Mixing Medicines And Supplements Can Be Dangerous, Pharmacist Warns

An American pharmacist warns physicians and consumers that herbal, dietary, energy and  nutritional supplements, whether natural or not, can be harmful when combined with commonly used medicines. Catherine Ulbricht says that a substance that has a therapeutic effect on the body “can also cause a reaction or interaction.” For example, garlic, ginkgo, ginger, and saw palmetto supplements increase the risk of serious bleeding. Chromium, cinnamon and whey protein can reduce blood sugar. And bloodroot, green tea, hawthorn, and maté can raise blood pressure.