Question:
Just wondering if any one knows if it is dangerous to mix the herbals. I am on Lysine and B and C. I am going to add garlic for sure. I am interested in starting the Red algea and Olive Leaf. How do I know though if they are safe to take together? Its not like perscription meds where DRS can tell you of any interactions. DRS today dont make themselves knowledgable af natural remedies. I dont want to put myself in danger. My Dr. also started me on an antidepressant. I need to check with him about that, but I dont think he will know because they dont research natural!! Anyone else on an antidepressant and taking natural remedies together?
Thanks :)

Answer:
Hello,

The best thing you can do to alleviate any fears is to arm yourself with knowledge (http://www.wholehealthmd.com/). Just like you've done with Herpes, however, it does take some time.

I wanted to start on some anti-depressants, but just started looking at all of the insane side effects. Finally picked up some Effexor yesterday, but there is a list of like 7,000+ people saying how awful this stuff is (http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor/petition.html) and to only take it if you are really bad.

--For informational and research purposes only, I'm not a doctor--

I've just started with an herb called Rhodiola and all I can say is that I'm impressed. I debated the Effexor again tonight, but I'm going to stick with the Rhodiola because of the benefits beyond just anti-depression. I would ramp up slowly if I were you though. I didn't sleep for three nights when I first started. GNC has it under the label Rhodax. I would open the capsules and only take half of the powder to start. 1/2 pill for 2-3 days, then 1 whole pill daily. Take it as early in the morning as possible. This thing is powerful though, if you miss a dose, you will know it and you will crash *HARD*. If you are suicidal, please keep in touch with a doctor and don't miss a dose. This is true when starting any anti-depressant. Never just stop an anti-depressant either, always go off gradually.

I would avoid the garlic, it will make you stink. I don't know what I'm on currently, but I have noticed a different odor on me. I take a lot of stuff daily and only Rhodiola on Sunday and split them up, half in morning, other half in afternoon/evening:

Multi-Vitamin (no iron)
Alternate (Cat's Claw/Echinacea/Red Algae, but primarily sticking to cat's claw for 4 weeks)
CoQ-10
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc
Zinc
Selenium

I also workout for 30-60 minutes every day and drink lots and lots of water. Adjust your intakes accordingly. Your big issues are your fat soluable vitamins - they can build up and cause issues. The water soluable ones your body just gets rid of.

All of these herbs have some history, but you must learn about them and listen to your body and understand what it is telling you. For instance, I stopped the Valtrex because it was killing my eyesight and I just started a new weight routine. The backs of my legs are really sore, is this muscule fatigue or herpes coming on strong? I don't know, but I'm determined to fix my diet, increase my immune system, avoid as many prescription drugs as possible.

I'm also looking into colloidal silver (http://www.silvermedicine.org/).

Start one thing at a time and see how it mixes with what you are already doing. Never start lots of things at once, it is too difficult to determine what is causing the issue. It can also put your system under undo stress.

Good luck,
Fighter