30 Outstanding Castor Oil Uses and Benefits

Castor oil has traditionally been used as a remedy for treating various skin conditions and infections, relieving constipation, and increasing the health of hair. However, recent studies have shown that castor oil can be used to support the immune system, and an anti-inflammatory agent, antimicrobial agent, and lymphatic stimulant.

Topical Uses for Castor Oil

• Arthritis Treatment
• To Strengthen and Grow Hair
• Acne Treatment
• Skin Moisturizer
• Deep Cleanser
• To Improve Immunity Function
• To Eliminate Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Reduce Swelling and Inflammation
• Support Lymphatic System
• Increase Circulation
• Heal Wounds and Abrasions
• Relieve Menstrual Cramps

Oral Uses for Castor Oil

• Relieve Constipation
• Clean Out Intestines Before Surgery
• Induction of Labor

1. Natural Arthritis Remedy

Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent massage oil for arthritic joints, sore muscles, and inflammation of your nerves. The ricinoleic acid that castor oil contains possess the ability to boost anti-inflammatory properties within the body and is considered a safe remedy for arthritis pain. Here are the various ways you can use castor oil to treat arthritis pain.

Directions

• Take a piece of unbleached cotton flannel fabric and fold it to create three to four layers. Soak it in castor oil and place it over the affected joints. Wrap the cloth with saran wrap and put a heating pad or hot water bottle over the area. Leave it for at least 45 minutes. Do this once a day to help reduce pain and inflammation in your joints.
  • The saran wrap will prevent the heating pad or water bottle from getting oily.
  • Reuse the pads by placing them in a Ziploc bag in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them again.
• Take it orally by adding a tablespoon of castor oil to your favorite beverage.
• Massage warm castor oil into the affected joints. To promote proper absorption, massage into the skin before you go to bed and leave it on overnight.
  • To avoid scalding the skin, make sure the castor oil is not too hot when applying to the affected area.
• When treating severe arthritis pain, add a pinch of ginger powder to a boiling glass of water. Once the water has cooled, add two tablespoons of castor oil. Be sure to mix the concoction well before drinking.
  • This remedy works best when you drink it when you first wake up or right before you go to bed.
• If you dislike the taste of castor oil, take a castor oil supplement or pill. However, this won’t be as useful as pure castor oil.

2. Getting Rid of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are often caused by pregnancy and rapid weight gain, but can also be a result of aging, hormonal imbalance, sudden weight loss, and swelling. Castor oil is known as one of the best treatments for a variety of skin conditions. Its rich contents and various fatty acids make it an excellent moisturizer and effective treatment for getting rid of unsightly stretch marks.

• Using your fingers, massage enough castor oil over the stretch marks to cover the entire affected area.
  • For added moisture, mix two tablespoons of coconut or almond oil with one tablespoon of castor oil.
  • Avoid applying the treatment to the broken skin.
• Use a thin cotton cloth to cover the area.
• Leave the cloth on the area for about 15-20 minutes to help ensure the oil penetrates deeply.
  • Covering the area with a heating pad or hot water bottle will speed up the results.
• Repeat this process on a regular basis to see a significant reduction in the appearance of your stretch marks.

3. Castor Oil For Treating Acne

The common skin condition, acne, is a result of impurities accumulating in your pores, causing the skin to become irritated and inflamed. Many of the acne remedies on the market today contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which tend to dry out the skin. Castor oil, similar to using neem oil, is a natural resource that will draw out dirt, dead skin cells, excess oils, and bacteria without drying out your skin.

Directions

• Place a bowl of boiling water on a stable surface and grab a towel.
• Holding the towel over your head, lean over the bowl of water.
  • Doing this opens up your pores, which allows the castor oil to penetrate your skin deeply.
• Keep your face over the bowl for several minutes.
• Take a washcloth and moisten it with warm water, and apply a small, dime-sized amount of castor oil to the cloth.
• Gently rub the affected area with the washcloth.
  • Use small circular motions when applying the castor oil to the area.
• Leave the castor oil on your skin overnight.
• When you wake up, remove the castor oil using a damp towel to wipe away the oil.
• Using cold water, splash your face several times.
  • Cold water will shrink your pores, while warm water will open up your pores.
• Pat your skin dry and use a facial cleanser to clean away the remaining castor oil.

