Experts have warned that some herbal medicines such as green tea or flaxseed compromise prescription drugs.
Taking the herbs frequently between prescriptions can cause life-threatening conditions.
The South African Medical Research Council warns against alternating traditional herbs with prescribed meds. They can cause interference with their physical abilities.
The council analysed the effects of herbal drugs on people taking medication for heart disease, cancer or kidney problems.
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The research, which was published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology shows that herbs such as sage, flaxseed, chamomile, cranberry and green tea compromise statins- which lower cholesterol and antidepressants.
The situation has been grossly under-reported because people don't find fault with the natural medicines.
Patients with hypertension, diabetes, cancer, seizures and depression are at higher risk of these effects because the herbs are recommended to them even more.
The research has clarified that doctors need to make it clear to their patients that they should never take herbal medicines alongside clinical drugs.