What is the importance of understanding herbal and dietary supplements?

Understanding herbal and dietary supplements is crucial because these products can significantly interact with prescribed medications, affecting their efficacy and safety. Many patients use these supplements without informing their healthcare providers, which can lead to harmful interactions that may diminish the effectiveness of prescribed treatments or enhance side effects.

For example, certain herbs like St. John's Wort can lower the effectiveness of medications for depression, while others, such as garlic or ginkgo biloba, can impact blood clotting when taken with anticoagulants. By being aware of these interactions, healthcare professionals can effectively assess and manage a patient’s overall treatment plan, ensuring safe practices and optimizing therapeutic outcomes. This knowledge is essential for developing a comprehensive medication management strategy that considers all substances a patient might be using.