For the best results, repeat these steps on a daily basis for between 10 and 14 days. You can use castor oil to prevent acne by following this process a couple of times a week.

4. Deep Facial Cleanser

Along with treating acne, you can use castor oil as a deep facial cleanser. Unlike the harsh chemicals in over-the-counter and prescription facial cleansers that dry out your skin, using castor oil as a deep cleanser will get rid of pimples fast, deep-clean your skin of dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells, and excess oils while keeping your skin soft, supple and flawless.

Directions

• Using a generous amount of the oil blend in the palm of your hand, rub them together to warm up the oil.
• Using slow, firm motions across your skin, massage the oil into your face, paying particular attention to any areas that may be a problem.
• When your pores are thoroughly saturated, take a clean washcloth and soak it in hot water.
• Place the washcloth over your face. Leave it on until it has become cool to the touch.
• Gently wipe your face with the washcloth, and then rinse it in hot, running water.
• Repeat these steps several times to thoroughly clean your face.
  • Be sure to not scrub your face hard during the final step of the process.

5. Eliminating Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Castor oil is great for reducing fine lines and wrinkles because it penetrates deep into your skin, which stimulates the production of elastin and collagen. These two components in the skin are responsible for its elasticity and tautness. Castor oil’s emollient properties allow the skin to quickly absorb it, keeping your face hydrated and plump, which is also important in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. To ensure you get the most out of the castor oil treatment follow these steps.

Directions

• Clean your face with your regular facial cleanser and cold water.
• Using a towel, pat your skin dry.
• Remove any traces of the cleaner with a cotton ball soaked in toner.
  • If you don’t have toner, you can use rose water or witch hazel.
• Allow the toner to dry, then pour a small amount of castor oil into the palm of your hand, rubbing hands together to warm up the oil.
• Gently massage the oil into your face using small, circular motions.
• Repeat the process every day.
  • For maximum benefits, apply the oil to your face at night, before going to bed.

6. Castor Oil For Hair Growths

Castor oil, and more specifically, Jamaican Black Castor oil, has become a popular treatment for growing healthier, thicker hair. When regularly used on your roots, it can increase hair growth, reduce hair damage from products and styling, hydrate hair, make hair shinier and fuller, prevent dry scalp, and improve the overall health of your hair. When you apply it to the ends of your hair, the castor oil can help reduce frizz and repair split ends. Follow the steps below to help strengthen and grow your hair.

Directions

• Apply castor oil to your scalp and roots using your fingertips.
  • Make sure to distribute it on your scalp evenly.
  • Try to avoid getting the oil into the strands of your hair. Due to its thickness, it can be difficult to remove.
• Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap and wrap your head with a towel.
• Allow the oil to remain on your hair for at least fifteen minutes.
  • For best results, leave in overnight.
• To remove the castor oil, wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo.
• For the best results, repeat the process every week for 6 – 8 weeks.

7. Relieving Constipation

Castor oil is a popular way to relieve constipation. The various components in the natural constipation remedy act as a powerful laxative, stimulating both the small and large intestines and purging the colon walls, allowing impacted fecal matter to move through the colon. The fatty acids in the castor oil also work to prevent liquid from being absorbed by the intestinal tract, helping the bowel to retain its moisture, which allows it to pass through the colon easier. 

Follow the steps below to use castor oil to relieve constipation.

Directions

• Add between 30 and 60 grams of castor oil to a glass of lukewarm milk.
• Substitute a glass of lukewarm water if you don’t like milk.
• Drink the entire glass.
• Add some ginger to the concoction if you find the smell too strong.
• In about an hour, you will begin to feel the effects of the castor oil.

8. Improving Immune Function

Using castor oil regularly is believed to improve various immune system functions, including lymphatic drainage, thymus gland health, and blood flow. The lymphocytes, which is a type of white blood cell found in the body’s immune system, attack perceived threats to the body and outside invaders like bacteria and toxins. The use of castor oil helps the body produce the proper levels of lymphocytes, which are stored and released into the lymphatic tissue from the lymph nodes, thymus gland, and tissue from the small intestine. Apply castor oil packs to your abdominal area to increase the body’s absorption of the oil.

