Many herbal preparations can interact with conventional medicines. It is important to tell your physician or pharmacist what you are taking. Pharmacists have plenty of information in their computers about both conventional medications, and herbal preparations and can look for possible interactions and precautions.

The information in these computer databases should also be of enormous benefit as time goes on. Not only will they provide new knowledge as it is developed, they will provide more knowledge of which substances interact poorly with one another.

Always remember to tell your doctor and pharmacist about any pills you are taking, even vitamins, to ensure the best treatment. Keep a list handy, with the brand and dosage, and update it frequently. As we age, we are more likely to take an increasing number of medicines, all with the possibility of interacting.

One other point is that many over the counter medications can cause temporary memory loss. You will usually go back to normal once you stop taking them. Antacids, for example, may seem harmless, but can disrupt memory, and block nutrients from being absorbed.