Ask the doctor: Is it safe to take ginkgo with warfarin?
Warfarin can be tricky to take because the proper dose depends on your weight, how your body metabolizes the drug, your diet, the medications and supplements you take, and why you are taking the drug. Eating foods rich in vitamin K, like spinach, Brussels sprouts, or kale, blocks warfarin's action, as does taking ginseng or St. John's wort. Ginkgo does the opposite — it increases warfarin's effect, as do alfalfa, clove oil, dan shen, horse chestnut, and many other herbal remedies.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
