In a world where wellness trends and natural health solutions are gaining popularity, many people are turning to herbal supplements to support their overall well-being. 

From ginseng to St. John’s Wort, these plant-based remedies are often marketed as safe and natural alternatives — but that doesn’t always mean they’re risk-free.

If you're currently taking prescription medications, combining them with herbal supplements can sometimes lead to unexpected interactions that may reduce the effectiveness of your medication or even cause harmful side effects.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe — and how to talk to your healthcare provider about it.

Why Herbal Supplements Aren’t Always “Harmless”

Many people assume that because herbal supplements are natural, they’re completely safe. However, “natural” doesn’t always mean “harmless.”

Herbal products can affect the way your body absorbs, processes, or eliminates prescription medications.

For example:

St. John’s Wort, commonly used for depression or anxiety, can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, antidepressants, and blood thinners by speeding up how the liver processes them.

Ginkgo biloba, often taken for memory support, can increase the risk of bleeding when used with blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin.

Ginseng may interfere with diabetes medications and cause dangerously low blood sugar levels.

These interactions can range from mild to severe, depending on the supplement, the medication, and your individual health condition.

Common Risk Areas for Drug-Herb Interactions

Some health conditions require extra caution when using herbal remedies:

• Heart conditions (e.g., mixing herbs with blood pressure or cholesterol medications)
• Diabetes (many herbs also affect blood sugar)
• Mental health disorders (herbs can interfere with antidepressants and antipsychotics)
• Autoimmune diseases (some supplements may stimulate the immune system, countering immunosuppressive drugs)

The Importance of Transparency with Your Healthcare Provider

One of the most important steps you can take is to communicate openly with your doctor or pharmacist about any supplements you’re taking — even if they seem harmless.

Here at Lakeside Medicine Centre, we understand that you may be looking for natural options to complement your treatment. We’re not here to discourage you from exploring holistic health — we can help you find a safe balance between conventional medicine and complementary therapies.

Here’s what you can do:

Bring a list of all supplements and medications to your next appointment.

Ask whether any ingredients might conflict with your prescriptions.

Avoid starting a new herbal product without professional guidance.

Tips for Taking Supplements Safely

Buy from reputable sources – Not all supplements are created equal. Choose brands that undergo third-party testing.

Stick to recommended doses – “More” isn’t always better when it comes to natural remedies.

Read labels carefully – Some supplements contain blends of multiple herbs, which can increase the risk of interactions.

Bottom Line: Always Ask First

Herbal supplements can play a valuable role in supporting health, but they must be used wisely — especially when prescription medications are involved. Your body’s biochemistry is complex, andeven natural substances can tip the balance in unexpected ways.

At Lakeside Medicine Centre, we’re here to help you make informed, personalized decisions about your health. Whether you're considering a new supplement or just want to be sure your current regimen is safe, we're happy to talk through your options.

Have questions about herbal supplements and your medications? Take to a pharmacist at Lakeside Medicine Centre today.