Herb |
Drug |
Trade
Names |
Type
of reaction |
Alfalfa |
None |
None |
Caution:
the amino acid l-canavanine, found in alfalfa seeds
and sprouts but not the mature tops, may aggravate lupus.
Large amounts can "thin the blood." Can increase the
rate of metabolism of xenobiotic drugs. |
Aloe,
Aloe Vera |
Corticosteriods |
AeroBid,
Azmacort, Cortisone-like drugs, Flonase, Nasacort, Prednisone,
Steriods, etc |
Supports
drug function. Topically will enhance the hormone’s
anti-inflammatory properities. |
|
Glyburide |
Diabeta,
Micronase, Pres Tab, etc |
Supports
drug function. Often improves blood sugar and lipid
levels for diabetics. |
|
Digoxin |
Lanoxin |
May
have adverse drug interaction. May cause dangerously
low potassium levels |
American
Ginseng |
None |
None |
None |
Arnica |
Warfarin |
Anticoagulant,
Coumadin, Warfarin |
No interactions
with
topical
arnica preparations have been
reported. However, it is considered a
poisonous plant
(deaths have occurred). If
taken internally it would possibly interact with the
anticoagulant Coumadin. |
Ashwagadha |
None |
None |
None |
Asian
Ginseng |
Warfarin |
Anticoagulant,
Coumadin, Warfarin |
May
have adverse drug interaction. Reports suggest that
ginseng may affect parameters of bleeding. |
|
Influenza
Vaccine |
Flu
Vaccine, FluShield, Fluvirin, Fluzone, Influenza Virus
Vaccine |
Supports
drug function Helps increase antibody levels after vaccination. |
. |
Ticlopidine |
Ticlid,
Ticlopidine |
May
have adverse drug interaction. Reports suggest that
ginseng may affect parameters of bleeding. |
Astragalus |
None |
None |
None |
Barberry |
Tetracycline |
Achromycin,
Helidac, Sumycin, Tetracycline |
May
interfere with drug absorption. |
|
Doxycycline |
Doxycycline,
Vibramycin |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
Billberry |
None |
None |
High
levels of tannins in bilberry leaf could interfere with
the absorption of iron |
Bitter
Melon |
None |
None |
None |
Blackberry |
None |
None |
None |
Black
Cohosh |
None |
None |
Although
no interactions have been reported it would seem illogical,
however, to mix black cohosh with standard HRT (harmone
replacement therapy) regimens, as it could prove incompatible. |
Black
Walnut |
Ephedrine |
Adrenaline,
Bronkaid Mist, Citanest Forte, Epifrin, Primatine Mist,
etc. |
May
reduce drug absorption |
Blessed
Thistle |
None |
None |
None |
Bloodroot |
None |
None |
None |
Blueberry |
None |
None |
None |
Blue
Cohosh |
None |
None |
None |
Boneset |
None |
None |
None |
Boswellia |
None |
None |
None |
Brigham
Tea |
**See
Ephedra |
|
|
Bugleweed |
Thyroid
Hormones |
Animal
Thyroid, Cytomel, Levothroid, Liotrix, Synthetic Liothyronine,
Thyroglobulin, Thyrolar, etc. |
Adverse
drug interaction. May interfere with Thyroid Hormone
action. |
Burdock |
None |
None |
None |
Butcher’s
Broom |
None |
None |
None |
Calendula |
None |
None |
None |
Carob |
None |
None |
None |
Cascara
Sagrada |
Digoxin |
Lanoxin |
May
have adverse drug interaction. Can cause dangerously
low potassium levels |
|
Loop
Diuretics |
Bumex,
Edecrin, Lasix, Torsemide, etc |
May
have adverse drug interaction. Can cause dangerously
low potassium levels |
|
Hydrochlorothiazide |
Timolol |
May
have adverse drug interaction. Can cause dangerously
low potassium levels |
Catnip |
None |
None |
None |
Cat’s
Claw |
None |
None |
None |
Cayenne |
Aspirin |
Alka-Seltzer,