9. Treating Ringworm

A relatively common skin condition, ringworm is caused by a fungus and grows into a ring-shaped, red rash. Studies show that nearly 20 percent of the population has suffered from ringworm at least once in their life. While it can be a pain to deal with, castor oil is an excellent treatment for ringworm. The undecylenic acid found in the castor oil acts as an antifungal agent that kills the infection.

10. Minimize Appearance of Scars

Castor oil is great for reducing and preventing the appearance of scars. The many fatty acids found in the oil help stimulate the lymphatic system in the body, which is essential for preventing scars. While it can’t eliminate scars that you already have, it can reduce their appearance.

11. Heal Dry, Cracked Heels

Castor oil’s miraculous ability to hydrate the skin makes it a perfect remedy for treating cracked heels. It is rich in vitamins, and essential nutrients help to hydrate dry, cracked skin. Simply rub castor oil on your feet, put on a pair of socks, and leave on overnight. You’ll notice a dramatic difference.

12. Induce Labor

Castor oil helps induce labor. When taken orally, castor oil works to stimulate the bowels. Castor oil tends to irritate the uterus, which causes contractions to begin. 

13. Relieve Sunburn

With the same cooling sensation as aloe, castor oil is great for alleviating painful sunburns. The ricinoleic acid will protect any blisters that pop up from becoming infected and reduce the inflammation associated with sunburns.

14. Castor Oil For Thicker Eyebrows

Castor oil has been proven to be an effective way to grow and strengthen your hair. But did you know that it can also work to thicken your eyebrows? The antioxidants, proteins, vitamins, fatty acids and nutrients it contains all work to nurture the hair follicles and fight against bacteria that may be a factor that hinders growth.

15. Lengthen Eyelashes With Castor Oil

The vitamin E, proteins, minerals, and antibacterial properties of castor oil can help strengthen and lengthen your eyelashes when applied on a regular basis. It penetrates deep into the skin when applied to the area, moisturizing and refreshing the area to help the eyelashes grow quicker and prevent them from breaking.

16. Remove Moles and Skin Tags

When mixed with a little baking soda, castor oil can be an excellent way to get rid of unsightly moles and skin tags. You simply have to apply the paste to the affected area and cover it with a bandage. Doing this daily for four to six weeks will eliminate the moles and skin tags.

17. Soften Cuticles and Eliminates Brittle Nails

Castor oil has a high concentration of vitamin E, which works wonders for brittle, dry nails. Massaging it into your nails and cuticles every evening will result in soft cuticles and healthy looking nails.

18. Perk Up Your Ferns

Castor oil has many uses, but did you know that you can use it to liven up your ferns? The high amount of minerals and vitamins will do wonders if your ferns look unhealthy. Combine warm water, castor oil, baby shampoo, and add several drops of the mixture to the soil. Follow up with regular watering, and within a couple of days, your ferns will be perky once again.

19. Repel Moles in Your Yard

If you have trouble with moles trashing your yard, castor oil could be just what you need to send them on their way. Mix two gallons of water and a half a cup of castor oil and pour it down the mole holes. The solution won’t kill the moles, only make it unpleasant enough that they will find another place to dig.

Castor Oil Benefits

Castor oil is widely known to be an excellent natural remedy for constipation, but can also be used to benefit your hair, skin, and face. Scientists and doctors believe that the high concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids that are present in Castor oil are the reason for its incredible health benefits. Below are some of the most common benefits of using castor oil.

20. Support the lymphatic System

Your lymphatic system is responsible for expelling metabolic waste from your body. When you have drainage problems or flow disruptions, castor oil can help to get things moving again. Applying castor oil packs to your lymph nodes allows your body to absorb the oil quickly.

