Adaptogenic-Herbs-And-Their-Interaction-With-Medications
Raina Kranz, C.P.T, Contributor
Thyroid Nation

 

 

Raina discusses the following adaptogenic herbs, their benefits and herb interactions with medications, for your health and your thyroid:

 

  • Asian Ginseng
  • Astragulus
  • Licorice
  • Schisandra
  • Amel
  • Ashwagandha
  • Holy Basil
  • Gotu Kola
  • American Ginseng
  • Maca Root
  • Rhodiola Rosea

 

These herbs are ingredients that you will find in many supplements that are branded as Thyroid Support Supplements or Branded to “treat” Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. These herbs are very potent and all have reason to analyze and check against all diseases and medications,  since they have been used as medications, for hundreds of years, all around the world. Some have serious side effects and should only be used for short periods of time and some should not be used at all by many with certain diseases and who use certain medications. Please consult your physician before considering any of these adaptogenic herbs.

Be sure to check all formulations of supplements to see if they may contain one or more of these herbs.

Adaptogens or adaptogenic herbs refer to the pharmacological concept whereby administration results in stabilization of physiological processes and promotion of homeostasis, a state of equilibrium. These herbs need to be understood as they can alter hormones, diseases and conditions for both better and for worse.

These herbs can be separated into three groups:

  1. Chinese Herbal Medicines
  2. Ayurveda Herbal Medicine
  3. Western Herbal Medicine

Adaptogen herbs are powerful and act as true medicine and do have many interactions with traditional medicines. It is wise to be guided by a medical professional while taking any adaptogen. None of these herbs should be consumed or used during pregnancy or while trying to conceive.

Please keep in mind that the supplements in this article should be checked against all your medications and conditions. This article below has them all listed with all the information you need, to do just that.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

1) Asian ginseng, not be confused with American or Siberian Ginseng, stimulates the central nervous system and is used for adrenal exhaustion. It has been noted to help with thinking, concentration, memory, physical stamina, depression, chronic fatigue and boosts the immune system.  This adaptogen is NOT for anyone with any Autoimmune Disease and that includes Graves, Hashimoto’s, MS, RA, Lupus or any other autoimmune disease

The following information is from WebMD. These are all the interactions you should be aware of when considering with Asian Ginseng.

-Alcohol interacts with herb GINSENG, PANAX
The body breaks down alcohol to get rid of it. Taking Panax ginseng might increase how fast your body gets rid of alcohol.

-Caffeine interacts with herb GINSENG, PANAX
Caffeine can speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system, caffeine can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. Panax ginseng might also speed up the nervous system. Taking Panax ginseng along with caffeine might cause serious problems including increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Avoid taking caffeine along with Panax ginseng.

Furosemide (Lasix) interacts with herb GINSENG, PANAX
Some scientists think that Panax ginseng might decrease how well furosemide (Lasix) works. But there isn’t enough information to know if this is a big concern.

-Insulin interacts with herb GINSENG, PANAX
Panax ginseng might decrease blood sugar. Insulin is also used to decrease blood sugar. Taking Panax ginseng along with insulin might cause your blood sugar to be too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your insulin might need to be changed.

-Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with herb GINSENG, PANAX
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Panax ginseng might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking Panax ginseng along with some medications that are changed by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking Panax ginseng talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.

Some medications examples of this include: include amitriptyline (Elavil), clozapine (Clozaril), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), donepezil (Aricept), fentanyl (Duragesic), flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), olanzapine (Zyprexa), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), trazodone (Desyrel), and others.

-Medications for depression (MAOIs) interacts with herb GINSENG, PANAX
Panax ginseng might stimulate the body. Some medications used for depression can also stimulate the body. Taking Panax ginseng with these medications used for depression might cause too much stimulation. This might cause side effects such as anxiousness, headache, restlessness, and insomnia.

Some of these medications used for depression include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and others.

-Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with herb GINSENG, PANAX
Panax ginseng might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking Panax ginseng along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

-Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with GINSENG, PANAX
Panax ginseng increases the immune system. By increasing the immune system, Panax ginseng might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.

Some medications that decrease the immune system include: azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

-Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with herb GINSENG, PANAX
Panax ginseng might slow blood clotting. Taking Panax ginseng along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

Some medications that slow blood clotting include: aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

-Stimulant drugs interacts with herb GINSENG, PANAX
Stimulant drugs speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system, stimulant medications can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. Panax ginseng might also speed up the nervous system. Taking Panax ginseng along with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems including increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Avoid taking stimulant drugs along with Panax ginseng.

Some stimulant drugs include: diethylpropion (Tenuate), epinephrine, phentermine (Ionamin), pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), and many others.

-Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with herb GINSENG, PANAX
Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. There is some concern that Panax ginseng might decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). But it’s not clear if this interaction is a big problem. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.

2) Astragulus, another adaptogenic herb that is very popular and used for the common cold, upper respiratory infections, allergies, fibromyalgia, anemia, chronic fatigue, high blood pressure also stimulates and increases the immune system. This may make the immune system more active which can can cause the symptoms of autoimmune disease to worsen.

The following information is from WebMD. Interactions with this herb and other medications you should be aware of.

-Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) interacts with ASTRAGALUS
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) is used to decrease the immune system. Astragalus increases the immune system. Taking astragalus along with cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) might decrease the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar).

Lithium interacts with ASTRAGALUS
Astragalus might have an effect like a water pill or “diuretic.” Taking astragalus might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with ASTRAGALUS
Astragalus increases the immune system. Taking astragalus along with medications that decrease the immune system might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.

Some medications that decrease the immune system include: (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

3) Licorice has been used for many digestive issues like stomach ulcers, heartburn, colic, ongoing inflammation of the stomach lining and chronic gastritis. In addition to osteoarthritis, systemic lupus Erythematosus (SEL), liver disorders, food poisoning, and chronic fatigue.

There are issues with long term use of this herb, Licorice and is possibly unsafe for use after 4 weeks. Consuming Licorice daily for several weeks or longer can cause severe side effects including; High Blood Pressure, low potassium levels, weakness, paralysis. With those who consume a lot of salt or have heart disease, kidney disease or high blood pressure, as little of 5 grams per day can cause these problems.

The Following is from WebMD interactions that you should be aware of with this herb and other medications

Major Interaction ‘Do not take this combination’

Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with LICORICE
Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. The body breaks down warfarin (Coumadin) to get rid of it. Licorice might increase the breakdown and decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Decreasing the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) might increase the risk of clotting. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.

Moderate Interaction ‘Be cautious with this combination’

-Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with LICORICE
Large amounts of licorice can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin).

-Estrogens interacts with LICORICE
Licorice seems to change hormone levels in the body. Taking licorice along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of estrogen pills.

Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), Ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.

-Ethacrynic Acid (Edecrin) interacts with LICORICE
Licorice can cause the body to get rid of potassium. Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) can also cause the body to get rid of potassium. Taking licorice and ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) together might cause potassium to become too low.

-Furosemide (Lasix) interacts with LICORICE
Licorice can cause the body to get rid of potassium. Furosemide (Lasix) can also cause the body to get rid of potassium. Taking licorice and furosemide together might cause the potassium levels in your body to go too low.

-Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates) interacts with LICORICE
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking licorice along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking licorice talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.

Some of these medications changed by the liver include ketamine (Ketalar), phenobarbital, orphenadrine (Norflex), secobarbital (Seconal), dexamethasone (Decadron), and others.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with LICORICE
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might change how the liver breaks down some medications. Taking licorice along with medications that are broken down by the liver might increase or decrease the effects of these medications. Before taking licorice, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.