Anacin, Emprin with Codeine, Percodan, Soma Compound,
etc |
Supports
drug function. May protect against damage to the stomach
from aspirin. |
Chamomile |
Warfarin |
Anticoagulant,
Coumadin, Warfarin |
No
interactions have been reported, but in theory the coumarins
in chamomile might cause undue blood thinning. Careful
monitoring of bleeding time is recommended if chamomile
is to be used with anticoagulants. |
Chickweed |
None |
None |
None |
Cinnamon |
None |
None |
None |
Cranberry |
Lansoprazole |
Lansoprazole,
Prevacid |
Supports
drug function |
|
Omeprazole |
Losec,
Omeprazole, Prilosec |
May
help reduce side effects |
Cranesbill |
None |
None |
None |
Damiana |
None |
None |
None |
Dandelion |
Thiazide
Diuretics |
Aldactazide,
Apresazide, Chlorothiazide, Diuril, HCTZ, Maxzide, Oretic,
Vaseretic, Ziac, etc |
Adverse
drug interaction |
|
Spironolactone |
Aldactazide,
Aldactone |
Adverse
drug interaction |
. |
Loop
Diuretics |
Bumex,
Edecrin, Lasix, Torsemide, etc |
Adverse
drug interaction |
. |
Triamterene |
Dyazide,
Dyrenium, Maxzide |
Adverse
drug interaction |
Devil’s
Claw |
Warfarin |
Anticoagulant,
Coumadin, Warfarin |
May
have adverse drug interaction (bleeding under the skin) |
. |
Ticlopidine |
Ticlid,
Ticlopidine |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
Dong
quai |
Heparin |
Anticoagulant |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
|
Warfarin |
Anticoagulant,
Coumadin, Warfarin |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
|
Ticlopidine |
Ticlid,
Ticlopidine |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
Echinacea |
Chemotherapy |
Cancer
Chemotherapy, Chemotherapy |
May
help restore immune function |
. |
Econazole |
Econazole,
Spectazole |
Supports
drug function |
. |
Ketoconazole |
Nizoral |
Since
echinacea stimulates the immune system, it may alter
the effects of ketoconazole |
Elderberry |
None |
None |
None |
Ephedra
(Ma huang, Brigham
Tea, Mormon Tea, & Desert Tea) |
Ephedra contains a stimulant that is potentially dangerous
for people with high blood pressure.
|
|
. |
. |
Phenylpropanolamine |
Acutrim,
Contac 12 Hour, Dex-A-Diet, Dexatrim, Dimetapp, PPA,
Robitussin CF, Unitrol, etc |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
. |
Ephedrine |
Adrenaline,
Bronkaid Mist, Citanest Forte, Epifrin, Primatine Mist,
etc. |
Adverse
drug interaction |
. |
Corticosteriods |
AeroBid,
Azmacort, Cortisone-like drugs, Flonase, Nasacort, Prednisone,
Steriods, Vancenase, etc |
May
have adverse drug interaction. Can
reduce drug absorption |
. |
Caffeine |
Anacin,
Darvon Compound, NoDoz, Vivarin |
Adverse
drug interaction |
. |
Epinephrine |
Bronkaid
Mist, Brontin Mist, Primatene Mist, |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
. |
Phenelzine |
Nardil |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
Eyebright |
None |
None |
None |
False
Unicorn |
None |
None |
None |
Fennel |
None |
None |
None |
Fenugreek |
Insulin |
Animal-Source
Insulin, Human Insulin, Iletin, Novolin, etc. |
Supports
drug function |
. |
Heparin |
Anticoagulant |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
. |
Warfarin |
Anticoagulant,
Coumadin, Warfarin |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
. |
Glipizide |
Glucotrol, |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
. |
Ticlopidine |
Ticlid |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