21. Reduces Skin Inflammation

Castor oil has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help to heal bug bites, rashes, and itches. To relieve skin inflammation within a small area on the skin, simply soak a bandage with castor oil and apply it to the affected area. For larger areas, soak a cotton ball in castor oil and apply it to the affected area. Rinse it off after an hour, repeating several times throughout the day.

22. Fights Toenail Fungus

The undecylenic acid found in castor oil is an active ingredient that is great for relieving fungus in the body. To treat toenail fungus, soak your feet in warm water and Epsom salt for five minutes. Follow the soak by liberally applying castor oil to the affected toenail.

23. Hydrates Chapped Lips

The fatty acids found in castor oil help to hydrate and moisten dry, chapped lips. Apply castor oil to your lips several times a day to hydrate and moisturize. You can also create a soothing topical treatment by mixing castor oil, glycerin, and lemon juice. Apply before bed to hydrate chapped lips.

24. Relieves symptoms of migraines

A natural pain reliever, castor oil is great for relieving headaches and migraines. To help relieve symptoms of migraines and headaches, rub a teaspoon of the oil into your forehead for about a minute. You should start feeling the effects within two to three minutes.

25. Reduces menstrual cramps

Massaging warm castor oil over your abdomen can be an excellent way to relieve the symptoms of menstrual cramps and period pain. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil works as an anti-inflammatory and is an analgesic agent which helps relieve pain. Castor oil packs are perfect for relieving menstrual cramps.

26. Soothe Mouth Sores

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil make it the perfect natural remedy for treating mouth sores. To address sores in your mouth, apply a small amount of castor oil or peppermint oil to the area. After several minutes, rinse your mouth out with water and repeat several times throughout the day.

27. Soothe Muscle Aches and Pains

When rubbed directly onto the skin, the ricinoleic acid is better able to penetrate deeper, helping to relieve inflammation in the tissues. To gain relief from sore and painful muscles, place a castor oil pack on the affected area and cover with a heating pad or hot water bottle. The heat helps deliver the castor oil to the inflamed joints and tissue.

28. Relieve Insomnia

If you suffer from insomnia, castor oil can help you fall asleep. Instead of taking harmful (and sometimes habit-forming) medication to help your insomnia, rub castor oil along your eyelids before going to bed. Your body absorbs the oil and promotes healthy circulation, helping you to become more relaxed, inducing help you sleep.

29. Eliminate Corns

Corns on your feet can be painful and irritating. The hydrating abilities of castor oil can help to remove them. To treat corns, soak your feet in warm water for about fifteen minutes. Dry your feet and apply castor oil to the corn. After about ten days of treatment, you should be able to peel the corns away easily.

30. Anti-Fungal Properties

Castor oil contains the biochemical agent undecylenic acid, which is used to stop fungal growth. The undecylenic acid makes the natural remedy ideal for numerous types of fungal infections including yeast infections, athlete’s foot, and ringworm. Mix with coconut oil and apply it to the affected area and left on overnight until the fungus heals.

11 Fascinating Health Benefits Of Honeydew And Its Nutritional Value

The honeydew melon, otherwise known as honey-melon belongs to the muskmelon group in the gourd family. Large and oval-shaped, the fruit belongs to the cucumis melo species. Interestingly, honeydew is the American name of white Antibes commonly found in Algeria and southern parts of France.

Honeydew is also found in the northwestern province of Gansu, China named as Bailan melons and in some parts of Chile, where it is called melon tuna (tuna melon). The fruit is a famous member of its family, along with watermelon and cantaloupe.

Tightly packed with minerals, nutrients and vitamins, honeydew is generally known for its pale green flesh in a smooth yellow rind. Usually incorporated in salads, the smooth fleshy fruit is a powerhouse of health benefits. Generally low in calories, honeydew has no fat and is zero cholesterol. Likewise, it is rich in potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, copper, phosphorus, and manganese. It is true that honeydew is the most neglected fruit in a fruit salad, but you may want to rethink your decision to avoid this tropical fruit the next time you eat a fruit salad

Health Benefits Of Honeydew 

1. Optimal for hypertension 

The high potassium content in honeydew is ideal for individuals who suffer from hypertension. The potassium content curbs the hike in the blood pressure level, and helps the body in maintaining a balance. Honeydew acts as an alternative to salt due to its sweet and sour nature.

