Caterina Morrison - Integrative Medicine Practitioner

14/06/2026

14/06/2026

Why to be cautious with supplement and wellness influencers.

One of my erks in clinic, is the patient coming in with a bag full of synthetic supplements they bought online due to an influencer etc.
Let me set it straight....

Anyone can call themselves a wellness expert online. There are literally zero rules.⁣
⁣
No degree required. No exam. No ethical obligation to the people who follow them… Just a good camera, some confidence, and an Amazon storefront.⁣
⁣
I’m not saying influencers are bad people. ⁣
⁣
I love people sharing natural wellness, the more the merrier but… the wellness space has a serious credibility problem and most of us don’t know enough to spot it.⁣ And when I see the outcome being a bag full of supplements and money wasted on product that is ...lets say influenced ...well.....
⁣

1. Most health advice online is driven by attention, not outcomes
Social media rewards:

*Novelty
*Strong claims
*Quick fixes
*Fear and urgency

"One weird trick" spreads faster than "eat vegetables, sleep well, exercise, and manage stress," even though the latter has far more evidence behind it. Synthetic vs natural.

2. Supplements often solve smaller problems than people think

Many people are looking for:

*More energy
*Better mood
*Better sleep
*Reduced inflammation
* Longevity.
*Menopausal symptoms.
*Weight Loss

Yet the biggest drivers are usually:

*Sleep quality
*Physical activity
*Nutrition
*Stress management
*Emotional cohesion
*Social connection
*Alcohol intake

A new supplement might move the needle 2–5%, while lifestyle factors can move it 20–50%.

3. Influencers rarely know your context

A supplement that helped someone:

* May not help you
* May interact with medications
* May be unnecessary if you're not deficient
* May worsen your condition esp if quality is sub optimal

Health is highly individual. What works for a 25-year-old fitness influencer may not be relevant for a 50-year-old office worker, a new parent, or someone managing a chronic condition.

4. The supplement industry has fewer safeguards than many people assume outside of Aust

In many countries, supplements are regulated differently from medicines.
Issues can include:

*Variable quality and fillers
* Inaccurate labeling
* Contamination
* Overstated benefits

That doesn't mean supplements are useless—some are genuinely helpful—but it means skepticism is warranted.

5. Food contains more than isolated nutrients

When people say "food is medicine," they're pointing to something important.

An orange isn't just vitamin C.
It's:

*Fiber
*Water
*Flavonoids
*Polyphenols
*Hundreds of compounds working together

A supplement often isolates one molecule. Whole foods provide complex combinations that researchers are still trying to fully understand.

6. Most long-lived, healthy populations didn't build their health on supplements

Research on populations with exceptional longevity consistently highlights patterns such as:

*Whole foods
*Vegetables
*Legumes
*Fruit
*Nuts
*Regular movement
*Strong social bonds
*Sense of purpose

Not cabinets full of the latest wellness products.

A balanced view

Food isn't a replacement for medicine when medicine is needed, and supplements can absolutely have a place.

Examples where supplements are often worthwhile:

*Correcting a documented deficiency
*Vitamin B12 for many vegans
*Vitamin D for some people with low levels
*Iron when prescribed for deficiency
*Pregnancy-related supplementation under medical guidance

The question to ask before buying any new supplement is:

"Am I trying to supplement a healthy foundation, or am I trying to compensate for a missing foundation?"

Often, improving sleep, nutrition, movement, stress regulation, and relationships provides more benefit than the newest trend on social media.

A useful principle is:

**Eat food first. It truly is food as medicine. It knows what genes to switch on and those to switch off - epigenetics.
*Use supplements to fill genuine gaps.
*Use medicines when medically necessary.
*Be skeptical of anyone whose income depends on convincing you that you're one product away from optimal health.

03/06/2026

Raising questions about a common choice in supplements and food fortification: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) versus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).

New research from researchers at the University of Surrey in the UK, the John Innes Centre, and Quadram Institute Bioscience is raising questions about a common choice in supplements and food fortification: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) versus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Their findings suggest the two forms may not be interchangeable and, in some cases, one could even work against the other.

