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Doctors have to take extra precautions when their patients are using herbal remedies; drug interactions have had effects ranging from nausea to death. Since herbs are marketed as food supplements, businesses are not responsible for product safety. Important ingredients and warnings are often withheld from the labels. The FDA does little research on natural remedies, so doctors are missing out on vital information. Four herbs that pose serious problems:

Ginkgo: Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo is commonly used to treat conditions such as dementia, tinnitus, and Alzheimer's. This popular herb improves brain function by increasing blood flow. However, ginkgo reacting with prescribed medicine has caused severe bleeding in numerous patients. Most were simply taking over-the-counter drugs (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, heparin, and acetaminophen). Vitamin E and garlic consumption can also have similar effects. Seek help if you notice abnormal bleeding, bruising, dizziness, headache, or blurred vision. This herb should not be taken with alcohol, antidepressants, bupropion, penicillin, cephalosporin, Corticosteroids, fentanyl, theophylline, methylphenidate, diabetes medicines, anti-clotting drugs, or immune system suppressants.

Flaxseed: Linum Usitatissimum

Flaxseed is used to treat constipation, colon and stomach inflammation, irritable bowels, and bowels damaged by laxative use. Flaxseed should not be taken with aspirin, warfarin, or any other blood-thinning medicines. It should also not be combined with laxatives or medications that lower blood sugar (e.g., glipizide, glyburide, and glucophage). Seek help if you notice breathing problems, tightening of the chest or throat, chest pain, skin rash, or swelling. On a lighter note, flaxseed can actually improve side effects of certain drugs. Freshness is the key. Side effects of taking spoiled flaxseed include diarrhea, gas, and nausea. Keep yours stored in the refrigerator to avoid these symptoms, and remember that the immature pods are poisonous!

Kava Kava: Piper Methysticum

Kava kava is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and nervous disorders. It improves mood and makes people feel relaxed, but this natural remedy has its drawbacks. Kava kava intensifies the negative effects of tranquilizers and antidepressants. It should not be taken with alcohol, some barbiturates, leflunomide, methotrexate, muscle relaxants, narcotics, riluzole, or tacrine. Medicines for depression, anxiety, psychotic disturbances, and sleep are also off-limits. Seek help

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