Herbal Medicines and Warfarin

Herbal products can be sold without evidence that they produce the desired clinical results.

While herbal products can provide benefits, there are many that do not work well with warfarin. Some herbs may put you at higher risk for bleeding complications, and some may make you more prone to developing clots.

Safety 
Herbal products may cause adverse reactions, just like traditional medicines can. The short- and long-term effects of herbal products have not been studied. The safety of these products for children, pregnant women, the elderly, and other special populations is not 
known. Those who have allergies, especially to plants or pollen, should use caution when using any herbal medicine. 


Herbal Products and Warfarin
Herbal products, just like many foods and drugs, may interact with warfarin. Many herbals contain substances that are similar to warfarin and may put you at a higher risk for bleeding complications. There are also herbal products that work against the actions of warfarin and can make you more prone to developing clots. 

Talk with your pharmacist about any herbal products you are thinking about taking while you are on warfarin to make sure you are not putting your health at risk. The tables below lists some common herbs that can either increase your risk of bleeding or increase your risk of forming blood clots. These herbs should not be taken while you are on warfarin. 

Signs of Bleeding Complications

• Unusual bleeding from gums
• Prolonged nose bleeds
• Red or dark urine
• Bruises that do not go away
• Coughing up,  vomiting, or spitting up blood

Warning Signs of Blood Clots 

• Sudden  numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion
• Trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble in seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Herbs That Can Increase Risk Of Bleeding

Agrimony	Dandelion	Onion
Alfalfa	Danshen	Papain
Aniseed	Dihydroepiandrosterone	Parsley
Arnica flower	Dong quia	Passionflower
Artemesia	Fenugreek	Prickly Ash
Asafoetica	Feverfew	Poplar
Bochu	Fish oil	Quassia
Bogbean	Garlic	Red clover
Bromelains	Ginger	Sweet clover
Capsicum	Gingko	Sweet woodruff
Cassio	Horse chestnut	Tonka beans
Celery seed	Horseradish	Tumeric
Chamomile	Licorice	Wild carrot
Chinese wolfberry	Meadowsweet	Wild lettuce
Clove	Melilot	Willow

Herbs That Can Increase Risk Of Blood Clots

Coenzyme	Goldenseal	St. John’s wort
Ginseng	Green tea	Yarrow