Feverfew |
None |
None |
None |
Fo-Ti |
None |
None |
None |
Garlic |
Warfarin |
Anticoagulant,
Coumadin, Warfarin |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
. |
Ticlopidine |
Ticlid |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
. |
Gemfibrozil
|
Apo-Gemfibrozil,
Gemcor, Gem-Gemfibrozil, Lopid, Med-Gemfibrozil, Novo-Gemfibrozil,
PMS-Gemfibrozil |
May have
adverse drug interaction. (There are no studies to support
this but the combination is not recommended.) |
Gentian |
None |
None |
None |
Ginger |
Warfarin |
Anticoagulant,
Coumadin, Warfarin |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
. |
Chemotherapy |
Cancer
Chemotherapy, Chemotherapy |
May
help reduce side effects |
. |
Heparin |
Anticoagulant |
Adverse
drug interaction |
. |
Ticlopidine |
Ticlid |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
|
Major
Anesthetic |
Major
Anesthetics |
Helps
reduce side effects |
Ginkgo
biloba |
Thiazide
Diuretics |
Aldactazide,
Apresazide, Chlorothiazide, Diuril, HCTZ, Maxzide, Oretic,
Vaseretic, Ziac, etc |
Adverse
drug interaction |
. |
Heparin |
Anticoagulant |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
. |
Warfarin |
Anticoagulant,
Coumadin, Warfarin |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
. |
Ticlopidine |
Ticlid |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
. |
Cyclosporine |
Neoral,
Sandimmune |
May
help reduce side effects |
. |
Fluvoxamine |
Faurin,
Luvox |
May
help reduce side effects |
. |
Fluoxetine |
Prozac |
Helps
reduce side effects |
. |
Paroxetine |
Paxil |
Helps
reduce side effects |
. |
Sertraline |
Zoloft |
Helps
reduce side effects |
Goldenseal |
Tetracycline |
Achromycin,
Helidac, Sumycin |
May
have adverse drug interaction. May interfere with drug
absorption. |
. |
Doxycycline |
Vibramycin |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
Gotu
Kola |
None |
None |
None |
Gravel
Root |
Thiazide
Diuretics |
Aldactazide,
Apresazide, Chlorothiazide, Diuril, HCTZ, Maxzide, Oretic,
Vaseretic, Ziac, etc |
Adverse
drug interaction |
. |
Spironolactone |
Aldactazide,
Aldactone |
Adverse
drug interaction |
. |
Loop
Diuretics |
Bumex,
Edecrin, Lasix, Torsemide, etc |
Adverse
drug interaction |
. |
Triamterene |
Dyazide,
Dyrenium, Maxzide |
Adverse
drug interaction |
Guggul |
None |
None |
None |
Gymnema |
Insulin |
Animal-Source
Insulin, Human Insulin, Iletin, Novolin, etc. |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
. |
Glyburide |
Diabeta,
Micronase, Pres Tab, etc |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
. |
Glipizide |
Glucotrol, |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
Hawthorn |
Digoxin |
Lanoxin |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
Hops |
None |
None |
None |
Horseradish |
None |
None |
None |
Horsetail |
Thiazide
Diuretics |
Aldactazide,
Apresazide, Chlorothiazide, Diuril, HCTZ, Maxzide, Oretic,
Vaseretic, Ziac, etc |
Adverse
drug interaction |
. |
Spironolactone |
Aldactazide,
Aldactone |
Adverse
drug interaction |
. |
Loop
Diuretics |
Bumex,
Edecrin, Lasix, Torsemide, etc |
Adverse
drug interaction |
. |
Triamterene |
Dyazide,
Dyrenium, Maxzide |
Adverse
drug interaction |
Horse
Chestnut |
Heparin |
Anticoagulant |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
. |
Warfarin |
Anticoagulant,
Coumadin, Warfarin |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
