Allopathic medicines may interfere with the action of herbs on the human body.  They may either enhance the action of the herb or hinder it.  In either case, it is detrimental to the health of the patient.  These interactions can be life threatening. As an example, a general guide to the effect of some herbs and the harmful effect of interference of corresponding Allopathic medicines is given below.   

Aloe Vera

Uses It plays an excellent role in treating skin problems.  Aloe Vera is taken orally to treat serious health conditions, including High cholesterol levels, High Blood pressure, Abnormal heart rhythms and Diabetes.

Aloe Vera has been known to cause a drop in blood potassium levels and is useful in treating Arrhythmia. Digoxin also decreases the blood potassium levels in the body. Therefore, taking Digoxin while on Aloe Vera can lead to a huge loss of potassium, that will ultimately result in Heart-rhythm problems.  Digoxin is associated with lethal side effects, i.e. swelling of the feet and lower legs, severe stomach pain, blood in the urine or stools etc. It is advisable to avoid Digoxin when you are taking Aloe Vera.

Caution Always consult your medical practitioner before taking any medicine.

Gingko

Uses Gingko is best known to treat Blood disorders such as Thrombosis and Memory related problems.

Gingko is known to improve blood circulation by opening up the blood vessels and helps in removing blood clots. Blood Thinning drugs can interfere with the blood thinning process of Gingko and may lead to internal bleeding. Therefore, avoid taking blood thinner medicines while you are on Gingko.

Blood thinning drugs are associated with various side effects such as Pain in the jaw, Nose bleeding, peeling off the skin and or itching on the skin.

Caution Always take medicine under the supervision of your medical practitioner

Alfalfa

Uses It is best used to treat Anorexia, Arthritis, and Laryngitis. It is also useful in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood clots.

Alfalfa contains Coumarins. Coumarin has blood-thinning, anti-fungicidal and anti-tumor activities. Alfalfa increases the blood flow in the blood vessels and decreases capillary permeability. Therefore, taking Warfarin while on Alfalfa can dangerously double the blood thinning process, which will eventually result in internal bleeding. It is advisable, that Anticoagulant drugs such as Warfarin should not be taken while using Alfalfa.

Caution Always take Herbs under the supervision of your Phytotherapist.

Ginger

Uses It is used as a traditional medicine to treat indigestion, arthritis and heart diseases.

Ginger is an effective anti-coagulant herb. Therefore, taking anti coagulant medicines such as Warfarin while on Ginger can increase the risk of internal bleeding. Allopathic drugs are always associated with dangerous side effects. Warfarin is linked with certain lethal side effects like bleeding from gums, heavy mensuration bleeding, diarrhea or vomiting.

Caution Always consult your doctor before taking herbs.

Gymnema Sylvestre

Uses Gymnema Sylvestre is super effective in diabetes.  It is also used for metabolic syndrome, weight loss, and cough.

Gymnema Sylvestre produces a strong antidiabetic effect. It increases the amount of insulin in the body.  It also increases the growth of cells in the Pancreas which are responsible for producing insulin.  Therefore, it is dangerous to take Insulin injection or antidiabetic drugs with Gymnema Sylvestre.  This interaction can take blood sugar levels below the normal range. It is advisable to avoid antidiabetic drugs and insulin injections when you are taking Gymnema Sylvestre.

Caution Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is a must when taking Gymnema Sylvestre.

Note: Research scientists have confirmed that Metformin, an antidiabetic drug induces Hypothyroidism.  To avoid such side effects stop using this drug.  However, if you are suffering from this drug-induced side effect, then it can be cured by Withania Somnifera and Bauhinia Purpurea. 

Burdock

Uses Burdock is best used to lower high cholesterol levels. It also plays an important role in treating Acne, Blood Impurities, Skin diseases and even Cancer.

Burdock is an effective cholesterol lowering herb.  Taking Cholesterol lowering medicines can drastically lower your blood cholesterol levels. Low levels of Cholesterol increase the risk of Depression and Parkinson disease.  Therefore, it is highly dangerous to take Cholesterol lowering drugs while you are taking Burdock.  It is advisable to avoid Cholesterol lowering drugs when you are taking Burdock.

Caution Always consult your medical practitioner before taking any medicine.

Ephedra

Uses Ephedra primarily treats Asthma, Bronchitis, and Hay fever. It is also prescribed for Nasal congestion, cold and chills.

Ephedra is a powerful anti asthmatic herb.  It works by dilating bronchiole inside the lungs, thus allowing a smooth exchange of air across the Respiratory system.  To prevent potentially serious interactions, Anti-asthmatic drugs such as Theophylline should be avoided. Too much bronchodilation can result in Trembling, Headache, Palpitations and Muscle cramps. Therefore, it is advisable not to take Theophylline or other anti asthmatic drugs with Ephedra.

Caution Always take Herbs under the supervision of your Phytotherapist.

Arjuna

Uses It is one of the best remedies for the heart.  It cures high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. It is also useful in treating Anemia.

Arjuna is an effective antihypertensive drug.  It significantly lowers blood pressure. Therefore, if you take antihypertensive medicines, it will interfere with Arjuna and can result in a huge drop in your blood pressure. Excessively low blood pressure increases the risk of stroke. Thus, it is advisable to avoid antihypertensive drugs while you are on Arjuna.

Caution Always take medicine under the supervision of your medical practitioner.

 A change in the mindset is required.  A quantum leap is mandatory. 

It is not Herbs that have side effects.  It's the drugs.  Herbs do not interfere with the action of the drug.  They are effective in their own sphere.  Drugs, ( Themselves derived from herbs ) may increase or decrease the effect of a Herb.  That is because they either act in a similar manner or contrary to the action of the Herb.  They act as they should.  Eliminate the drug, not the Herb.  If you want treatment, use drugs.  If you want a cure, use Herbs.

The choice is yours

But, before you choose, please, consult your doctor.   The writing above is an opinion, at best.  It is intended as an information only, not as a recommendation.