Herbal Tips

With homeopathy and the "return to nature" movement on the rise, it is no wonder there are many people who wish to "test the waters".  We have received several requests for information about the use of natural herbs when taking certain medication.  Research has shown us that the "return to nature" may not be meant for everyone.  So always keep in mind that when under the care of a physician, you always consult that medical professional before trying anything new.

In an effort to keep the reference information simple, we tried our best to narrow our "search and find" down to a "layman" text rather than a medical/technical one.  The source we selected was the "Instant Guide to Drug-Herb Interactions" by Chris D. Meletis, N.D. and the editors of Natural Health® Magazine.  Listed below is the information taken from that guide book concerning the most frequently asked about medications and the most common reaction when used in conjunction with all-natural herbs.

RITALIN-RITALIN SA (METHYLPHENIDATE HYDROCHLORIDE)

(Central nervous system stimulant)

HERBAL "NO-NO's":  No caffeine products, i.e. chocolate, tea, coffee (if they are old enough to drink it), coca-cola or caffeineated sports drinks and no naturally caffeine-containing herbs such as Guarana, Kola Nut and Maté.

WHY?: Well, since Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant with a mild sedating effect on children, caffeine products can have an adverse reaction.

MORE HERBAL "NO-NO'S":  Although there are no studies of how natural sedatives interact with Ritalin, they may cause an increased sedative effect.  Until more is known, avoid Chamomile, Catnip, Kava Kava, Passionflower, St. John's Wort and Valerian Root (to name the most commonly used) and sedative dietary supplements such as 5_HTP.

BUSPAR-BUSPIRONE

(Anti-anxiety medication)

HERBAL "NO-NO's": No sedative herbs such as Chamomile, Catnip, Kava Kava, Passionflower, St. John's Wort, Valerian Root as well as sedative dietary supplements such as 5-HTP.

WHY?: They may cause excessive drowsiness when combined with Buspirone, which though it may not be a sedative, can still cause drowsiness.

ZOLOFT- SERTRALINE and PAXIL - PAROXETINE

(Obsessive Compulsive Disorder medication)

HERBAL "NO-NO's": Sertraline is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant, and affects the way your body uses the neurotransmitter serotonin.  Don't mix with sedative herbs such as Chamomile, Catnip, Kava Kava, Passionflower, St. John's Wort, Valerian Root as well as sedative dietary supplements such as 5_HTP.

WHY?: May cause excessive drowsiness.  Although there have been no reports of dangerous interactions, it is possible that combining St. John's Wort with Zoloft could raise seratonin levels too high.

Please discuss with your doctor.