. |
Ticlopidine |
Ticlid |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
Juniper |
Thiazide
Diuretics |
Aldactazide,
Apresazide, Chlorothiazide, Diuril, HCTZ, Maxzide, Oretic,
Vaseretic, Ziac, etc |
Adverse
drug interaction |
|
Spironolactone |
Aldactazide,
Aldactone |
Adverse
drug interaction |
|
Loop
Diuretics |
Bumex,
Edecrin, Lasix, Torsemide, etc |
Adverse
drug interaction |
|
Triamterene |
Dyazide,
Dyrenium, Maxzide |
Adverse
drug interaction |
Kava |
Benzodiazepines |
Ativan,
BusparBuspirone, Clonazepam, Flurazepam, Librium, Restoril,
Triazolam, Valium, Xanax, etc. |
Adverse
drug interaction |
Kudzu |
None |
None |
None |
Lavender |
None |
None |
None |
Lemon
Balm |
Thyroid
Hormones |
Animal
Thyroid, Cytomel, Levothroid, Liotrix, Synthetic Liothyronine,
Thyroglobulin, Thyrolar, etc. |
Adverse
drug interaction. May interfere with Thyroid Hormone
action. |
Licorice |
Aspirin |
Alka-Seltzer,
Anacin, Emprin with Codeine, Percodan, Soma Compound,
etc |
Supports
drug function |
|
Interferon |
Actimmune,
Intron, Weferon, etc. |
Supports
drug function. |
|
Ibuprofen |
Advil,
Feldene, Motrin, Voltarol, etc |
Helps
reduce/prevent side effects |
|
Corticosteriods |
AeroBid,
Azmacort, Cortisone-like drugs, Flonase, Nasacort, Prednisone,
Steriods, Vancenase, etc |
Internally-May
have adverse drug interaction
Externally-May
support drug function |
|
Thiazide
Diuretics |
Aldactazide,
Apresazide, Chlorothiazide, Diuril, HCTZ, Maxzide, Oretic,
Vaseretic, Ziac, etc |
Adverse
drug interaction |
|
Naproxen |
Aleve,
Anaprox, Naprelan Naprosyn Naproxen, Naproxen Sodium |
Helps
reduce/prevent side effects |
|
Loop
Diuretics |
Bumex,
Edecrin, Lasix, Torsemide, etc |
Adverse
drug interaction |
|
Oxaprozin |
Daypro |
Helps
reduce/prevent side effects |
|
Digoxin |
Lanoxin |
May
have adverse drug interaction. Can cause dangerously
low potassium levels |
|
Etodolac |
Lodine |
Helps
reduce/prevent side effects |
|
Isoniazid |
INH,
Laniazid, Rifamate, Rimactane |
May
support drug function |
|
Nabumetone |
Relafen |
Helps
reduce/prevent side effects |
Ligustrum |
None |
None |
None |
Lomatium |
None |
None |
None |
Ma
huang |
**See
Ephedra |
|
|
Maitake |
None |
None |
None |
Marshmallow |
None |
None |
None |
Milk
Thistle |
Acetaminophen |
Alka-Seltzer
Plus, Darvocet, Nyquil, Theraflu, Tylenol, Vicodin,
etc. |
Helps
reduce/prevent side effects (specifically to the liver) |
|
Major
Anesthetic |
Major
Anesthetics |
Helps
protect against liver damage |
|
Chemotherapy |
Cancer
Chemotherapy, Chemotherapy |
May
support function of Chemotherapy drugs cisplatin &
doxorubicin |
|
Clofibrate |
Atromid-S |
Helps
reduce/prevent side effects (specifically to the liver) |
|
Metronidazole |
Flagyl,
Helidac, Protostat |
Helps
protect against liver damage |
|
Haloperidol |
Haldol |
Helps
protect against liver damage |
|
Lovastatin |
Mevacor |
Helps
protect against liver toxicity |
|
Pravastatin |
Pravachol |
Helps
protect against liver toxicity |
Mormon
Tea |
**See
Ephedra |
|
|
Mullein |
None |
None |
None |
Myrrh |
None |
None |
None |
Nettle |
None |
None |
None |
Oak |
Ephedrine |
Adrenaline,
Bronkaid Mist, Citanest Forte, Epifrin, Primatine Mist,
etc. |
May
reduce drug absorption |
|
Theophylline |
Aminophylline,
Primatene Dual Action, Slo-Bid, Truphylline, Uniphyl,
etc. |
May
reduce drug absorption |
|
Atropine |
