Herbal remedy: Smart, safe use and what really works

Herbal remedies can help with sleep, mild anxiety, digestion, and some skin issues — but they can also interfere with prescription drugs or cause side effects. This page gives short, practical advice so you can use herbs without surprises. Read this before you try anything new.

Common herbs and who should avoid them

St. John's wort: used for mild depression. Don’t take it with antidepressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, or many heart medicines — it lowers their levels and can cause harm.

Ginkgo biloba and garlic supplements: both can raise bleeding risk. Avoid if you’re on warfarin, aspirin, or preparing for surgery.

Valerian and kava: people use these for sleep and anxiety. Don’t mix them with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or heavy sedatives. Kava has been linked to liver injury, so avoid long-term use or if you have liver problems.

Turmeric (curcumin): good for mild inflammation. In high doses it can thin the blood and upset digestion. If you take blood thinners or have gallbladder disease, check with a doctor.

Milk thistle: sold for liver support. It’s generally safe but can change how some drugs are metabolized. Tell your prescriber if you’re taking it.

Peppermint oil, aloe vera, and tea tree oil: helpful topically or for digestion/skin. Patch-test topical oils first — tea tree and peppermint can irritate sensitive skin.

How to choose and use herbal remedies safely

Start low and go slow. Take the smallest effective dose and watch for side effects for a week. If something feels off, stop and ask your doctor.

Check interactions. Use an online interaction checker or ask a pharmacist — many herbal-drug interactions are well-known and avoidable.

Pick quality. Look for third-party seals (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab) or standardized extracts with clear ingredient lists and doses. Avoid products with vague "proprietary blends."

Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in young children unless a trusted clinician advises otherwise. Same for serious liver, kidney, or heart disease.

Keep a list. Write down every supplement you take and share it at medical visits. That simple step cuts down on dangerous overlaps and interactions.

If you want evidence-based alternatives to a prescription drug or specific tips for a condition (sleep, mood, liver support), check trusted guides or ask a clinician who knows both herbs and meds. Herbal remedies can help, but safety comes first.