Beneficial Herbal-Drug Interactions (in case you did not scroll down on the previous page)
Again, since pharmaceutical and over the counter drugs are such a big part of our health system, it is just as important to focus on the positive herb-drug interactions, as it is on potential concerns (measure the reward, not only the risk). Ignoring these abundant combinations is truly the equivalent of crossing the street after looking just one way.
In particular, we need to start taking advantage of herbs that mitigate harsh side effects of prescription and over the counter drugs e.g. many prescription drugs have side effects of dry skin, rashes and hives. Well, there are plants that moisten the skin and clear rashes and eruptions. Sound like a good combo? You bet!
Remember the caution mentioned above, of using drying herbs with anti-histamines? Well there are herbs that can be used with anti-histamines that reduce the likelihood of any over-drying, which can lead to respiratory infection. This is another great use of combining herbs with western medicine. You may have further guessed that those same herbs help resolve chronic phlegm congestion of the sinus or chest. If so, you are right.
Another way to use herbs in concert with drugs is by choosing herbs with similar healing properties to your prescription meds, for the purpose of weaning off of the pharmaceutical medication, when appropriate. To do so, the herbal dose is slowly increased as the pharmaceutical dose slowly decreases (taken at least 2 hours apart). Naturally, you will want to consult with your medical doctor before making any changes to your prescriptions. In more severe cases, you will want to see your doctor regularly to help monitor these changes and avoid incurring any increased risk.
Combinations and Formulas
The day will come when combining herbs with drugs is the more typical protocol and it can’t come soon enough. In fact, the Chinese medical way to take herbs is more often via formula's of several herbs rather than single herbs. This technique provides the patient with the desired corrective action while also accounting for any potential concerns. I'll use Ginseng to illustrate this point as it is a commonly used energy tonic that is a healthy substitute for coffee- yet not completely free of side effects.
When used for prolonged periods of time, Ginseng can be "cloying" and therefore disruptive for patients with sensitive stomachs. Bloating and nausea would be the most likely symptoms of herbal cloying, but other discomforts such as heartburn, GERD and belching could also result. For this reason, Ginseng is often accompanied by herbs that reduce the likelihood of this overly saccharine feeling, such as poria root, ginger/cinnamon and licorice.
We will be truly living healthier lives when the formula for better health returns to that of my grandparents generation- when what we ingest comes first. Clean air and water, a healthy diet, plenty of exercise and rest, supported by herbal nutrition and other holistic treatments and then followed by pharmaceutical drugs and surgical procedures is the better recipe for good health. Begin by adding more greens in your homes and bodies and by swapping out the Claritin for a plant that grows in your own backyard- ask me about "plantain"!
Robert Thompson, Lic. Ac., MAOM
Again, since pharmaceutical and over the counter drugs are such a big part of our health system, it is just as important to focus on the positive herb-drug interactions, as it is on potential concerns (measure the reward, not only the risk). Ignoring these abundant combinations is truly the equivalent of crossing the street after looking just one way.
In particular, we need to start taking advantage of herbs that mitigate harsh side effects of prescription and over the counter drugs e.g. many prescription drugs have side effects of dry skin, rashes and hives. Well, there are plants that moisten the skin and clear rashes and eruptions. Sound like a good combo? You bet!
Remember the caution mentioned above, of using drying herbs with anti-histamines? Well there are herbs that can be used with anti-histamines that reduce the likelihood of any over-drying, which can lead to respiratory infection. This is another great use of combining herbs with western medicine. You may have further guessed that those same herbs help resolve chronic phlegm congestion of the sinus or chest. If so, you are right.
Another way to use herbs in concert with drugs is by choosing herbs with similar healing properties to your prescription meds, for the purpose of weaning off of the pharmaceutical medication, when appropriate. To do so, the herbal dose is slowly increased as the pharmaceutical dose slowly decreases (taken at least 2 hours apart). Naturally, you will want to consult with your medical doctor before making any changes to your prescriptions. In more severe cases, you will want to see your doctor regularly to help monitor these changes and avoid incurring any increased risk.
Combinations and Formulas
The day will come when combining herbs with drugs is the more typical protocol and it can’t come soon enough. In fact, the Chinese medical way to take herbs is more often via formula's of several herbs rather than single herbs. This technique provides the patient with the desired corrective action while also accounting for any potential concerns. I'll use Ginseng to illustrate this point as it is a commonly used energy tonic that is a healthy substitute for coffee- yet not completely free of side effects.
When used for prolonged periods of time, Ginseng can be "cloying" and therefore disruptive for patients with sensitive stomachs. Bloating and nausea would be the most likely symptoms of herbal cloying, but other discomforts such as heartburn, GERD and belching could also result. For this reason, Ginseng is often accompanied by herbs that reduce the likelihood of this overly saccharine feeling, such as poria root, ginger/cinnamon and licorice.
We will be truly living healthier lives when the formula for better health returns to that of my grandparents generation- when what we ingest comes first. Clean air and water, a healthy diet, plenty of exercise and rest, supported by herbal nutrition and other holistic treatments and then followed by pharmaceutical drugs and surgical procedures is the better recipe for good health. Begin by adding more greens in your homes and bodies and by swapping out the Claritin for a plant that grows in your own backyard- ask me about "plantain"!
Robert Thompson, Lic. Ac., MAOM