While herbs are generally safe to use, combining herbs & drugs that are prescribed or ?over-the-counters? (OTCs), can cause unexpected problems.

If you are taking prescription drugs & also use herbal remedies the cautions below will help assure your health & safety.

Now, most of the recommendations are common sense. Essentially, the two biggest concerns in combining herbal remedies & drugs are as follows:

* Herbs may heighten effects of prescriptions or OTCs.

* Herbs may lessen effects of prescriptions or OTCs.

If you are considering using herbs for a condition that you are taking medication for, inform yourself or only combine the two under medical supervision.

Specific herb drug interactions & cautions

Berberine works against blood thinners. If you are taking blood thinners only use high berberine herbs (barberry, goldenseal, Oregon grapefruit) under a doctor's supervision.

Bromelain may interact with blood thinners to further thin blood & turn a minor bleeding event into a concern.

Echinacea works against drugs designed to suppress the immune system. Organ recipients, or persons suffering from autoimmune disorders need to consult their doctor before using echinacea.

Fiber increases delays the absorption of most drugs. If you need to have a particular drug absorbed quickly do not pair it with high fiber herbs (fennel seed, psyllium, others) or high fiber foods like beans.

Garlic, an otherwise marvelous herbal remedy, is a natural blood thinner. Caution should be used if you are taking garlic while on blood thinners.

Ginkgo is another wonderful natural remedy but it too increases the effects of blood thinners. If you are on blood thinners, take Ginkgo cautiously.

Ginseng must be taken with caution if you use prescriptive or OTC stimulants.

Hawthorn is another blood thinner especially good for patients with heart issues. However, consult your doctor if you wish to use hawthorn while on blood thinners or heart medication.

Kava will increase the effects of tranquilizers & anti-anxiety medications.

Licorice should not be used with meds that cause loss of potassium.

Siberian ginseng increases the effects of antibiotics.

St.-John's-wort may increase the effects of antidepressants.

Tannin, found in teas, also reduces the absorption of drugs.

Valerian increases the effects of sleep medications.