Do not stop established treatment to try folk remedies or supplements
Stopping necessary medication has established risks; the benefit of a folk remedy or supplement may be uncertain. That exchanges a known loss for an uncertain gain. Tell your treating clinician before trying supplements, since some affect blood concentrations of anticoagulants or anti-rejection medicines.
What it takes
Free and saves supplement spending. It takes no time, but resisting repeated persuasion can be difficult.
What you may gain
The harms of stopping treatment are established, while folk-remedy benefits may not be. Chapter 6 lists common ineffective purchases.
Context & considerations
Discuss supplements with the treating clinician first. Interactions can alter prescription-drug exposure, including anticoagulant and anti-rejection treatment.
Research & references
The author's experience; no direct research citation. Related evidence is in Chapter 6.