FAQ-Herb interactions -
Lotus - 10-03-2014
An on going/growing list of herb interactions/side effects
I can't possibly complete this list alone, so participation would be greatly appreciated. Any known interactions will be added 1st, then side effects 2nd, we'll try to add your info to the master list ASAP. Thanks!
To start:
Saw Palmetto Interactions-
Saw Palmetto may counter the efficacy of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and birth control pills. Pregnant women should not use Saw Palmetto. Saw Palmetto may have additive anticoagulant effect and prolong bleeding time.
Saw Palmetto side effects-The plant steroids in saw palmetto also act on progesterone receptors, an action that causes a reduction in estrogen levels or anti-estrogen effect. Hair loss, cellulite, Gastrointestinal issues, Beta-sitosterol, a chemical present in saw palmetto extract, is chemically similar to cholesterol. High levels of sitosterol concentrations in blood have correlated with increased severity of heart disease in men who previously suffered heart attacks. May interfere with the ability to cope with stress.
______________________________________________________________
Red Clover interactions due to its coumarin content, the potential to enhance anticoagulant effects exists. Taking Red Clover and a contraceptive may cause the contraceptive not to work well. RC may interfere with Tamoxifen, may interfere with liver enzymes (how it's processed)
Red Clover side effects-May include headache, nausea, rash, also may increase risk the risk of bleeding.
_________________________________________________________________
Hops interactions- Pregnant women should not take Hops Herbal Supplement, nor should people who suffer from depression, since the herb is thought to be a mild depressant on the higher nerve centers. Women with estrogen-sensitive disorders, especially estrogen dependent breast cancer should avoid this herb. Use of Hops increases the potency of anesthetics, anxiety drugs, anticonvulsives and insomnia medications.
Hops side effects--Hops stimulates insulin-like growth factor (IGF1), sleepiness, contact dermatitis
More to follow-
RE: FAQ-Herb interactions -
peggy - 29-03-2014
Side effects and interactions of different herbs. It would be too long and confusing to paste all side effects / interactions here, that's why I have linked to the site
http://www.webmd.com, which lists the side effects and interactions of all herbs, except for PM.
= major interaction!
= minor interaction!
All other herbs have either moderate interaction or there is no info about the interaction.
ALFALFA
Alfalfa contains large amounts of vitamin K. Vitamin K is used by the body to help blood clot. Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. By helping the blood clot, alfalfa might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.
ANISE
Large amounts of anise might have some of the same effects as estrogen. But large amounts of anise aren't as strong as estrogen pills. Taking anise along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of estrogen pills.
Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.
ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagandha seems to increase the immune system. Taking ashwagandha along with medications that decrease the immune system might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.
BLACK COHOSH
There is concern that black cohosh might harm the liver. Taking black cohosh along with medication that might also harm the liver can increase the risk of liver damage. Do not take black cohosh if you are taking a medication that can harm the liver.
BLESSED THISTLE
Blessed thistle might increase stomach acid. By increasing stomach acid, blessed thistle might decrease the effectiveness of medications that are used to decrease stomach acid, called proton pump inhibitors.
CHASTEBERRY
Vitex agnus-castus seems to change hormone levels in the body. Birth control pills contain hormones. Taking vitex agnus-castus along with birth control pills might decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. If you take birth control pills along with vitex agnus-castus, use an additional form of birth control such as a condom.
Vitex agnus-castus seems to affect a certain brain chemical. This chemical is called dopamine.
COCCONUT OIL
N/A
DAMIANA
Damiana might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking damiana along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.
DANDELION
DONG QUAI
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL
FENNEL
FENUGREEK
FLAXSEED
GOAT'S RUE
HOPS
HORSE CHESTNUT
LADY'S MANTLE
LICORICE
MACA +
MACA
MARSHMALLOW
MILK THISTLE
MSM
NETTLE
OATS
PABA
PASSIONFLOWER
PEONY ROOT
PUERARIA MIRIFICA
Because of pueraria's estrogen-like effect, use with caution in patients with asthma, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, migraine, or systemic lupus erythematosus. Use with caution in patients with abnormal triglycerides or hypercalcemia.
PUMPKIN SEED OIL
PYGEUM
RED CLOVER
RED RASPBERRY
REISHI
SAW PALMETTO
SENNA
SHATAVARI
SKULLCAP
SPEARMINT
SOY
TURMERIC
WATERCRESS
WILD YAM
YOGURT
RE: FAQ-Herb interactions -
Lotus - 29-03-2014
Thanks Peggy,
This is quite possibly some of the most important info for NBE that we all need to refer to.
RE: FAQ-Herb interactions -
Lotus - 11-05-2014
Added the following to the interaction list:
PABA
HORSE CHESTNUT
GENISTEIN (SOY)
COCONUT OIL
Thanks again Peggy!