BACK TO ASK THE HERBALIST INDEX

ANSWERS FROM KAREN MALLINGER
QUESTION: I would really appreciate if you could help me out with a question I have. I have currently had to start taking some medications for a neck injury and I'm not sure if there is any danger in taking the normal
supplements and herbs that I usually take while I'm on this medication. The medication I'm currently taking is an anti-inflammatory called Lodine and a muscle relaxer called Soma. The supplements I usually take include Ultra-Mega Multivitamin-Multimineral, Kelp Lecithin and B-6, Coral Calcium, Amino Acids, and Ultra Blue Green Algae. Could you please let me know if there are any of these that I should not be taking along with this medication. I contacted a local Pharmacist but they were unsure what to tell me and I have not been able to get in contact with my Doctor about it. Thank you very much for your time.

ANSWER: Sorry, I can't comment on drug interactions with herbs. I'm an herbalist, not a pharmacist. If your pharmacist doesn't know, other than finding another pharmacist, I would suggest talking with your doctor about possible interactions. I don't see anything in the supplement that looks particularly scary, but again, I'm not qualified to say.

QUESTION: I know that one should not take Clomid and vitex together.  I am currently taking an herbal blend called Precious See (by Giovanni Maciocia).  This blend contains dang gui, among other things.  Would it be ok to take this with Clomid?

ANSWER: I have no idea. I don't know what's in it. It isn't a pure herb, it's some formula and when you start adding things to herbs, that's when you get into trouble. Sorry.