5 HERBAL TEAS THAT INTERACT WITH MEDICATIONS...

We all love our daily cuppa but did you realise that some teas can interact with certain medications? Here is a list of 5 herbal teas that do just that.

According to Live Strong Chamomile Tea which is known for its mild tranquilizing effects may also help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. According to a small January 2016 study in Nutrition, short-term intake of chamomile tea has beneficial effects on glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. But drinking copious amounts may significantly lower your blood sugar.
Green tea has also been shown to interact with some medications that are used to treat heart conditions. Green tea leaves (dried) contain vitamin K, which can increase blood clotting. Large amounts of vitamin K may interfere with the activity of some blood thinners, like warfarin.
Green tea and ginger is another possible tea that interacts with medication. However, there is little research to suggest that drinking green tea and ginger could be harmful. Nonetheless , too much ginger can cause diarrhea, heartburn, and even an irregular heartbeat, writes Web MD.
Ginseng and licorice teas can reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant medications including warfarin. Avoid these teas if you experience blood clots and have deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or other health conditions that are treated with anticoagulants. Ginseng can also reduce the effectiveness of certain chemotherapeutic and HIV agents, calcium channel blockers, some statin medications and certain antidepressants.
St. John’s wort interacts with a variety of medications, including antidepressants, birth control pills, cyclosporine, HIV drugs and blood thinners, so make sure to talk with your doctor before you drink teas with St. John’s wort. Live Strong point out that although many people claim that St. John’s wort can help treat depression in combination with antidepressants, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says that adding St. John’s wort to your depression treatment plan can lead to dangerous levels of serotonin in the body.