Vitamin D3 is produced naturally in the skin after sun exposure and is also found in foods like oily fish and egg yolks. Vitamin D2 typically comes from plant sources such as mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet light (from fungal and yeast sterols, especially ergosterol) and has long been considered a suitable alternative as a supplement. As such, vitamin D2 is often added to fortified foods like plant-based milks and cereals. This is because it is inexpensive, reasonably stable in processed foods, and sourced from fungi/yeast rather than animals, making it suitable for vegetarian and vegan products.

However, the new study, published in Nutrition Reviews, found that taking vitamin D2 may actually lower the body’s levels of vitamin D3. Researchers reviewed data from randomised controlled trials and observed that people taking D2 supplements often had reduced D3 levels, in some cases dropping below those seen in people taking no supplement at all.

Experimental work published in Frontiers in Immunology reported that D3, but not D2, enhanced activation of genes involved in type I interferon signaling. This suggests the two forms of vitamin D are not functionally identical at the immunological level, despite both being classified as vitamin D. The implication is that D3 may engage vitamin D receptor-dependent immune pathways more effectively or more durably, potentially helping support antiviral readiness, mucosal defense and immune coordination. The clinical significance in humans is still being clarified, but the findings add to broader evidence that D3 is generally more potent and physiologically active than D2 in multiple systems, including immunity.

Professor Colin Smith explained: “We have shown that vitamin D3, but not vitamin D2, appears to stimulate the type I interferon signaling system in the body – a key part of the immune system that provides a first line of defence against bacteria and viruses. Thus, a healthy vitamin D3 status may help prevent viruses and bacteria from gaining a foothold in the body.”

In the context of use of vegan forms of vitamin D, Professor Cathie Martin of the John Innes Centre emphasised: “This meta-analysis highlights the importance of ensuring plant-based vitamin D3 is accessible in the UK”, and indeed elsewhere.

For more information see: https://scitechdaily.com/popular-vitamin-d-supplement-has-previously-unknown-negative-effect-study-finds/

01/06/2026

Embracing the Ritual:
Infusions for Vitality

On a crisp winter day, there is profound medicine in the simple ritual of cradling a steaming cup of tea in your favourite mug. While the winter season brings cozy moments and festive joy, the shorter days and colder weather can also present physiological challenges: reduced sunlight, sluggish circadian rhythms, lower physical activity, and the inevitable digestive burdens of rich seasonal changes.

As naturopaths, we view this seasonal shift as an invitation to realign our daily habits. Swapping out sugary, inflammatory drinks like conventional hot chocolate or eggnog for targeted herbal infusions is an elegant way to support your body’s innate healing mechanisms.

High-quality botanical teas offer systemic support to keep your immune defences robust, your digestion primed, and your nervous system grounded all season long.

The Naturopathic Pro Tip:

Always opt for high-quality loose-leaf herbs over standard tea bags. Loose-leaf botanicals preserve the volatile essential oils and active plant compounds that drive therapeutic efficacy. Crafting your own galenical blends by combining loose herbs with seasonal spices and citrus fruits allows you to customise a remedy tailored precisely to your constitution. It also leaves out the hundreds of micro plastics that can be contained in leaf tea bags.

1. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

is far more than a familiar festive flavour; it is a versatile therapeutic powerhouse. The primary active constituent in peppermint is menthol, a volatile oil renowned for its extensive clinical applications.Gastrointestinal Comfort: Peppermint is a premier carminative herb. It acts as a smooth muscle relaxant in the gastrointestinal tract, making it exceptionally effective at relieving functional dyspepsia, nausea, flatulence, and lower abdominal cramping.

Support: The volatile oils provide an immediate grounding, cooling sensation that helps mitigate muscle tension, alleviate tension headaches, and soothe a hyper-reactive nervous system.

& Mucolytic Action: Rich in rosmarinic acid, peppermint helps stabilise mast cells to modulate seasonal allergy pathways. Its high menthol content acts as a natural decongestant and mucolytic, thinning tenacious mucus to improve upper respiratory airflow.

Modulation: Peppermint possesses distinct antimicrobial and antiviral properties, supporting cellular immune defence mechanisms when the body is under pathogen threat.

Enhancement: Without relying on central nervous system stimulants like caffeine, the aromatic profile of peppermint sharpens mental clarity, enhances focus, and counteracts seasonal fatigue.

2. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

The traditional advice to drink when sick holds deep therapeutic truth—provided we look past sugary, synthetic sodas and focus on the raw rhizome. Clean, organic ginger offers profound metabolic and immune advantages during the winter months.

