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St. John’s Wort Tea: Benefits, How to Prepare and Side Effects IMPORTANT: St. John’s Wort is one of the most studied medicinal plants, but also one of the most “temperamental” when it comes to interactions. It can reduce the effectiveness of many medications: oral contraceptives, blood thinners (warfarin), prescription antidepressants (especially serotonin reuptake inhibitors), immunosuppressants, HIV medications, some chemotherapy drugs and antiarrhythmics. Combining St. John’s Wort with antidepressants can trigger a dangerous “serotonin syndrome.” The plant also increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitization). Do NOT drink St. John’s Wort tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you take any of the medications above, or if you are about to have surgery. Before starting a course, consult your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are on long-term medication. ...

Vanilla: Benefits, Antioxidants, Uses and How to Use It IMPORTANT: Natural vanilla is generally safe when used as a food flavoring in the usual culinary amounts. Still, a few precautions are worth remembering. Commercial vanilla extracts contain alcohol (often 35% or more), so they are not suitable for very young children, for people who avoid alcohol, or for those taking medications that interact with it. People with a known allergy to vanilla or vanillin may develop skin reactions (contact dermatitis), especially those who handle the pods frequently (so-called “vanillism”). During pregnancy and breastfeeding, vanilla used as a flavoring in foods is considered safe, but avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol-based extract. Synthetic vanillin (artificial flavoring) does not provide the same beneficial compounds as natural vanilla and may trigger headaches in some sensitive people. If you are following medical treatment or have a chronic condition, vanilla never replaces a doctor’s advice — use it as a pleasant spice, not as a medicine. ...

Bergamot Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses and How to Use It Safely IMPORTANT: Bergamot essential oil obtained by cold pressing contains bergapten (5-MOP), a strongly phototoxic compound. This means that if applied to the skin and then exposed to sunlight or a tanning bed, it can cause serious burns, persistent pigment spots and irritation. Never apply bergamot oil to skin that will be exposed to sunlight within the next 12 to 18 hours. Always use it diluted in a carrier oil, never neat on the skin. Essential oils should not be ingested without the guidance of a qualified professional. During pregnancy, breastfeeding, in young children, and in people with epilepsy, low blood pressure or those taking photosensitizing medication, use should be discussed in advance with a doctor. This article is informational and does not replace medical advice. ...

Saffron: Benefits, Uses and How to Use the World’s Most Expensive Spice IMPORTANT: Saffron is safe in the small amounts used in cooking (a pinch, a few threads). Large doses, above 1.5 grams per day, can become toxic, and amounts over 5 grams are considered dangerous. Pregnant women should avoid large quantities of saffron, as folk tradition and some observations associate it with uterine stimulation. People taking antidepressants or blood thinners, or those with bipolar disorder, should consult a doctor before using saffron as a supplement. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. ...