Mixing herbs with prescribed medication

*Shellie_Star* · 07-24-2005, 01:53 PM

Just a query really, I will be checking with my GP at my next appointment before I start trying herbal alternatives I just wondered your thoughts on the matter

My question is, do you ladies trying herbs, also take prescribed drugs or were you advised to take one or the other and did you all seek professional advice before or did you do your own research and just go ahead?

For example, I just read that St Johns Wort is likely to compromise the positive effects of at least 50% of prescribed drugs as not much research has been done on them being mixed etc.,

I may be talking complete gibberish, apologies if I am!! I've only veen researching it today.

If it's of any help, I am considering:

Agnus Castus to help with acne (I'm currently on prescribed antibiotics & Metformin)
or Flaxseed oil/Evening Primrose to help acne, moods and weight loss.
or Green Tea capsules for weight loss
St Johns Wort to boost energy and decrease stress, depression & anxiety,

Thanks for reading, sorry if I'm confusing!!

x

SuperK72 · 07-24-2005, 03:14 PM

OK...do NOT mix herbs w/western medications. herbs are natural, but that does not mean they do not have side effects or dangers.
do not mix Vitex (agnus cactus) with clomid or any other fertility drug, or the pill. do not mix st. johns wort with anti-depressants...etc.
if you are trying herbs, i would recommend getting off all meds first.
i took vitex and it regulated my periods...AND i got pregnant. yay!
good luck!!

*Shellie_Star* · 07-24-2005, 03:27 PM

Thanx for your reply.

I'm fearing she won't know much about herbals and will warn me off them and to stick with what I know. I'll see, I do pref the idea of taking the more natural route esp now more & more things seem to be going wrong in my body, the more prescribed pills I take, the more uneasy I feel about what they're doing to me and how many I'm taking.

You wouldn't think it was such a hard decision to make but it is. To stop everything and start over again with something new is a big step so will definately consult someone in the profession who can try and help me.

Thanks again.

P.S. I gave you a gift for July 29th

x

SuperK72 · 07-24-2005, 03:58 PM

thank you for my gift!!!
just remember that the medical community, here in the states, is all about the money. doctors like to push drugs on people, regardless of side effects, and while it may be working for one issue, it will cause another issue and then you have to take a different drug for THAT issue....and then it goes on and on and on....all drugs do anyway is mask symptoms, they dont cure the problem.
plus.....researchers are constantly recalling drugs....saying to the public, "Wait a minute, sorry, but we just found out that this medication can cause heart attacks if taken on a daily basis, etc"
that scares me. i dont trust medical doctors.
i believe that some medicine is practiced well....when it comes to epidurals, insulin, and surgeries and stuff like that....for emergency or short-term purposes....but when it comes to taking pills everyday long-term....i get weary.
i took Vitex for a total of 10 months. it regulated me and i was able to conceive. not only that, but i was also running and eating right.
i understand your hesitation. i recommend an herbalist or a homeopath to get your body back in balance, not drugs. i hope it all works out for you!!! (((HUGS)))

Ajani · 07-25-2005, 10:10 AM

When my RE put me on Met, he told me to stop taking all herbs, minerals and vitamins, apart from a multi. That wasn't going to happen. I was finally having normal, ovulatory cycles after a long time, and it was the natural remedies that did it. He ordered bloodwork to compare my numbers before and after Met, and couldn't figure out why some of them were so much better, since they were things that the Met couldn't help. Gee, I wonder... Needless to say we had a "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

I had to be very vigillant about interactions and knowing what I was taking. If you don't know a lot about alternative remedies, I suggest working with a naturopath who can help.

SnowFlower · 08-06-2005, 12:50 AM

I have heard a lot of natural doctors say its ok to stay on Met and take some form of herbal meds as long as they dont have any interactions. I was told it was ok to take met with fertility blend that has vitex in it.

MyJourney · 08-06-2005, 07:26 AM

I agree with what was said above, do not mix meds with herbs, unless yo are well educated on the subject or have some kind of supervision. For the most part MDs will try to keep you on meds and dissuade you from the alternative routes. My suggestion is to find an MD that has studied holistic methods and that is willing to combine or to find a trustworthy holistic practitioner to help.
Personally, I keep away from prescription meds, so I self medicate on herbs, but only after reading about them extensively.

Don't give up on the holistic route!

HTH