Prokinetic Support: Ginger contains active gingerols and shogaols that interface with serotonin receptors in the gut. It acts as a natural prokinetic, accelerating gastric emptying to relieve nausea, counter acid reflux, and ease post-meal bloating.

Systemic -Inflammatory: Gingerol acts as a potent inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways, effectively reducing the systemic inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, seasonal joint stiffness, and muscle aches.

Immunomodulatory & Diaphoretic: As a warming circulatory stimulant and antimicrobial agent, ginger promotes healthy sweating (diaphoresis) to help the body process acute viral infections and reduce the severity of cold symptoms.

Constitutional Tip:
For those seeking a gentle metabolic boost, pair fresh ginger rhizome with a high-quality black tea. Known traditionally as Adrak Chai, this blend combines circulatory stimulants with gentle antioxidants to create a deeply warming, tonifying winter tonic.
Caution if you are taking certain medications that can interact.

3. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)The hustle and emotional weight of a new season can easily overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system. is a foundational nervine and vulnerary herb, making it the ideal evening remedy to encourage deep, restorative rest.

& HPA-Axis Regulation:
Chamomile is rich in apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to GABA receptors in the brain. This action exerts a mild sedative and anxiolytic effect, calming a racing mind and lowering cortisol production.

Architecture Support:
By shifting the autonomic nervous system out of "fight-or-flight" and into a parasympathetic state, chamomile directly improves sleep latency and overall sleep architecture.

Vulnerary:
Chamomile acts as a topical anti-inflammatory for the mucosal lining of the gut. By lowering stress-induced gastric spasms and soothing tissue irritation, it significantly reduces the symptoms of acid reflux and nervous dyspepsia.

Prescription:
Elevate your cup with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a teaspoon of raw, unpasteurised honey. The raw honey provides demulcent support to soothe irritated throat mucosa, while the bioavailable vitamin C from the lemon neutralises free radicals and supports collagen synthesis.

4. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

For a deeply warming, grounding beverage, look no further than an ancient Ayurvedic staple. latte, or Haldi Doodh, has been utilised for millennia as a systemic rejuvenator (Rasayana) to combat cold-weather stagnation.

Potent Cellular Antioxidant:
The primary active curcuminoids provide profound antioxidant protection, neutralizing free radicals and upgrading the body's phase II detoxification pathways to keep the immune system resilient.

Digestive Support:
Turmeric stimulates the gallbladder to produce and secrete bile. This optimises the emulsification and digestion of dietary fats, preventing post-holiday bloating, sluggish digestion, and gas.

Anti-Inflammatory:
Acting as a gentle expectorant, turmeric assists in thinning and clearing mucus from the bronchial pathways while reducing inflammatory swelling in the respiratory mucosa.

& Endothelial Support:
Curcumin supports vascular health by improving endothelial function, aiding in blood pressure regulation, and maintaining healthy lipid profiles during a season often marked by richer diets.

5. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea / angustifolia)

No winter is complete without Echinacea - it's one of my favourites. Native to North America and deeply rooted in Indigenous traditional medicine, this plant boasts an intricate profile of active alkamides, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides that make it a premier acute immune defence remedy.

Acute I Mobilisation:
Echinacea works by stimulating non-specific immune responses, encouraging phagocytosis (the clearing of pathogens) and increasing natural killer cell activity to shorten the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infections.

Stress Protection:
Packed with caffeic and rosmarinic acids, it shields delicate cellular membranes from oxidative damage caused by seasonal environmental stressors.

Tissue Repair & Anti-Inflammatory:
The plant's unique alkamides modulate cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptors, helping downregulate runaway systemic inflammation and promoting cellular tissue repair.

Botanical Bonus:
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)To perfectly capture the essence of winter while delivering profound metabolic benefits, we must include true Ceylon cinnamon. Make sure it is the CEYLON - the authentic one.

Metabolic & Glycaemic Regulation:
Cinnamon is an exceptional tool for balancing blood sugar. It enhances insulin receptor sensitivity and slows the enzymatic breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract. This prevents post-meal glucose spikes, curbs late-night sugar cravings, and supports healthy lipid metabolism.

Powerhouse: It ranks among the highest of all botanicals for antioxidant density, protecting vascular structures from oxidative damage and keeping chronic inflammatory pathways at bay.

