Drugs-herbs deadly pairings

Here we deal with the possible harmful interaction between normal drugs (which you are probably taking for a particular therapy) and herbal active constituents, which are almost the same of those present in drugs and will consequently multiply their effect.
If you occasionally use phytotherapic remedies or you make a “light” use of them, that is you prepare infusions, macerated herbs ecc…, then you will not have great problems. The problem arises in case of prolonged use and dried extracts, nux vomica and Chinese herbs.

However, be careful about deadly pairing (starting from analysing this article). The most dangerous are the following:

If you are taking aspirin or other anticoagulants, - DO NOT use Ginkgo Biloba – since it would increase the anticoagulant effect by causing a risk of haemorrhage.

If you are taking anticoagulants such as warfarin – DO NOT use garlic often and repeatedly, DO NOT use Dong Quai (angelica sinensis), DO NOT use Danshen (Chinese sage) – since, in this case too, you could risk haemorrhages.

If you are taking corticosteroids or diuretics – DO NOT take liquorice, since in the first case it would cause high blood pressure while, in case of diuretics, it would cause water retention.

If you are taking corticosteroids, anticoagulants, oral antidiabetics (such as chlorpropamide or metformin) or estrogen hormones (like those used to treat menopause) – DO NOT use Ginseng – since associated with corticosteroids administration, it would cause very serious side-effects too; associated with anticoagulants it would cause risks of thrombosis; associated with antidiabetics it would cause glycaemia and finally associated with estrogens administration it would increase their effects.

If you are taking antidepressants (such as fluoxetine or paroxetine) – DO NOT take hypericum –
since it would cause very serious side-effects. In case of association of cyclosporine with hypericum there would be rejection effect.
It’s reported to have interactions with indinavir, warfarin, digoxin and theophylline. Do not use in case of oral contraceptives intake too since they could loose their effect (cases of recovery of periods are reported).

If you are taking antidepressants – DO NOT use Yohimbina – since it would cause high blood pressure.

The list of harmful interactions with drugs is much longer. These are only the most deadly pairings. Thus, it’s always better to consult the doctor to explain him the phytoterapic therapy you want to start.

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A handbook on some officinal plants toxicity

Even though people often think that “natural means safe”, officinal herbs too have their side-effects and their toxicity. Particularly, it’s necessary to be careful about their interaction with drugs taken at the same time, and patient’s potential pathologies must be taken into consideration. Thus, on the one hand herbs can treat a disorder but, on the other hand they can also cause complications.
Patients allergic to aspirin, for example, must not take compounds based on Willow, Poplar and Birch, just because they contain acetylsalicylic acid.
Therefore always get first medical advice on the suitability of a phitoterapic treatment in relation to your pathologies and, if not possible, be always careful about the general indications of this handbook before using a recipe you think may be suitable for you.



Let’s pass to analyse the side-effects of the most widely known medicinal plants.

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