 2. Beneficial to pregnant women 

The rich content of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants in honeydew has a direct impact on the immune system of the mother, as well as the unborn baby. The presence of folate in the fruit is extremely beneficial as it helps prevent neural tube defects and certain other birth defects. Consumption of honeydew provides energy, prevents leg cramps and anaemia, and maintains blood pressure levels. The fruit is not only beneficial during pregnancy but also after, as the presence of vitamin A (fat-soluble vitamin) helps in postpartum tissue recovery; which have been proven through fruits such as mangoes and grapes.

 3. Helps in weight loss 

High fibre content and low calories make honeydew an essential component in your diet, especially if you are planning to lose weight. The fibre helps the digestion process, reducing the occurrences of digestion-related issues such as constipation. The high content of water (about 90%) and low calories help keep your body satiated, thus avoiding the tendency of excess eating.

 4. Fights cholesterol

 Honeydew contains two types of fibre, soluble and insoluble. The soluble fibre helps balance the blood sugar, as it slow downs the carbohydrate absorption. The fibre content directly hits the LDL cholesterol, also known as the 'bad' cholesterol accumulated as a result of plaque. Likewise, this lush fruit lowers your cholesterol by flushing it out of your system.

5. Enhances bone & teeth strength 

As it contains a generous amount of calcium, consumption of honeydew can strengthen your teeth and bone. Incorporation of the fruit in your daily diet can ensure you stronger bones and teeth.

6. Nourishes the skin The vitamin C content in the fruit helps nourish your skin by improving the collagen levels. Collagen is a type of protein ensuring the enhancement of your skin cells and blood cells. Consuming honeydew juice can help fight signs of ageing, wrinkles and saggy skin. The fruit also possesses good moisturizing and energizing properties.

7. Improves digestion 

The insoluble fibre content in the oval-shaped fruit has a direct impact on your digestive system. A glass of honeydew juice can reduce bloating and constipation efficiently. The mineral and water content in the fruit eliminate acidity that causes digestion difficulties. 

8. Improves immune system

 By providing an ample amount of vitamin C, a glass of honeydew juice can improve your immune system. A stronger and better immune system acts as a strong wall against the unwanted and excess development of fat, disease-causing bacteria and any sort of illness. Studies have revealed that consumption of honeydew can suffice up to 34% of your body's vitamin C demand.

 9. Prevents diabetes 

Diabetes is the result of your body's inability to maintain or develop necessary insulin. The diuretic nature of honeydew balances and regulates insulin production. Thus, the consumption of the fruit from the melon family can help in avoiding fluid retention. The low glucose content in the fruit makes it easily consumable for people suffering from diabetes, as it will appease your sweet tooth without risking the glucose level.

10. Improves eye health 

Honeydew is rich in zeaxanthin and lutein, which are essential for the overall health of your eyes. Daily consumption of the phytonutrients can help in reducing the risk of eye infections and cataract. 

11. Provides generous hydration 
The honeydew fruit is packed with an ample amount of water. Made up of 90% of water, consumption of the fruit can supply your body with important minerals, such as iron, zinc, magnesium and potassium.

Tips For Buying A Perfect Honeydew 

Skin colour - Before buying a honeydew, always make sure to check the skin colour of the fruit. Choose one with a dull looking appearance, duller the skin riper the honeydew is. The colour should be between pale yellow to light lemon yellow. 

Inspect for defects - Always, always make sure that you inspect the fruit thoroughly picking one. Check for spots, cuts or bruises. 

Check the size - The size of the fruit does matter. Yes. Choose a honeydew that is heavier for its size. 

Always tap - Before choosing the perfect honeydew to take home, make sure it passes the tap test. That is, tap the fruit with the palm of your hand and if it makes a hollow sound - take it home! 

Smell it - To make sure the honeydew you have selected is fresh, push your fingers around where the vine was attached. It should smell fresh with a slight hint of sweetness. Healthy & 

Hearty Honeydew Recipes 

1. Honeydew melon juice 

Ingredients 
¼ honeydew, 1 cucumber, 350 grams of spinach and 1 peeled lemon. 

