Herb safety
Bring us a list of everything you take
It is the most useful thing you can bring, to your first visit and to every visit after it.
Herbs are plants, and plants act on the body. Some change how a medicine works, and a few are not used in pregnancy or alongside certain conditions. That is why we ask for the whole picture before we write a formula.
What to put on your list
- Prescription medicines, with the dose if you know it
- Over-the-counter medicines and creams
- Vitamins and supplements
- Herbal products and teas you already use
- Anything your doctor has asked you to avoid
A photo of each label works if a list is hard to make. If anything changes, tell us before your next visit.
Medicines herbs can interact with
Some herbs can change how these work. Quang checks your list for each.
Blood thinners
Some herbs make a blood thinner stronger or weaker.
Diabetes medicines
Some herbs lower blood sugar, which matters when you take a medicine that does too.
Blood pressure and heart medicines
Some herbs change blood pressure or heart rhythm.
Medicines that calm the immune system
Tell us if you take one, or have had a transplant.
Mood and sleep medicines
Some herbs add to the effect of a sedating medicine. Never stop a medicine on your own.
Anything before surgery
Tell your surgical team about every herb. Many ask you to stop them ahead of time.
Pregnancy, nursing and what to tell your prescriber
Some herbs are not used in pregnancy, and some are not used while nursing. Tell us before your first visit if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or nursing. Your own doctor or midwife should know about anything you take.
Tell your prescriber about every formula, and about any herb you take on your own. Never stop a medicine because of a formula or a visit with us.
If you feel unwell
Stop the formula and call us the same day. For trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or any emergency, call 911.
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Questions about an herb?
Call the front desk, or ask at your visit. We answer in plain words.