Formulation Idea:
If cinnamon on its own is too pungent for your constitution, it serves as a beautiful base for custom formulation. Pair true cinnamon bark with dried apple pieces, clove buds, orange peel, or star anise. Simmering these botanicals on your stove not only brews a potent metabolic tonic but fills your clinic or home with an inviting, therapeutic aromatherapy.

By consciously selecting these botanical infusions, you elevate your winter routine from simple hydration to a prescriptive act of self-care. Whether you require nervous system regulation, immune activation, or metabolic support, nature provides the exact chemistry needed to thrive this season.

01/06/2026

HOW TO GET MORE FROM YOUR HYDRATION:

Optimising goes far beyond the standard advice of simply drinking more fluid; it requires supporting the body's natural ability to build "Exclusion Zone" (EZ) water—a structured, negatively charged matrix that acts as a vital internal water battery. As naturopaths, we understand that true cellular vitality is cultivated through our daily interactions with the natural world, particularly through regular exposure to infrared sunlight, restorative grounding, and intentional movement that stimulates fascial fluid flow. By pairing these lifestyle rhythms with the consumption of mineral-rich living spring water, unrefined sea salts, and water-dense organic plants, we can deeply nourish the extracellular matrix, enhance cellular communication, and unlock a vibrant new level of systemic health for our clients.

You build and optimise this internal "water battery" by changing how you interact with your environment.

☀️ Absorb Infrared
Sunlight: Get 10–15 minutes of early morning .

Saunas: Use infrared regularly to expand the .
Fire: Sit safely near a crackling wood campfire.

🦶 Ground to the Earth :
Walk directly on grass, soil, or sand.

Touch: Hold onto living trees or natural bodies of water.
Duration: Aim for at least 20 minutes daily.

💧 Consume Water
Plants: Eat raw, water-rich organic fruits and vegetables.

Springs: Drink natural, uncontaminated flowing water.

Vortexing: Stir or swirl your drinking water before consuming.

🧂 Balance Key Salt:
Add a pinch of unrefined sea salt to water.

: Eat greens, nuts, and seeds daily.
Trace Minerals: Use liquid mineral drops in filtered water.

🏃 Move Your Body : Do full-body stretching to stimulate fluid flow.

Rhythm: Walk, dance, or jump to create kinetic energy.

Pumping: Contract muscles to move water through tissues.

21/05/2026

We are getting excited - Watching the horizon and waiting for these great creatures to come and visit or swim on by - anywhere from May to Oct. 🐳🐋 🌊⭐️

07/05/2026

As the Southern Hemisphere transitions into the colder months of May and winter, focusing on "food as medicine" means shifting towards warming, nutrient-dense, and slow-cooked meals that support immune health and digestive strength. Prioritize seasonal root vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots, beetroot, and parsnips, which offer grounding energy and are rich in beta-carotene to fight inflammation. Incorporate aromatics like ginger, garlic, and turmeric into your daily cooking to boost circulation and warm the body from the inside out.

Hearty soups, broths, and stews are ideal for keeping the body hydrated while providing essential minerals that strengthen the immune system and support gut health during this season.To directly support immune function against cold and flu, increase your intake of Vitamin C-rich foods that are in season, such as citrus (oranges, mandarins, grapefruit), kiwifruit, and leafy greens like broccoli and kale. Including healthy fats such as olive oil and nutrient-dense nuts (walnuts, almonds) provides sustained energy and supports healthy skin.

For increased protein and iron—crucial for maintaining energy levels during dark, cold days—opt for slow-cooked lentils and beans. Finally, warming drinks such as ginger tea or herbal infusions can help to support digestion and provide comfort, reinforcing a "slow food" philosophy.

To boost immunity and maintain internal warmth during a Southern Hemisphere winter, focus on a diet centered around cooked, well-spiced, and grounding plant-based foods.

Traditional medical systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasize that raw or cold foods can weaken digestion (your "metabolic fire") during winter, making you more susceptible to illness.

Key Foods for Warmth and Immunity Warming Spices:
Incorporate ginger, turmeric, garlic, and cinnamon into almost every meal. Ginger and garlic are natural antimicrobials that improve circulation, while turmeric provides powerful anti-inflammatory benefits to support the immune system.

Root Vegetables:
Use sweet potatoes, carrots, beetroots, and parsnips. These are nutrient-dense and provide the sustained energy needed to maintain body temperature in cold weather.

