Question about the use of herbs . . .

[pw47]

Does anyone know if it's safe to begin a regime of herbs while taking prescription meds?

I've read some good things about Olive Leaf Extract and would like to begin a regime, but am currently taking meds for sinus infection and anxiety, so don't know if it's ok to use the herbs. Doctors and even pharmacists don't always know these things, so thought someone here might have some knowledge from experience.

Thanks!

[mlgable]

You need to check with your doctor before taking any supplements. Call your doc and ask him if it is ok to use the supplements you want to try. Never take them without talking to your doctor first.

[RageOfAngels]

If you do ask a doctor, I would make sure he/she is just giving you info about what you CAN safely take, and not their opinion on whether or not they THINK you should take it. Doctors are notorious for being against or suspicious of any kind of natural rememdy, because they are ill-trained in natural healing/diet and are biased toward pharmaceuticals. Do some of your own research as well and ask a naturopathic physician if you can, most herbs (especially something like Olive Leaf extract) are perfectly safe to take with medications.

[auntjudyg]

Ideally, one's doctor or pharmacist would be able to help with this. Unfortunately, I don't think I am alone in getting reactions like "Oh, why bother taking that stuff?" Really helpful, huh? And once it was with something that had a warning listed . . . no concern at all from the doctor.

We can't list ******* sites, but if you search herb drug interactions, you will find some that list olive leaf. (From what I saw there are no known drug interactions.)

[hairjewels]

What have you heard about olive leaf????