There can be an interaction between certain medicines prescribed by physicians and botanical medications (which is actually taking herbs for health reasons).

Certain botanicals that are reported to affect Coumadin (which is a blood thinner commonly prescribed to people who are at risk for stroke or clots) therapy. These include the following, but is not necessarily a complete list. These are associated with an INCREASE in the effectiveness of Coumadin:

• Bromelains
• Danshen
• Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
• Garlic
• Ginkgo biloba
• Ginseng
• Cranberry concentrates

In other words, if someone who is on a Coumadin therapy treatment plan also takes Garlic in large doses, it could cause a bleeding event. This is a life threatening situation and care should be taken in the administration of herbal remedies.

Some herbs contain coumarins with the potential anticoagulant effect:

• Alfalfa
• Angelica (Dong Quai)
• Aniseed
• Arnica
• Asa Foetida
• Bogbean
• Capsicum
• Celery
• Chamomile
• Dandelion
• Fenugreek
• Horse Chestnut
• Horseradish
• Licorice
• Meadowsweet
• Nettle
• Parsley
• Red Clover, Sweet Clover...

Some other items that have anticoagulant effects are:

• Bladder Wrack (Fucus)
• Pau d'arco

Botanicals that contain salicylates and/or antiplatelet properties:

• Agrimony Aspen
• Black Cohosh
• Blask Haw
• Cassia
• Clove
• Dandelion
• Feverfew
• Garlic
• German Sarsaparilla
• Ginger
• Ginkgo Biloba
• Ginseng
• Licorice
• Meadowsweet
• Onion...

Conversely, Coenzyme Q10 (ubidecarenone) and St. John's Wort are associated with a DECREASE in the effects of Coumadin. Other botanicals with a coagulant property:

• Agrimony
• Goldenseal
• Mistletoe
• Yarrow

Obviously, taking these would counter the effects of a coumadin therapy.

If you take any botanicals and you are on a blood thinner, you should let your doctor know. They can adjust the therapy to be more effective for you. Caution should be observed at all times, and your doctor should always know what you are taking at home.

Most doctors do not have a high regard for home grown treatments, but regardless of this you still need to inform them of any home treatments so negative interactions can be avoided.