In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has surged into the health and wellness space. From symptom-checker chatbots to apps that “recommend” vitamins or herbal supplements based on a few questions, it’s easier than ever to seek health advice without ever seeing a practitioner. While these tools can feel convenient—and even empowering—they carry significant risks, especially when it comes to self-diagnosing or self-prescribing natural medicines.
Natural Supplements Aren’t “Just Vitamins”
Many assume that because something is “natural,” it must be safe. But herbal medicines and high-dose nutraceuticals are biologically active substances. They can influence neurotransmitters, hormone levels, immune responses, and metabolic pathways—sometimes as powerfully as pharmaceutical drugs.
Take gotu kola, often recommended for cognitive and vascular support. It can potentiate sedatives or interact with blood pressure medications. Or consider grape seed extract, rich in proanthocyanidins, which may interfere with blood clotting and mineral absorption—particularly relevant for someone with a history of iron deficiency. Without a full medical history, medication list, and clinical context, recommending such substances can be ineffective at best, and harmful at worst.
AI Lacks Context and Clinical Judgment
AI operates by recognising statistical patterns—not by understanding human physiology in real time. It can’t distinguish whether your fatigue stems from post-viral syndrome (such as long COVID), HPA axis dysregulation, medication side effects (like those from fluoxetine (antidepressant) or oxybutynin ( bladder medication) , or hormonal shifts related to perimenopause. It doesn’t know if your dry mouth and frequent nighttime urination point to autonomic dysfunction, Sjögren’s-like autoimmunity,( dry eye disease ) or simply medication-induced xerostomia.( disease of salivary glands )
In functional and integrative medicine, we treat the person, not just the symptoms. Two patients with “brain fog” might have entirely different root causes—one driven by gut dysbiosis and histamine intolerance, the other by mitochondrial dysfunction following multiple viral infections. Their supplement protocols would look nothing alike. AI, by design, flattens this complexity into generic advice.
Herb–Drug Interactions Are Real—and Often Overlooked
Many of my clients are on prescription medications—antidepressants, anticholinergics, hormone replacement therapy—while also seeking natural support. This demands careful, informed balancing. For example, St. John’s Wort induces hepatic enzymes (e.g., CYP3A4), which can substantially reduce the blood levels of numerous medications. Even adaptogens like ashwagandha may modulate GABA or thyroid function, requiring caution in those already on psychotropic or hormonal treatments.
Most AI-driven health tools lack access to comprehensive, clinically validated interaction databases—especially for less-studied herbs, standardised extracts, or combination formulas. They also rarely account for formulation differences (e.g., liquid herbal extracts vs. capsules) or individual absorption factors that a trained herbalist or naturopath would consider essential.
The Risk of Delayed or Missed Diagnosis
Perhaps most concerning is that relying on AI for self-diagnosis can delay proper medical evaluation. Symptoms like chronic fatigue, night sweats, abdominal discomfort, or anxiety could signal anything from irritable bowel syndrome to autoimmune conditions, thyroid dysfunction, or other systemic illnesses. Treating these with generic “adrenal support” or “stress relief” formulas without investigation may mask underlying pathology and postpone appropriate care.
Use AI Wisely—But Don’t Outsource Your Health
AI can be a helpful tool for general education—perhaps sparking curiosity about endothelial health, mitochondrial support, or the role of polyphenols in inflammation. But it should never replace a qualified healthcare provider when it comes to selecting therapeutic-grade supplements or interpreting complex symptom patterns.
Your health is too nuanced—and too important—for algorithms to manage alone.
If you’re considering herbal or nutritional support—especially if you’re managing chronic symptoms, taking medications, or navigating post-viral recovery—please don’t self-prescribe based on an app or online quiz.
I offer personalised consultations blending the precision of Western clinical assessment with the wisdom of evidence-informed herbal medicine. Together, we can create a safe, effective, and truly individualised plan that honours your whole story.
👉 [Book a consultation] or [Contact me] to discuss how natural medicine can support your health—safely and wisely.
— Peter Farnsworth ND
Naturopath & Integrative Herbalist
Adelaide Naturopath, Findon
