July 24, 2003 – The growing popularity of herbal medicines also increases the risk of interactions with conventional drugs. A new guide recently published should make it possible to see more clearly.
This guide, entitled Herb-Drug Interactions, is the result of a collaboration between Albertan herbalist Robert Rogers and the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton.
It can be read, for example, that St. John’s Wort drastically decreases the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, and that ginkgo biloba, when taken together with aspirin, increases the risk of spontaneous internal bleeding.
The guide also identifies positive interactions, such as propolis collected from bee hives, which increases the effectiveness of the antibiotic tetracycline by around 700%.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to Sun Media; July 17, 2003.
NOTE: The guide will be available at Canadian pharmacies in the coming weeks, at a cost of approximately $ 15. Those who can’t wait can order a copy by mail from the Optimum Health Vitamins Pharmacy in Edmonton at 1-877-451-6965.