Procedure 
Wash all the ingredients and chop it finely. 
Add the ingredients in the juicer. 
Extract the juice, strain any solid parts.
 Pour the juice in a glass, add some ice cubes and enjoy! 

2. Melon salsa 

Ingredients 

Red onion, cilantro, honeydew melon and lemon juice. 

Procedure 

Finely chop the ingredients. 

Pour the lemon juice over the chopped ingredients. 

Mix well and enjoy!

 How To Store Honeydew Melons 

It is preferable to store honeydew melons at room temperature.

 Once cut, you can store honeydew in the refrigerator. Not for a period longer than 1-2 weeks.

Keytruda may be a miracle cancer drug, but can those who need it afford it?

Keytruda (generic name pembrolizumab) is an immunotherapy drug manufactured by the company Merck & Co. It is most commonly used to treat melanoma, and was listed for this use by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration in April 2015.

In March 2017, the TGA extended approval for Keytruda to treat a specific type of lung cancer called non small-cell lung carcinoma. In the same month it was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for classical Hodgkin lymphoma, and the TGA later also approved it for this condition.

How it works

Immunotherapy drugs work by increasing the patient’s own immune response. The most successful examples of immunotherapies are drugs that act as antibodies, which are natural molecules made by the immune system to fight harmful intruders.

The immune system launches an attack on intruders by releasing killer cells called T-lymphocytes, or T-cells. When these T-cells attack cancer cells, a certain protein, called PD-1 accumulates on the T-cells. The cancer cells then have their own protein that binds to PD-1, and this interaction cleverly switches off the T-cells, stopping them from attacking the cancer.

Keytruda works by binding to PD-1 and therefore blocking the cancer cells from using their own protein to slot into the same spot and switch off the immune cells. So with Keytruda, the T-cells do their job and effectively attack the cancer. Keytruda is also known as an anti PD-1 immunotherapy.

History

Tasuku Honjo and his group at Japan’s Kyoto University identified the PD-1 protein in the early 1990s and established that it inhibits T-cells. This early research led to the development of the antibody in 2006 by scientists in the Netherlands.

Keytruda was approved by the FDA for advanced, inoperable or drug-resistant melanoma in 2014. It has seen additional indications added annually, including for particular head and neck cancers, non-small cell lung cancers, and metastatic urothelial carcinoma (a type of bladder cancer).

The FDA approval for Hodgkin’s lymphoma in adults and children came after a clinical trialfound that 22% of patients who were treated with Keytruda underwent complete remission. This is the first indication that some blood cancers can also benefit from Keytruda.

While most of conditions for which it has been approved require the cancer to have resisted previous therapies, Keytruda was approved as the first line therapy for a subset of metastatic non-small cell lung cancers. This means patients have access to Keytruda before even receiving chemotherapy.

Trials in first-line treatment for these patients show Keytruda resulted in a 50% reduction in risk of disease progression and 40% reduction in risk of death compared to chemotherapy.

Keytruda is currently being evaluated in close to 400 clinical trials covering numerous solid and blood tumour types. It is likely that more indications for Keytruda treatment will be approved in the near future.

How is it used?

Keytruda is administered as an intravenous infusion every three weeks. The way the cancer, and the patient, responds to treatment, will dictate its duration. But typically, treatments last up to 24 months in patients without disease progression.

How much does it cost?

Cost of treatment is a key issue around immunotherapies like Keytruda. Merck & Co do offer some subsidies and financial assistance. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) also subsidises Keytruda for a subset of melanomas and non-small cell lung cancers, costing patients A$39.50 per treatment.

As more clinical data becomes available on the benefit of Keytruda, there is likely to be more lobbying for the government to include additional indications on the PBS.

Australian patients who don’t have any of the indications listed on the PBS, could pay A$150,000 per year.

What are the side effects?

The most common side effects of Keytruda include feeling tired, pain in muscles, bones or joints, decreased appetite, itching, diarrhoea, nausea, rash, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and constipation.