Some medications changed by the liver include: celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase), torsemide (Demadex), and warfarin (Coumadin).

-Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with LICORICE
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Licorice might change how the liver breaks down some medications. Taking licorice along with medications that are broken down by the liver might increase or decrease the effects of some medications. Before taking licorice, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.

Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others.

-Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with LICORICE
Large amounts of licorice seem to increase blood pressure. By increasing blood pressure licorice might decrease the effectiveness of medications for high blood pressure.

Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

-Medications for inflammation (Corticosteroids) interacts with LICORICE
Some medications for inflammation can decrease potassium in the body. Licorice might also decrease potassium in the body. Taking licorice along with some medications for inflammation might decrease potassium in the body too much.

Some medications for inflammation include dexamethasone (Decadron), hydrocortisone (Cortef), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisone (Deltasone), and others.

-Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with LICORICE
Large amounts of licorice can decrease potassium levels in the body. “Water pills” can also decrease potassium in the body. Taking licorice along with “water pills” might decrease potassium in the body too much.

Some “water pills” that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDIURIL, Microzide), and others.

4) Schisandra is a fruit and is also used to make medicine. It is known for increasing resistance to disease and stress, increasing energy, physical performance and endurance, normalizing blood sugar, stimulating the immune system and speeding up recovery from surgery. In addition to; liver disease ( hepatitis), high cholesterol, PMS,  chronic diarrhea, night sweats, depression and irritability.

It will increase stomach acids and could make Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcer much worse.

The following information is from WebMD of interactions with this herb with medications you should be aware of.

-Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Schisandra might increase how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking Schisandra along with medications that are broken down by the liver might decrease the effects of these medications. Before taking Schisandra, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.

Some medications changed by the liver include: celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase), torsemide (Demadex), and warfarin (Coumadin).

-Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Schisandra might change how the liver breaks down some medications. Taking Schisandra along with some medications that are broken down by the liver might increase or decrease the effects of these medications. Before taking Schisandra, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.

Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), clarithromycin (Biaxin), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), diltiazem (Cardizem), estrogens, indinavir (Crixivan), triazolam (Halcion), and many others.

-Tacrolimus (Prograf) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Schisandra might increase how much tacrolimus (Prograf) is absorbed from the gut. Taking Schisandra along with tacrolimus (Prograf) might increase the effects and side effects of tacrolimus (Prograf). The dose of your tacrolimus (Prograf) might need to be changed if it is taken with Schisandra.

-Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with SCHISANDRA
Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. The body breaks down warfarin (Coumadin) to get rid of it. Schisandra might increase the breakdown and decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Decreasing the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) might increase the risk of clotting. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.

 

Ayurveda Herbal Medicine Herbs

1) Amel (Emblica Officinalis) Indian Gooseberry is a tree that grows in India and the Middle East. It has been used for thousands of years as medicine for high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, diabetes,  pain and swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis), cancer, stomach upset.

There are no known interactions or side effects when consumed as food. There is no information on its dosage in large amounts.

2) Ashwagandha is a plant. The root and berry are used to make medicine. It has been used for arthritis, anxiety, trouble sleeping (insomnia), asthma, bronchitis, fibromyalgia, menstrual problems and to cope with daily stress as a general tonic. Other known uses; clarity, decreasing pain, and swelling. This herb contains chemicals that may help calm the brain, reduce swelling, lower blood pressure and Alter the immune system.

This Herb is only for short term use and large doses might cause stomach upset diarrhea and vomiting.

Side effects that everyone should be aware of with the following diseases;

  1. Diabetes. This herb will lower blood sugar and interact with insulin.
  2. This herb could do both elevate Blood Pressure and Lower Blood Pressure. So those with already low BP and those with High BP should avoid this herb.
  3. Stomach Ulcers. This herb can upset this condition.
  4. AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE this herb will increase the activity of the immune system and could make the symptoms of any A.I. disease much worse.
  5. Surgery. Ashwagandha may slow down the central nervous system. Healthcare providers worry that anesthesia and other medications during and after surgery might increase this effect. Stop taking ashwagandha at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
  6. Thyroid disorders. Ashwagandha might increase thyroid hormone levels. Ashwagandha should be used cautiously or avoided if you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid hormone medications.

-Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagandha seems to increase the immune system. Taking ashwagandha along with medications that decrease the immune system might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.

Some medications that decrease the immune system include: azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

-Sedative medications (Benzodiazepines) interacts with ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagandha might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Drugs that cause sleepiness and drowsiness are called sedatives. Taking ashwagandha along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.

Some of these sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and others.

-Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagandha might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking ashwagandha along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.

 Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others.

Minor Interaction Be watchful with this combination

-Thyroid hormone interacts with ASHWAGANDHA
The body naturally produces thyroid hormones. Ashwagandha might increase how much thyroid hormone the body produces. Taking ashwagandha with thyroid hormone pills might cause too much thyroid hormone in the body, and increase the effects and side effects of thyroid hormone.

3) Gotu Kola is a combination of Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used to treat bacterial, viral or parasite infections. In addition it has been used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), shingles, common cold, fatigue, anxiety, depression, psychiatric disorders and Alzheimer’s. This herb contains chemicals that may cause liver damage in some people, stomach upset, nausea and itching. Taking too much can cause drowsiness. Liver disease: There is concern that gotu kola might cause liver damage. People who already have a liver disease such as hepatitis should avoid using Gotu kola. It might make liver problems worse. Surgery: Gotu kola might cause too much sleepiness if combined with medications used during and after surgery. Stop using Gotu kola at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

The following is from WebMD and is information on interactions with this herb and medications you should be aware of.

Major Interaction ‘Do not take this combination’

-Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with GOTU KOLA
Large amounts of Gotu kola might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking gotu kola along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.

Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others.

Moderate Interaction ‘Be cautious with this combination’

-Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with GOTU KOLA
Gotu kola might harm the liver. Taking gotu kola along with medication that might also harm the liver can increase the risk of liver damage.

Some medications that can harm the liver include: acetaminophen (Tylenol and others), methyldopa (Aldomet), fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), erythromycin (Erythrocin, Ilosone, others), phenytoin (Dilantin), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), and many others.

4) Holy Basil is a plant originally from India and is used as medicine to counter life’s stresses. Uses include; common cold, influenza, H1N1 ( Swine) flu, diabetes, heart disease, fever, viral hepatitis, malaria, stress and mercury poisoning. Applied to the skin for ringworm. The chemicals in Holy Basil may decrease pain and swelling and might lower blood sugar in Diabetes.

There is interest in research being done on Holy Basil seed oil for cancer due to its antioxidant activity.

The following is from WebMD for information of interactions with medications with this herb that you should be aware of.

-Surgery Holy basil might slow blood clotting, so there is a concern that it could increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using holy basil at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with HOLY BASIL

-Holy basil might slow blood clotting. Taking holy basil along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. But there isn’t enough information to know if this is a big concern.

Some medications that slow blood clotting include: include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

-Pentobarbital interacts with HOLY BASIL
Pentobarbital causes drowsiness. There is some concern that taking holy basil seed oil with pentobarbital might cause too much drowsiness. But there isn’t enough information to know if this is a big concern.

Western Herbal Medicine

1) American Ginseng
Boots the immune system and is a general tonic and a stimulant. It has been used to improve digestion, vomiting, colitis, gastritis, anemia, and insomnia.

*Do not confuse American Ginseng with Siberian Ginseng or Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) as they have very different medicinal effects.

