[peggy]

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