The research: Wake Forest University researchers analyzed data collected from 1993 to 2010 by the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, a database that contains all diagnoses and treatments, and found St. John’s Wort was used in potentially harmful combinations 28% of the time. Some of these possible drug interactions could contribute to serotonin syndrome (a condition that causes high levels of serotonin to accumulate in your body, which could be fatal), heart disease, and unintended pregnancy. What it means: Most people don’t view natural supplements as drugs, but in many ways, they act the same way; for instance, St. John’s Wort affects the temporal processes in the body, says Sarah Taylor, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Wake Forest Baptist and lead author of the study. The bottom line: “You shouldn’t be shy to tell your doctor what you’re taking,” says Taylor. Tell your doctor about everything you’re taking, even if she doesn’t ask. Taylor also suggests that if you’re interested in taking natural therapies, such as St. John’s Wort, do your homework. Go to the Mayo Clinic website and click the link to supplements, as it will tell you all about potential drug interactions, she says. MORE: 10 Foods That Fight Inflammation
