When using medications, it is important to be careful with certain types of herbal preparations. Herbs often seem harmless because they come from nature, but in combination with medicines they can have unwanted or even very unhealthy effects. We list (some of) the herbal preparations to which this applies.
Effect on health is not always clear
Herbs that we use in our food have a low dosage of certain substances and therefore do not cause any harm. This is sometimes a completely different story with herbal pills or preparations. They are used, among other things, to lose weight, to sleep or concentrate better and to relax. Its effect on health has not always been well researched. Undesirable or dangerous effects can occur, especially in combination with certain medications.
Interaction or side effects
When using herbal preparations, an interaction may occur with certain medications. This can ensure that a medicine is better or worse absorbed into your body. Then you get more or less of it than intended. In addition, it may happen that herbal products and medicines reinforce each other’s effect. As a result, you may be more likely to experience side effects.
St. John’s wort
We already wrote about using St. John’s wort in March 2021. Research by the RIVM has shown that medicines containing St. John’s wort counteract other medications. For example, chemotherapy may be less effective, as can medications against fungal or viral infections. The effect of antidepressants or tranquilizers, on the other hand, can be enhanced by St. John’s wort. For this reason, the RIVM advises not to use St. John’s wort in combination with other medications. But even if the herb is not combined with medication, according to the RIVM, it is possible that diarrhea, anxiety and dizziness, among other things, may occur when using it.
Also read: The adverse effect of grapefruit and other citrus fruits on some medications
Chinese cinnamon
Cinnamon contains the substance coumarin, which in high doses has a blood thinning effect. The coumarin content of Ceylon cinnamon is very low, but Chinese cinnamon contains a lot more. Eating a piece of apple pie with Chinese cinnamon can do no harm, but things are different in the case of preparations with Chinese cinnamon. They contain a much higher dose of it. This is dangerous in combination with blood thinners (which also contain coumarin). This may cause bleeding. A high dose can also cause liver damage. Those who use cholesterol-lowering drugs are more likely to develop this. Long-term use of a lot of coumarin is also possibly carcinogenic, reports the Nutrition Center.
Garlic pills
Anyone who takes blood thinners should not use garlic pills. These have an inhibitory effect on blood clotting and can enhance the effect of anticoagulants (blood thinners). As a result, the blood may not clot enough, which may cause bleeding. In addition, garlic pills can interact with a number of other medications: muscle relaxants, anticancer medications, antacids, and antiviral medications (HIV medications).
American ginseng
Herbal preparations containing American gingseng may interact with blood thinners. They can also affect blood clotting and increase the risk of thrombosis or a heart or cerebral infarction.
Also read: Fresh ginger tea is healthy, but drink it in moderation
Green tea
You can safely drink 3 cups of green tea per day. However, green tea herbal preparations may interact with several medications. This applies to antipsychotics, folic acid (B vitamin) and cardiovascular medications. In the case of folic acid and beta blockers (in cardiovascular diseases), green tea preparations may reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
Turmeric
Herbal preparations containing turmeric, also known as turmeric, may interact with anti-cancer medications, anti-hypertensives and anti-inflammatories. Turmeric can then make such a medicine work less well.
Ginkgo
Herbal preparations containing ginkgo (Japanese nut tree) interact with 6 different types of medications: antipsychotics, painkillers, cardiovascular medications (blood pressure lowering agents), antacids, diabetes medications and blood thinners. Herbal products containing ginkgo can also affect your blood clotting.
Also read: Are Erica’s apricot kernels in the cupboard? Don’t eat them!
Valerian
Herbal products containing valerian may interact with antipsychotic medications. For example, the drug alprazolam causes a higher amount of the drug to enter the blood. This makes the drug stronger and increases the risk of side effects. Herbal preparations containing valerian can also have a similar effect as medications with a sedative effect. When you use them simultaneously, the calming effect can be enhanced.
Consult your doctor
In many cases you will find information about interactions with herbal products on the label and package leaflet of medicines. It is also always wise to first consult your doctor or ask your pharmacist for advice when you want to use a herbal preparation.
Source: archive, RIVM, Medicines Evaluation Board (CBG), AD, Nutrition Center, Thuisarts.nl, Pharmacy.nl. Photo: Shutterstock)
2023-09-10 04:02:15
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