Dandelion & Fenugreek Interaction

Dandelion grows wild all over the United States, Canada and Europe, much to the frustration of lawn caregivers. Most people think of dandelion as just an encroaching, pesky weed to be eradicated. But dandelion is useful in medicinal treatments, according to the website Medicinal Herb Info. Fenugreek, on the other hand is usually cultivated and is also a time-honored medicinal herb. Taken together, these two herbs may cause interactions you might not expect. Before taking either of these medicinal herbs, talk to your health-care provider to get specific instructions.

Dandelion Uses

The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists a number of traditional uses for the lowly dandelion. The list includes rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, liver disease, hepatitis B, colitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and eczema as conditions for which dandelion treatments are used. The herb is believed to be a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. The National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine adds that dandelion is useful in traditional treatments for kidney disease and spleen disorders. Both websites concede that so far, there is little scientific evidence that dandelion is effective in treating any of these conditions.
Dandelion can be found in the form of tea, capsules and extracts. Many people add dandelion greens to their salads, and others use them to make dandelion wine, says the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine.

Fenugreek Uses

According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, fenugreek is commonly used as a treatment for wound healing, alopecia, skin ulcers, arthritis, muscle pain, cancer, diabetes, lymphadenitis, gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, high cholesterol, inflammation and infection. Fenugreek is also considered a powerful anti-oxidant. The center says animal research suggests that fenugreek may be effective in treating some of these conditions, but studies involving humans is insufficient.
The National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine says the seeds of the fenugreek plant are ground into a powder and used as a cooking spice. Fenugreek is also used as a tea, taken in capsule form or used as a paste for skin conditions.

Potential Interactions

The National Library of Medicine cautions that people taking diabetes medications, diuretics, blood thinners, antibiotics especially Cipro, hormone-replacement drugs, blood-pressure medications and laxatives should avoid taking dandelion. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center warns that those taking blood thinners, diabetes medications and certain antidepressants should avoid taking fenugreek. Taking any of these drugs along with both dandelion and fenugreek could have especially dangerous consequences. Before using either dandelion of fenugreek, talk with your health-care provider.

Dandelion & Fenugreek Together

Each time two different medications or herbal supplements are combined, there is a potential for harmful interactions. That makes it very important to understand how the two substances might interact. Dandelion and fenugreek are often used to treat the same conditions. Taking both could increase the effects, possibly in a dangerous way. Taking dandelion and fenugreek together could lead to excessive bleeding or cause blood sugar to drop to dangerous levels, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the National Library of Medicine.

Considerations

The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center cautions that some people may have allergic reactions to either of these herbs. A serious allergic reaction can occur even if the herbs have been used before without a problem. If you experience any hives or rash while using dandelion or fenugreek, stop using the herb and contact your health-care provider.