St John's wort | Ginkgo | Asian ginseng | Garlic | Echinacea |
---|---|---|---|---|
Precautions | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Sensitivity to sunlight | Increased bleeding risk | People with diabetes should use extra caution, especially if using medicines to lower blood sugar or taking other herbs ... also thought to lower blood sugar. | Can thin the blood | Allergy to related plants in daisy family |
 | Bleeding disorders |  | Use with caution if planning to have surgery or dental work. | People with asthma or atopy may be more likely to have an allergic reaction. |
 | Scheduled surgery or dental procedures |  | Use with caution if you have a bleeding disorder. |  |
Interactions | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Antidepressants | Anticoagulant drugs | Â | Interferes with effectiveness of saquinavir, a drug used to treat HIV | Â |
Oral contraceptives | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Digoxin | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Indinavir and possibly other HIV medications | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Irinotecan and possibly other anticancer drugs | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Seizure control drugs | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Warfarin and related anticoagulants | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Cyclosporine | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Side effects | Â | Â | Â | Â |
Anxiety | Headache | Headache | Breath and body odour | Allergic reactions including rashes |
Dry mouth | Nausea | Sleep problems | Heartburn | Increased asthma |
Dizziness | Gastrointestinal upset | Gastrointestinal problems | Upset stomach | Anaphylaxis |
Gastrointestinal symptoms | Diarrhoea | Allergic reactions | Allergic reactions | Gastrointestinal side effects |
Fatigue | Dizziness | Breast tenderness | Â | Â |
Headache | Allergic skin reactions | Menstrual irregularities | Â | Â |
Sexual dysfunction | More severe allergic reactions occasionally reported | High blood pressure | Â | Â |