St. John’s Wort
Many people are under the impression that because it is a herbal supplement, it cannot cause too much harm, especially if these people are convinced that the herbal remedy does not in fact work as well as it is advertised. However, it has been proven over time that it causes harmful side effects when taken together with other types of medications. Studies have shown that between 1993 and 2010, numerous dangerous combinations were prescribed to people that combined St. John’s wort with other types of medications.
The most important ones to note are the combinations with anti-anxiety medication and other antidepressants, which can cause an increase in serotonin secretion that can end up being life-threatening. What’s more, it is just as dangerous when taken alongside statins, oral contraceptives, and a blood-thinning drug called Coumadin.
Studies have also shown that the supplement reduces the abilities of other medications and that it can interfere with the likes of birth control, HIV or AIDS medication, chemotherapy, and even the medicine given to patients after they get an organ transplant, which aids in organ rejection prevention!
There are just as many benefits to this supplement as there are negatives, so before you start considering taking it, read about it and talk with your doctor in order to see if it’s the best choice for you.
If you are looking to make sure that you are staying healthy, you may be making sure you are drinking enough water. However, are you sure you are not overdoing it? Read here all the signs that point toward the fact that you are drinking way too much water and why it can be dangerous!
