When trying any of these alternative therapies, be sure to not only clear it with your doctor, but also contact a knowledgeable herbalist or naturopath. Some doctors who work in “mainstream” medicine may not know the interactions with certain herbs and drugs. For instance St. John’s Wort can interact with anti-depressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, some cancer and HIV drugs, and Digoxin.
Also know that herbs, though natural, are not always safe. They, like drugs, do have side effects. Be sure to contact your doctor immediately with any new or changing symptoms while taking herbs as well as drugs. You can find more information about herbals at the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at http://nccam.nih.gov/.
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Christine Emmick, ReadyToQuit's resident Q&A expert, is an ex-smoker of over 17 years.
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Electronic cigarettes are becoming more widely available and may seem like miracle of science to some, but they are hardly a miracle cure. They are potentially toxic and, of course, are still loaded with nicotine.
Definitely! Have you tried acupuncture, or even taking herbs such as St. John’s Wort. As your physician for the best option for you.
When trying any of these alternative therapies, be sure to not only clear it with your doctor, but also contact a knowledgeable herbalist or naturopath. Some doctors who work in “mainstream” medicine may not know the interactions with certain herbs and drugs. For instance St. John’s Wort can interact with anti-depressants, birth control pills, blood thinners, some cancer and HIV drugs, and Digoxin.
Also know that herbs, though natural, are not always safe. They, like drugs, do have side effects. Be sure to contact your doctor immediately with any new or changing symptoms while taking herbs as well as drugs. You can find more information about herbals at the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at http://nccam.nih.gov/.
Christine Emmick, ReadyToQuit's resident Q&A expert, is an ex-smoker of over 17 years.