Immune-Boosting Greens: While staying warm is key, don't skip your vitamins. Lightly sautéed or wilted kale, spinach, and broccoli are packed with Vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune function.

Wholefood Hearty Grains & Legumes: Opt for oats, barley, quinoa, and lentils. A red lentil dhal or a barley vegetable stew provides the protein and zinc necessary for a resilient immune system.

Probiotic-Rich Miso: Miso soup is a perfect winter breakfast or snack; it is fermented to support gut health (where most of your immune system lives) and is served hot to warm you instantly.

Simple "Food as Medicine" Changing Habits

Morning Warmth: Swap cold cereal for oat or quinoa porridge topped with cinnamon and stewed pears.
Therapeutic Teas: Sip on ginger and lemon tea or a "golden latte" made with turmeric and plant-based milk throughout the day to keep your internal temperature up.

The "Slow" Approach: Focus on soups and stews rather than salads. The long cooking process makes nutrients easier for your body to absorb when it’s under stress from the cold.

06/05/2026

29/04/2026

What else to Eat in the wild w**d Kingdom?
Wild W**d/ Medicinal Herbs Foraging Week

DANDELION ROOT (TARAXACUM OFFICINALE)

Recognise this magical W**d? Remember lying on the grass and making your daisy chains? Yourself or your child will note it as the magic wish flower. Wish and blow. Let me introduce you to Dandelion. In clinic, noted for it's hugely digestive, detoxifying and diuretic effect, it's qualities do not end there.

Dandelion root is traditionally harvested NOW Autumn when concentrations of inulin are at their highest. Because the root absorbs chemicals in soil, avoiding harvesting roots alongside roads, driveways, septic tanks, pools, air conditioning units, or barbecue grills.

Although most people think of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as a pesky w**d, the plant has long been used in herbal medicine to aid in digestion and help stimulate appetite. The entire dandelion plant from root to blossom is edible with a slightly bitter, chicory-like taste.

The root itself is sometimes roasted to create caffeine-free dandelion coffee. When used for medicine, the dried or fresh root can be made into teas, tinctures, decoctions (infusions), and poultices. Dandelion root is also available over the counter in capsule form.

In traditional Chinese and Native American medicine, dandelion root has long been used to treat stomach and liver conditions. Herbalists today believe that it can aid in the treatment of many ailments, including acne, eczema, high cholesterol, heartburn, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, and even cancer. Some of the claims are better supported by research than others.

Dandelion is also known as pu gong yi in traditional Chinese medicine and simhadanti in Ayurvedic medicine. Its English folk name "piss-a-bed" and French nickname "pissenlit" both refer to the root's strong diuretic effect.

Health Benefits
Despite its long-standing use in traditional medicine, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the medicinal use of dandelion root. While a number of animal and laboratory studies have been conducted, few have progressed to human trials.

Here is what some of the current research says about dandelion root:

Blood Pressure
Diuretics, also known as "water pills," are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, liver disease, and some types of kidney disease. While valuable, the drugs may cause side effects, including muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness, and changes in blood sugar.

Some scientists believe that dandelion's diuretic properties may have medical uses, including the treatment of prediabetes or premenstrual bloating and water retention.1

A 2009 study, overseen by the National Institutes of Health, found that a single dose of dandelion extract increased the frequency of urination—but not the volume—in the 28 volunteers within five hours of a dose.

While the researchers were unable to determine how dandelion triggered this effect, the frequency/volume suggests that the extract may function as a bladder irritant. Further research is needed to determine whether ongoing exposure to an extract may cause side effects.

Skin Damage
In folk medicine, dried dandelion root is often ground into a paste and mixed with water to create a soothing paste for skin disorders like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, and boils.

While there is little evidence that dandelion can treat these conditions better or faster than leaving the skin alone, it does appear to have mild anti-inflammatory and antipruritic (anti-itching) properties. Research also suggests that it may help prevent sun damage.

A 2015 study from Canada reported that dandelion extracts are able to block harmful ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation when applied to the skin, protecting it from sun damage while lowering the risk of skin cancer.

While this suggests a potential avenue for drug development, dandelion is also known to cause contact dermatitis in some people, especially children. As such, you need to take care when applying any dandelion remedy to the skin to avoid an allergic response.

