Diabetic? Here are three deadly drug-herb combinations you must avoid

If taken without the advice of a trained natural medicine professional, herbs could have the following effect when taken in conjunction with mainstream medication:

• Cause an overdose by increasing the absorption of the drug.
• Reduce the effectiveness by decreasing your body’s ability to absorb the drug.

Make sure you know the health-risks of these common drug-herb cocktails before you take them...

Here are four drug-herb combinations 132 of the Deadliest Food-Drug Interactions & Side Effects says you need to avoid.

Lethal drug-herb combination #1: Diabetes and ginseng

Ginseng is a hugely popular herb used to combat fatigue and stress and is found in most commercial energy drinks.

The one thing they don’t tell you on the can is that one of the most common effects of ginseng is it reduces your blood sugar levels.

That’s bad news for diabetics – especially type-1 diabetics.

Lethal drug-herb combination #2: Garlic and heart disease

Garlic has long been toted as an herbal medicinal champion. But beware: Studies show that garlic can alter the metabolism of blood-thinning drugs like warfarin and could potentially cause internal bleeding. It could also interfere with certain prescription medicines, especially some anti-coagulants used in surgery.

So if your doctor’s put you on any meds to thin your blood and prevent a stroke, stop taking your garlic supplements immediately.

Lethal drug-herb combination #3: Gingko Biloba and chronic pain killers

Gingko Biloba is commonly used to improve mental function, age-related memory loss and sexual dysfunction. And it’s incredibly effective. But using it in conjunction with anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen could be a BIG mistake.

You see, Gingko Biloba could cause intracerebral haemorrhaging – a type of stroke caused by bleeding on the brain – when taken alongside pain medication.

That’s not all. Ginkgo leaf products may affect blood sugar levels, so steer clear of this herb if you’re diabetic.

Rule of thumb: Like any medication, herbal supplements should never be taken without the advice of a qualified medical practitioner.