Isopto
Atropine |
May
reduce drug absorption |
|
Codeine |
Emprin
with Codeine, Phenergan with Codeine, Robitussin AC,
Soma Compound with Codeine, Tylenol with Codeine |
May
reduce drug absorption |
Oats |
None |
None |
None |
Oregon
Grape |
Tetracycline |
Achromycin,
Helidac, Sumycin, Tetracycline |
May
interfere with drug absorption. |
|
Doxycycline |
Doxycycline,
Vibramycin |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
Passion
Flower |
None |
None |
None |
Pau
D’arco |
None |
None |
None |
Peppermint |
Cisapride |
Propulsid |
May
interfere with drug function. |
Phyllanthus |
None |
None |
None |
Psyllium |
Lithium |
Eskalith,
Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs |
May
interfere with drug function by decreasing Lithium blood
levels. |
Pygeum |
None |
None |
None |
Red
Clover |
Heparin |
Anticoagulant |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
|
Warfarin |
Anticoagulant,
Coumadin, Warfarin |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
|
Conjugated
Estrogens |
Premarin,
Prempro |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
|
Ticlopidine |
Ticlid |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
Red
Raspberry |
Ephedrine |
Adrenaline,
Bronkaid Mist, Citanest Forte, Epifrin, Primatine Mist,
etc. |
May
reduce drug absorption |
|
Theophylline |
Aminophylline,
Primatene Dual Action, Slo-Bid, Truphylline, Uniphyl,
etc. |
May
reduce drug absorption |
|
Atropine |
Isopto
Atropine |
May
reduce drug absorption |
|
Codeine |
Emprin
with Codeine, Phenergan with Codeine, Robitussin AC,
Soma Compound with Codeine,
Tylenol with Codeine |
May
reduce drug absorption |
Red
Yeast Rice
|
Gemfibrozil
|
Apo-Gemfibrozil,
Gemcor, Gem-Gemfibrozil, Lopid, Med-Gemfibrozil, Novo-Gemfibrozil,
PMS-Gemfibrozil |
May have
adverse drug interaction
|
. |
Lovastatin
|
Apo-Lovastatin,
Mevacor
|
May have
adverse drug interaction. (May cause rhabdomyolysis,
a potentially life-threatening muscle disease.) |
Reishi |
None |
None |
None |
Rosemary |
None |
None |
None |
Sage |
None |
None |
None |
Sandalwood |
None |
None |
None |
Sarsaparilla |
None |
None |
None |
Saw
Palmetto |
None |
None |
Caution:
Saw Palmetto works by anti-androgenic and anti-inflammatory
actions. The combination of this herb and Finasteride
has not been studied, but both drugs appear to work
by different mechanisms. |
Schisandra |
Acetaminophen |
Alka-Seltzer
Plus, Darvocet, Nyquil, Theraflu, Tylenol, Vicodin,
etc. |
May
help protect against liver damage. |
Scullcap
or Skullcap |
None |
None |
None |
Senna |
Senna |
Black-Draught,
Gentlax, Senna-Gen, Senolax, etc. |
May
cause low potassium levels if used longer than
10 days. |
|
Digoxin |
Lanoxin |
May
cause low potassium levels & possible toxicity |
Shiitake |
Didanosine |
DDI,
Dideoxyinosine, Videx |
Supports
drug function. May improve CD4 immune cell count. |
Siberian
Ginseng
(Eleuthero) |
Warfarin |
Anticoagulant,
Coumadin, Warfarin |
May
have adverse drug interaction. Reports suggest that
ginseng may affect parameters of bleeding. |
|
Influenza
Vaccine |
Flu
Vaccine, FluShield, Fluvirin, Fluzone, Influenza Virus
Vaccine |
Supports
drug function. Helps reduce/prevent side effects |
|
Ticlopidine |
Ticlid,
Ticlopidine |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
|
Chemotherapy |
Cancer
Chemotherapy, Chemotherapy |
Melanoma-
may help with toxicity.
