HERBS AND CHEMOTHERAPY DRUGS

PEOPLE HAVE TURNED TO HERBS TO BOOST HEALTH FOR CENTURIES. But a new report published in the journal Cancer found that some herbal supplements may be risky for cancer patients. Researchers looked at 44 herbal medicines, and a whopping 29 of these were deemed to pose health risks to patients undergoing cancer treatment. For example, the study found that turmeric, popular for its anti-inflammatory properties, may increase toxic effects of certain chemotherapies, while green tea and ginkgo biloba could make bleeding more likely.

Most herbs and supplements have not been studied together with chemotherapy drugs, and their interactions remain unclear, says Chris D'Adamo, Ph.D., director of research at the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

As with any medicine, check with your doctor before using a natural remedy.