Following a heart attack or stroke, your doctor may prescribe anticoagulant medication to prevent your blood from clotting too easily inside your arteries. Coumadin, or warfarin as it is known generically, is one such medication. Coumadin cannot dissolve a clot once it forms, but it can reduce the risk of it becoming larger or breaking off. As with any prescription drug, there are foods, other medications and herbal supplements that can interact with Coumadin and interfere with its effects. Consult your physician about taking any herbs that can interfere with the effects of Coumadin.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is a perennial plant native to parts of Europe. The herb produces bright yellow flowers that are collected with the above-ground parts of the plant to be used in medicinal preparations. St. John's wort is often used for depression, anxiety, headache and insomnia. Do not take St. John's wort if you are taking Coumadin unless it is under direct supervision of your physician. MedlinePlus states St. John's wort interferes with Coumadin by increasing its breakdown. This results in lower blood levels of the drug, increasing your risk of forming blood clots.
Feverfew
Feverfew, known scientifically as Tanacetum parthenium, is a perennial herb commonly found in parts of North America, Europe and Australia. It produces a daisy-like flower that is collected along with its aerial parts for use as an herbal remedy. Feverfew is used to treat migraine headache and autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Feverfew should not be used if you are taking Coumadin. Feverfew interferes with Coumdain via its anti-platelet activity that can act to further reduce blood clotting by amplifying the action of Coumadin.
Ginger
Ginger, also known as Zingiber officinale, is used as a food flavoring and is also one of the most widely sold herbal supplements. Made from the gnarled underground stem of this perennial plant, ginger preparations are used for a number of ailments, including high cholesterol, arthritis and sore throat. Although more clinical studies are needed, Drugs.com states ginger appears to potentiate the effects of blood-thinning medications, such as Coumadin, and increase your risk of bleeding. Do not take ginger while on Coumadin therapy unless supervised by your health care provider.
Dong Quai Root
Dong quai, or Angelica sinensis, has been used for centuries as a spice and an herbal medicine. It grows in the damp, mountainous areas of parts of Japan, China and Korea. Dong quai root is best known for its use in treating women's gynecological disorders, including menstrual problems and symptoms of menopause; it is also used for high blood pressure and heart disease. Dong quai interferes with Coumadin by increasing its effects. Don't take dong quai root with Coumadin, as it can increase your risk of bleeding.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Understanding Coumadin
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, 2002
- MedlinePlus: St. John's Wort
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Feverfew
- Drugs.com: Ginger and Warfarin
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dong Quai; Steven D. Ehrlich; December 2008