American ginseng is POSSIBLY SAFE in adults and children when used short-term. It can cause some side effects including diarrhea, itching, trouble sleeping (insomnia), headache, and nervousness. In some people, American ginseng might also cause rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure or decreased blood pressure, breast tenderness, vaginal bleeding in women, and other side effects. Uncommon side effects that have been reported include a severe rash called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, liver damage, and severe allergic reaction.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

-Pregnancy and breast-feeding. American ginseng is POSSIBLY UNSAFE in pregnancy. One of the chemicals in Panax ginseng, a plant related to American ginseng, has been linked to possible birth defects. Do not take American ginseng if you are pregnant.

Not enough is known about the safety of American ginseng during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

-Diabetes. American ginseng might lower blood sugar. In people with diabetes who are taking medications to lower blood sugar, adding American ginseng might lower it too much. Monitor your blood sugar closely if you have diabetes and use American ginseng.

-Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: American ginseng preparations that contain chemicals called ginsenosides might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don’t use American ginseng that contains ginsenosides. However, some American ginseng extracts have had the ginsenosides removed (Cold-fX, Afexa Life Sciences, Canada). American ginseng extracts such as these that contain no ginsenosides or contain only a low concentration of ginsenosides do not appear to act like estrogen.

-Trouble sleeping (insomnia). High doses of American ginseng have been linked with insomnia. If you have trouble sleeping, use American ginseng with caution.

-Schizophrenia (a mental disorder): High doses of American ginseng have been linked with sleep problems and agitation in people with schizophrenia. Be careful when using American ginseng if you have schizophrenia.

-Surgery. American ginseng might affect blood sugar levels and might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking 2 weeks before surgery.

Major Interaction ‘Do not take this combination’

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with GINSENG, AMERICAN Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. American ginseng has been reported to decrease the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin). Decreasing the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin) might increase the risk of clotting. It is unclear why this interaction might occur. To avoid this interaction do not take American ginseng if you take warfarin (Coumadin).

Moderate Interaction ‘Be cautious with this combination’

  • Medications for depression (MAOIs) interacts with GINSENG, AMERICAN American ginseng might stimulate the body. Some medications used for depression can also stimulate the body. Taking American ginseng along with these medications used for depression might cause side effects such as anxiousness, headache, restlessness, and insomnia.Some of these medications used for depression include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and others.
  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with GINSENG, AMERICANAmerican ginseng might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking American ginseng along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.

2) Maca Root Maca is a plant that grows in central Peru and is a relative of the radish. It is used to make medicine. Maca has been used to treat anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, enhancing energy, female hormonal imbalance, menstrual problems and depression.

Maca is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken in amounts found in foods. Maca is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in larger amounts as medicine (up to 3 grams daily) for up to four months. Maca seems to be well tolerated by most people.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

-Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of maca during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

-Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Extracts from maca might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, do not use these extracts.

3) Rhodiola Rosea Is a mild Adaptogenic herb it enhances the immune system rather than boosting it…it has more of a calming effect than stimulating.  It has been used to increase energy, stamina, strength, mental capacity, helps the body adapt to and resist physical, chemical and environmental stress. It may improve athletic performance, shorten the recovery time after a long workout, depression and high cholesterol.

Rhodiola is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, short-term (for up to 6-10 weeks). The safety of long-term use is not known. The potential side effects of rhodiola are not known.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

-Pregnancy and breast-feeding. There isn’t enough reliable information about the safety of taking Rhodiola if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

-We currently have no information for ROSEROOT Interactions

Files from Thyroid Discussion Group, Adaptogenic Herbs by Raina Kranz C.P.T.

About the Author

Adaptogenic-Herbs-And-Their-Interaction-With-MedicationsRaina Kranz, C.P.T. attended and is certified from the American College of Sports Medicine. She studied Kinesiology/Biomechanics. Living in Hollywood, Florida she is a full time personal trainer and coach. Find her at her website, Personal Fitness Training Florida. and wonderful online Facebook Group, Thyroid Discussion Group.

 

 Questions or anything to add about adaptogen herbs or herb? We want your thoughts in the comments section–Please! 

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