Don't assume 'natural' means 'safe'

Herbal remedies, vitamins and minerals, and dietary supplements are often marketed as natural products, but that doesn't guarantee that they're safe. These products can have serious side effects. Even some vitamins and minerals can cause problems when taken in large amounts. Play it safe with these tips:

• Talk to your doctor before taking herbal remedies or dietary supplements. This is especially important if you are pregnant or nursing a baby or if you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes or heart disease.
• Ask about possible drug interactions. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can interact with certain supplements. For example, ginkgo can interact with the blood-thinning medicine warfarin and increase the risk of serious bleeding complications.
• Before scheduling surgery, tell your doctor about supplements you take. Some supplements can cause problems during surgery, such as increased bleeding or changes in heart rate or blood pressure. You may need to stop taking these supplements at least two to three weeks before your procedure.