Herbs and Birth Control Pills


 Will taking dandelion root pill or tea make my birth control pills less effective?

 

Although dandelion root is thought to support liver detoxification processes there is no current research indicating that it can change the way your body metabolizes the birth control pill.  For this reason I see no potential issues with dandelion decreasing the effectiveness of your oral contraceptives.  Remember, that the pill is not 100% effective and much of its ability to work is dependant on you taking it properly.  So remember to take it exactly how your doctor recommended for optimal protection. 

Now, some herbs are known to interact with liver metabolism of medication which can change the circulating levels of those drugs and decrease effectiveness.  The only known herb that specifically can affect blood levels of oral contraceptives is St. John’s Wort, so I would recommend you avoid that one. 

In Health, 

Dr. Passero



Back to all Questions     View More by Dr. Kevin Passero


Lead Medical Director

As a certified and fully trained Naturopathic Doctor, Passero has trained and preceptored with some of the nation's leading doctors in the field of natural medicine, working under the guidance of MD’s, Chiropractors, Naturopaths and Acupuncturists. Furthermore, he is currently the Vice President of the Maryland Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

View Profile


The products and the claims made about specific products on Vitabase.com have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided by Vitabase is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on Vitabase.com for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Neither Vitabase nor Dr Passero will be liable for negative outcomes of supplements that are taken as a result of information given on Vitabase.com.