Because Keytruda boosts your immune system, it can also cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become serious or life-threatening and can lead to death.

Other points of interest

The impact of the role of PD-1 in immunotherapy is profound and those responsible for its discovery are potential winners of the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in the near future.

The efficacy of Keytruda in metastatic melanoma has helped transform the landscape of the pharmaceutical industry and now most large pharmaceutical companies have similar, anti PD-1 products, and are investing in developing new and improved drugs to gain the competitive edge. The immunotherapy market is tipped to be worth more than US$100 billion by 2020.

Six Surprising Drug Interactions you should know about

1. Statins and grapefruit juice

Many people are prescribed drugs from the statin family to prevent heart attacks and strokes. 

Statins are the mainstay of cholesterol management but are not free from drug and food interactions. 

One particularly important interaction to note is that of certain statins with grapefruit juice.

People who have been told that they have high cholesterol often make lifestyle changes, which may involve increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in their diet. 

Although this is encouraged, it’s important to be aware that grapefruit juice can slow down the breakdown of statins in the body, thereby increasing their presence in the blood, resulting in more side effects. Known side effects from statins include liver damage.

2. Warfarin and green leafy vegetables

Warfarin, a drug used to prevent and treat blood clots, is commonly prescribed in the UK. 

People taking warfarin need to go for regular blood tests to make sure that they are taking the right dose to treat their particular condition. An interaction of note with this drug is that with vitamin K.

Supplements and foods that contain vitamin K, such as green leafy vegetables and green tea, can reduce the effect of warfarin by speeding up its removal from the body, meaning that those taking it may suffer serious consequences, including an increased risk of strokes or deep vein thrombosis. 

You should let your prescriber know if you are making any changes to your diet so that your dose of warfarin can be adjusted accordingly.

3. Antidepressants and ibuprofen

Taking a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as citalopram, alongside anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen, can increase the risk of internal bleeding. 

This is usually associated with the stomach and symptoms can include dark stools, stomach cramps, feeling tired, blood in vomit and feeling faint or dizzy.

This side effect can be avoided by taking a stomach protecting drug, such as lansoprazole. 

It’s important to note, however, that certain other stomach protecting drugs may also interact with antidepressants, so it’s important to choose wisely.

4. Metronidazole and alcohol

Metronidazole is a commonly prescribed antibiotic, particularly for dental infections. Although your pharmacist may often encourage you not to drink alcohol while taking prescribed medication, this advice is particularly important with metronidazole.

Drinking alcohol while on metronidazole can lead to severe nausea and vomiting. Not only should you avoid alcohol while taking metronidazole, you should wait for at least two days after your course has finished. 

This is to make sure that all of the drug has left your body.

5. St John’s Wort and the contraceptive pill

St John’s Wort is a popular herbal remedy, used to treat the symptoms of mild depression. Some people assume that because it is a herbal remedy, it must be harmless. Quite the opposite.

St John’s Wort is an example of an enzyme inducer, a substance that speeds up the breakdown of another substance. 

By encouraging the breakdown of the other drug at a faster rate than normal, this means that the other drug becomes less effective.

While St John’s Wort can have this effect on many drugs, one of particular note is the contraceptive pill. 

St John’s Wort decreases the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill, increasing the chance that the person taking it will become pregnant.

The interaction is so severe that the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has advised that the combination of St John’s Wort and the combined hormonal contraceptive pill should be avoided altogether.

6. Calcium supplements and other medications

As we get older, our bones become weaker, so many people are prescribed calcium and vitamin D supplements to strengthen their bones and prevent fractures. 

While these products benefit many, it is important to understand that they may affect how the body absorbs other drugs.

These include drugs to prevent malaria, certain antibiotics and those used to treat an underactive thyroid.

For most drugs, this interaction can be overcome by leaving time between taking the calcium product and the other drug. A gap of between two and six hours between taking calcium and other drugs is usually enough.

It is very important that if you are taking any of the drugs mentioned in this article that you do not stop taking any of them until you have consulted with your doctor. 

Any sudden changes to medication may have more severe consequences than any of the interactions listed in this article.