Can I mix these herbal remedies?

[fayetteman]

Quick question for anyone who takes herbal supplements. Can I mix betacarotene and flaxseed oil without having any consequences? Thanks in advance

[RayKay]

Well, I think you should look them up; but I consider those more nutritional supplements then herbals (like St. John's Wort). Beta Carotene (a vitamin) is what you find in carrots, and flaxseed oil comes from well.....flax. You could eat all the flax and carrots you want together without problem, so I would not see a issue....however I WOULD still check on this and make sure there are no issues.

Too much beta carotene turns you orange - that is how flamingos get their colour!

There are also negative effects/symptoms even if it IS a vitamin from herbal supplements like this (rather than getting it from natural sources):

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From that link:

It has been shown in trials that the use of synthetically-produced beta carotene (that is, beta carotene in supplement form such as the pills typically sold in stores) increases the rate of lung cancer and prostate cancer, and increases mortality in smokers. These results have been observed in beta carotene supplements and not in foods with naturally occurring beta carotene.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
An article on the [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] says that [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] has called for warning labels on beta carotene supplements to caution smokers that such supplements may increase the risk of lung cancer.[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

My advice? Just eat more vegetables. It is found naturally in veggies, just make sure you eat many colours of them! You probably won't get too much of it this way either.

As for flax, I know there are positive stories on its effect on breast cancer for example and it has less issues than the synthetic beta carotene does, but it still has side effects...like too much can cause diarrhea:

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So just be careful, cautious and I REALLY advise talking to a herbalist or someone trained in this area. Just because they are herbals and vitamins, does not mean they are good for you in all cases...my mother used to be involved with herbals (she uses them religiously along with my stepfather) but she said a lot of people don't research them before taking them and some of them can have serious side effects or contraindications.

[ghost69]

what are you taking these for? you taking them in huge doses?