect on high blood
pressure. It is useful as a digestive aid and for lowering cholesterol. Hawthorn possesses
a unique balancing effect on the heart and circulation, thus qualifying it as a reliable
support tonic in cardiovascular care. Several recent German studies verify that Hawthorn
will increase coronary circulation by dilating coronary vessels and strengthen heart
muscle tissue while acting as a mild diuretic (useful in hypertension). Its bioflavonoids
will also improve tone and elasticity of arteries and veins. Hawthorn has been shown
effective in nutritional support of angina, degenerative cardiac muscle, heart-related
hypertension, myocardial weakness from infectious diseases of the heart, and as prevention
from tachycardia and arrhythmia. An ESCOP monograph states various clinical studies reveal
increased cardiac performance and out put, decrease in peripheral vascular resistance,
decrease in pulmonary arterial and capillary pressures, reductions in blood pressure at
rest and during exercise, and improved metabolic parameters. (Leung and Foster) Hawthorn
is safe for long-term use and combines beneficially with all other heart and circulation
nutrients. |
Because hawthorn's actions duplicate those of prescription heart drugs, the interaction is effectively one of overdose when used concurrently. |
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Anyone suspecting the presence of a heart condition should seek medical advice before initiating herbal therapy. |
| Cascara Sagrada or Senna with Heart Medication |
Uses |
Mechanism of Interaction |
Interacting Rx Drugs |
Notes |
| Supports
constipation and colitis. Cascara
Sagrada and senna are strong herbal laxative which stimulates the peristaltic action
of the large bowel to expel fecal matter. Cascara Sagrada is much gentler on the system
than Senna or Aloe, but is very effective, providing relief overnight (6-8 hours). The
bitter principles of these herbs stimulates secretions of the entire digestive
system including liver, gallbladder, stomach and pancreas. It is also reported to tone the
bowel. |
As a general rule, caution and moderation are advised with the use of any supplementation during pregnancy and lactation. Avoid prolonged use of this or any stimulant laxative. Overuse can lead to a deletion of potassium, which is especially dangerous for those on heart medication. |
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Do not
use during pregnancy. Potassium loss and deficiency is also associated with of diuretics,
steroids and licorice. |
| Niacin with Cholesterol-Lowering "statin" Drugs |
Uses |
Mechanism of Interaction |
Interacting Rx Drugs |
Notes |
| Though
not an herb, niacin is a popular vitamin supplement that
is used to help cholesterol. Niacin, or Vitamin B-3, is necessary for normal breakdown of
fats and fatty acids and the release of energy from carbohydrates. It is also an excellent
vasodilator and may be useful in maintaining proper cholesterol levels. |
When combined with cholesterol-lowering drugs of the "statin" class, niacin may increase the risk of certain side effects, namely that of "myopathy," an inflammation of muscle tissue that may include symptoms of muscular ache, tenderness and weakness. | Cholesterol-lowering statins: atorvastatin, lovastatin and simvastatin. | Niacin can upset blood-sugar control, so diabetics should use it under a physical's care. Take with food to prevent stomach upset. Niacin may also cause flushing, itching, or a rash for a short period of time. While this reaction is normal and harmless, if you experience any discomfort discontinue use. |
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