Good advice, Brandi.  I found that out the hard way -- I am allergic to
salicylates (rampant in aspirin) and got it in my head that White Willow Bark
would be good to take for headaches.  Of course I got a wild reaction, and my
doctor then educated me on exactly what you just said.  I've heard that St.
John's Wort is a natural MAO inhibitor.  I also have Hashimoto's and I could
be wrong, but I thought us Hashi folks were supposed to be careful about that.
 Am I remembering right or wrong???

Thanks!  Ananda
[log in to unmask]

Thyroid on behalf of Brandi Jasmine wrote:
> At 02:35 PM 6/30/97 +0600, you wrote:
> >20/20 did a segment on St Johns Wort last week.  Does anyone know if it is
> >okay to take this herb if you have Hashimoto's, are hypo, and have IBS? If
> >so:  What dosage?  What's the best brand?
<snip>

> It's a good idea to check with a herbalist.  I'm taking a local pharmacy
> brand, 500 mg, and was told to look for at least 0.3% Hypercin, which is
> the active ingredient in St. John's Wort.  You must keep in mind that herbs
> are the basis for most pharmaceuticals ARE herbs - they are just purified
> and standardized.  Asprin traces its roots (pun intended) to the bark of
> the White Willow tree.  Herbs can provoke reactions and side effects JUST
> AS STRONG as medications, and should be used with caution.  Do not trust
> the advice of anyone who tells you otherwise.  There are quacks and
> shysters in herbalism too.
>
> Brandi