Mixing herbal remedies is not unlike combining medications or herbs and medications. There are numerous complications that could present, some that can create mild to severe side effects and some that could potentially be fatal. It is imperative to consult with a medical herbalist, pharmacist or physician specializing in naturopathic medicine before attempting to self-diagnose and treat any condition.
Toxicity
Toxicity is a syndrome with symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to actual poisoning and hallucinations or bizarre behaviors. In most cases, toxicity generally occurs in the liver or kidneys. Herbal remedies can become toxic when they are taken in large doses, combined without knowledge of herbal medicine or purchased by disreputable manufacturers. A buildup of toxic heavy metal elements, such as lead, mercury and cadmium, can make it near impossible for the filtering processes in the liver or kidneys to function properly. In addition to organ failure, Adolfo G. Bagnarello, M.D., states in his book "Toxicity of Herbal Preparations" that companies producing herbal supplements with low standards for quality and purity could be contributing to many cases of cancer.
Sedation
When herbs are used in moderation, they can help calm frayed nerves and promote quality sleep. However, combining herbs that have sedative effects can lead to over-sedation, coma or even death. For example, University of Maryland Medical Center states that if a single herb is taken at the recommended dose and no other medications are being used, the dosage should be adequate for most users to take without problems. Whereas, combining valerian root with melatonin, alcohol or St. John's Wort could produce over-sedating effects.
Bleeding Risks
Many herbs have the ability to thin the blood. For example, garlic, ginkgo biloba, feverfew and ginger can increase the risk of bleeding too much during surgery or from an injury that involves a cut or abrasion. The University of Maryland Medical Center website reports that St. John's Wort interferes with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, and should not be taken with any of the other blood-thinning herbs.
Excitability
Herbs that promote feelings of vitality, increased sexual libido or energy can cause heart palpitations, anxiety, panic attacks and excitability on their own. Combined with other herbs, they can create the opposite of the intended effects. For example, John M. Dye, a naturopathic doctor, states in his "ADHD: Herbal Medicine and Treatments" that ma huang, or Ephedra sinica, is an appetite suppressant that can cause excessive and dangerous levels of excitability. When combined with tea, ma huang use can lead to anorexia nervosa, dangerously high blood pressure, suicidal tendencies, diabetes, insomnia and irreversible heart damage. Products containing ma huang are illegal to buy in the United States, at the time of publication, due to reports of heart problems and death as a result of its use.
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