Baby Boomer Health – Herbs and Prescription Drugs

Welcome to this weeks edition of Baby Boomer Health – Herbs and Prescription Drugs

Show Notes:

 John Hopkins studies some herbal preparations to see what effect if any they may have on prescription drugs.

Ginkgo
    Inhibits platelets – interferes with blood clotting – don't use if on blood thinner or antiplatelet drugs.  May also lower blood sugar so don't use if on diabetic medications.
    
Garlic
    May inhibit blood clotting and interfere with some antiviral drugs.
    
Licorice Root
    Large amounts may cause high blood pressure and water retention.  May deplete potassium leading to abnormal heart rhythms or symptoms of weakness and fatigue.  Can counter act some diuretics (water pills)
    
Kava
    Toxic to liver so don't take.
    
Asian Ginseng
    May lower blood sugar and inhibit blood clotting.
    
St. John's Wort
    Can interact with a number of prescription drugs either increasing or decreasing their effectiveness.  Such as antiviral drugs, anti-rejection drugs, cardiac drugs, blood thinners, antidepressants and some cancer drugs.
    
Always let your health care providers know what over the counter drugs you are taking.  And talk to your health care provider  about stopping all of them a week to ten days before surgery.