Breast Cancer- supports
improved immune function. |
|
Digoxin |
Lanoxin |
May
increase digoxin levels. |
Slippery
Elm |
None |
None |
None |
Stevia |
None |
None |
None |
St
John’s Wort |
Tricyclic
Antidepressants |
Amitriptyline,
Doxepin, Norpramin, Tofranil, etc. |
Although
no interactions have been reported it would be best
to avoid using this drug with St. John’s wort unless
you are under the supervision of a qualified healthcare
professional. |
|
Trazodone |
Desyrel |
Although
no interactions have been reported it would be best
to avoid using this drug with St. John’s wort unless
you are under the supervision of a qualified healthcare
professional. |
|
Venlafaxine |
Effexor |
Although
no interactions have been reported it would be best
to avoid using this drug with St. John’s wort unless
you are under the supervision of a qualified healthcare
professional. |
|
Fluvoxamine |
Faurin,
Luvox |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
|
Fluoxetine |
Prozac |
Adverse
drug interaction |
|
Paroxetine |
Paxil |
Adverse
drug interaction |
|
Sertraline |
Zoloft |
Adverse
drug interaction |
|
Nefazodone |
Serzone |
Although
no interactions have been reported it would be best
to avoid using this drug with St. John’s wort unless
you are under the supervision of a qualified healthcare
professional. |
|
Phenelzine |
Nardil |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
Tea
Tree |
None |
None |
None |
Turmeric |
None |
None |
None |
Usnea |
None |
None |
None |
Uva
ursi |
Ephedrine |
Adrenaline,
Bronkaid Mist, Citanest Forte, Epifrin, Primatine Mist,
etc. |
May
reduce drug absorption |
|
Atropine |
Isopto
Atropine |
May
reduce drug absorption |
|
Codeine |
Emprin
with Codeine, Phenergan with Codeine, Robitussin AC,
Soma Compound with Codeine, Tylenol with Codeine |
May
reduce drug absorption |
|
Theophylline |
Aminophylline,
Primatene Dual Action, Slo-Bid, Truphylline, Uniphyl,
etc. |
May
reduce drug absorption |
|
Thiazide
Diuretics |
Aldactazide,
Apresazide, Chlorothiazide, Diuril, HCTZ, Maxzide, Oretic,
Vaseretic, Ziac, etc |
Adverse
drug interaction |
|
Spironolactone |
Aldactazide,
Aldactone |
Adverse
drug interaction |
|
Loop
Diuretics |
Bumex,
Edecrin, Lasix, Torsemide, etc |
Adverse
drug interaction |
|
Triamterene |
Dyazide,
Dyrenium, Maxzide |
Adverse
drug interaction |
Valerian |
None |
None |
None |
Vitex |
None |
None |
None |
White
Willow |
Bismuth
Subsalicylate |
Bismatrol,
BSS, Helidac, Pepto-Bismol |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
|
Ticlopidine |
Ticlid,
Ticlopidine |
May
have adverse drug interaction |
Wild
Cherry |
None |
None |
None |
Wild
Indigo |
None |
None |
None |
Wild
Yam |
None |
None |
None |
Witch
Hazel |
Ephedrine |
Adrenaline,
Bronkaid Mist, Citanest Forte, Epifrin, Primatine Mist,
etc. |
May
reduce drug absorption |
|
Atropine |
Isopto
Atropine |
May
reduce drug absorption |
|
Codeine |
Emprin
with Codeine, Phenergan with Codeine, Robitussin AC,
Soma Compound with Codeine, Tylenol with Codeine |
May
reduce drug absorption |
|
Theophylline |
Aminophylline,
Primatene Dual Action, Slo-Bid, Truphylline, Uniphyl,
etc. |
May
reduce drug absorption |
Wormwood |
None |
None |
None |
Yarrow |
None |
None |
None |
Yellow
Dock |
None |
None |
None |
Yohimbe |
Fluvoxamine |
Faurin,
Luvox |
May
support drug function |
Yucca |
None |
None |
None |