Diabetes
Dandelion root is believed to have anti-diabetic properties due to a soluble fiber known as inulin. Inulin contains a complex carbohydrate known as fructooligosaccharide (FOS) which supports the growth of healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and eliminates the unhealthy ones. This alone increases insulin sensitivity by slowing the flow of sugar from the intestines to the bloodstream, preventing spikes in either your blood sugar or insulin levels.

A 2016 review of studies from Aarhus University in Denmark suggested that dandelion extract also stimulates pancreatic cells to produce insulin, better controlling blood sugar and avoiding hyperglycemia.

Liver Injury
Dandelion is often consumed as a tonic under the presumption that it "cleanses" the liver. There is some evidence, albeit sparse, to support this long-standing claim.

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology reported that mice fed a dandelion root extract experienced a significant slowing in the progression of liver scarring (fibrosis) compared to mice given a placebo.

According to the research, the extract was able to inactivate the primary cells involved in fibrosis, called hepatic stellate cells. Doing so all but lifted the oxidative stress on the liver, allowing the liver to heal and slowly regenerate.

Cancer
Preliminary research suggests that dandelion root may have promise as an anti-cancer agent. It does so by inducing apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death, in certain cancer cells. Apoptosis affects all of the cells of the body, allowing old cells to be replaced with new ones. With cancer, apoptosis ceases, allowing the tumor cells to grow unimpeded.

A 2012 study from the University of Windsor in Canada reported that dandelion root extract was able to induce apoptosis in pancreatic and prostate cancer cells in test tube studies, either slowing their growth or preventing their spread.

No other cancer cell types were affected in this study. Several later studies have shown that different dandelion root extracts were able to trigger apoptosis in leukemia and melanoma.

While the studies are promising, further research is needed before dandelion root can be recommended for either the prevention or treatment of cancer.

Possible Side Effects and Contraindications
Always identify with certainty or be led by a qualified person such as an Herbalist who is highly trained and versed in contraindications and pharmacological interactions that upholds upmost safety.

Dandelion root is generally considered safe and well tolerated in adults if consumed in moderation. Some people may experience side effects, including heartburn, diarrhea, upset stomach, and irritated skin.

If you are allergic to ragw**d, chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile, feverfew, yarrow, or plants in the Asteraceae family (such as sunflowers and daisies), you should avoid dandelion root as it may trigger rash, watery eyes, and other allergy symptoms. Dandelion also contains iodine and latex, so avoid it if you have allergies to either of these substances.

Pregnant women, nursing women, and children are advised to avoid dandelion remedies due to the lack of research into their long-term safety. It is also possible that consuming too much dandelion may reduce fertility in women and testosterone levels in men due to a substance in the plant, called phytoestrogen, which mimics estrogen.

Drug Interactions
Dandelion can interact with certain drugs, either affecting how the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream, metabolized by the liver, or cleared from the body in urine. Speak with your doctor if you are taking a dandelion remedy along with any of the following drugs:

Antibiotics like Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and Penetrex (enoxacin)
Antidepressants like Elavil (amitriptyline)
Antipsychotics like lithium and Haldol (haloperidol)
Diuretics like Lasix (furosemide)
Estrogen-based contraceptives
Statin drugs like Mevacor (lovastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin)
In some cases, a dose adjustment may be needed. Other drugs may also be affected, so never hesitate to tell your doctor about any herbal, naturopathic, homeopathic, or traditional medicine you may be taking.

Dosage and Preparation
In Europe, both the European Commission and the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recommended the following range of doses considered safe for adults.

Fresh dandelion root: 2 to 8 grams daily
Dandelion root powder: 3 to 4 grams mixed with 150 milliliters of warm water
Dandelion tea infusion: 1 tablespoon of chopped root mixed with 150 milliliters of hot water for 20 minutes
Fresh root extract: 1 to 2 tablespoons daily
Dried dandelion extract: 0.75 to 1.0 grams daily

Dandelion readily absorbs pesticides, heavy metals (such as lead, nickel, copper, and cadmium), and other substances from the environment, so it is generally not a good idea to eat wild dandelion if the purity of the soil, water, and air are unknown or found along a well trodden pathway.

If you don't plan to use the harvested roots immediately, you can dry them in a dehydrator and store them in a glass jar for up to a year. If dried correctly, the outer flesh should have a dark color while the inner flesh should remain a creamy white.