Alternative Health and Healing

Erika Szabo ND

http://www.try-alternative-healing.com

http://www.doktorszaboerika.com

Being familiar with both traditional and alternative medicine, I can see the danger of combining them. Just like drug to drug or food to drug, herb to drug interactions can be dangerous or even in some cases, lethal.  Some herbal medicines-although very useful-can enhance, alter or cancel the effect of prescription medications. Not knowing them could put people in danger. Part of the problem is that many people don’t even consider telling their doctor about the supplements they’re taking. Some might view herbs as harmless and tasty teas, others read about their effect or get advice from the nature store’s clerk. Over all, most people neglect to research the effect, side effects and potential interactions with their diet, or prescription medications. About twenty years ago, the use of herbal medicine begun rising, and the past ten years it became very popular. Nowadays, people are taking herbal remedies for a wide variety of illnesses and symptoms. From migraine to cough or upset stomach, from depression to sleep disorders or joint pain. There are a lot of information out there about herbs, on the internet, in books, but few contains the side effects or their interactions with prescription medications. I could write a book on this subject, but due to limited space in this article, I will point out some of the dangerous interactions only. Hopefully, they will peak your interest, and you will do some research before considering taking supplements. Hopefully, you will encourage your family to do so as well.

     First, let me tell you just one of my many stories I come across on a daily bases. I was shopping in a health food store, when I overheard the teenage clerk giving advice to this thin, frail, older lady. “You should take Black licorice. It’s very good for cold and cough.” he said and walked away. The lady tried, but gave up on reading the fine print on the bottle and put it in her basket. Looking at her, I noticed the tell tale bruises of Coumadin, and I just had a hunch that she might be in chronic Afib. I asked her, and she confirmed my suspicion, telling me that she’s taking Digoxin, Coumadin and Lopressor. I advised her not to take the Licorice because it contains the ingredient glycyrhizin. Taking it with Digoxin together can produce dangerously irregular heart rhythms and even in extreme cases, cardiac arrest. The combination can also cause dangerously low potassium levels, resulting numbing weakness, muscle pain and even paralysis. Licorice can also interact with blood pressure medication or any beta and calcium channel blockers. She was horrified, thanked me, and placed the bottle back on the shelf quickly. I found the young clerk and when I told him about the interaction, he turned pale. “I didn’t know, I‘m so sorry.” he mumbled. “I will never, ever give advice to anyone again. I will send them to their doctor.” he promised. I sent a long email to the store, they ignored it. The next time, I didn’t see the young clerk when I went shopping. There are a lot of herb-medication interactions that we are not aware of. The reason for that is not enough research and not enough education. I’d like to point out some of them:

Goldenseal: is used for coughs, stomach upsets, menstrual problems and even arthritis. However, the plant's active ingredient will raise blood pressure, complicating treatment for those taking antihypertensive medications, especially beta-blockers. For patients taking medication to control diabetes or kidney disease, this herb can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalance.

Ginkgo: increases blood flow and circulation throughout the body, it can also help to improve memory. However, it interacts with anti-coagulant medications, causing the blood to thin too much, provoking a serious bleeding disorder.

St. John's Wort: is a popular herb used for the treatment of mild depression. The active ingredient of St. John's Wort is hypericin that is believed to have a similar influence on the brain as the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. This herb, taken with MAO inhibitors and SSRIs can lead to serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome range from shivering and diarrhea to severe symptoms such as muscle rigidity, fever and seizures. Severe serotonin syndrome can be fatal if it isn't treated. St John’s Wort taken with Digoxin reduces the serum concentration, decreasing the therapeutic effect. It may prolong the effect of anesthetic drugs. Decreases cyclosporin level, might cause transplanted organ rejection. It also reduces iron absorption because of its tannic acid content. It can alter INR, requiring increased dosage of Coumadin.

Ginseng: used to help reduce stress, boost energy and improve stamina, and may also help lower cholesterol. Ginseng can increase blood pressure, making it dangerous for those trying to keep their blood pressure under control. Ginseng, garlic or supplements containing ginger, when taken with Coumadin, can cause bleeding episodes. Coumadin dosing leaves little room for error, and patients taking it should never take any medication or supplemets before consulting a qualified health professional. In rare cases, ginseng may cause over stimulation,  resulting in insomnia. Consuming caffeine with ginseng increases the risk of over stimulation and gastrointestinal upset. Long tern use of ginseng may cause menstrual abnormalities and breast tenderness in some women.

Primrose and Gingko: both lower seizure threshold, should be avoided when taking anti-seizure medications.

Echinacea: mostly taken as an immune boost to prevent cold and flu. However, taken for more then a few days can cause hepatoxicity, therefore should not be used with drugs known to elevate liver enzymes. Taken with Coumadin increases bleeding time without an increased INR. It can counteract immunosuppressant drugs as well.

Kelp: contains high amount of iodine, which may result in excess thyroid hormone levels if taken with hormone replacement medication.

Need advice taking herbs if you're taking medications as well? Visit my website at www.try-alternative-healing.com and ask for a consultation