Name Numerology

15 Ways to Develop Better Intuition

What does intuition help you with?

Knowing you’re on the right path

Helping you find your joy

Speaking with spirits and entities

Discerning divination techniques like Tarot, pendulums, etc.

Learning about your past lives

Providing other people with intuitive/psychic readings

Energy healing and sensing energy

Seeing auras, developing your “third eye’s senses”

How can you develop better intuition?

Listen better: Your intuition thrives on listening, especially when it comes to hearing your own thoughts, feelings, and needs. If you practice listening with full attention to others, you’ll develop the skill to listen to yourself (and consequently this sixth sense) even better. In your next conversation, be fully attentive and empathetic in your communication.

Don’t run from your feelings: Escaping difficult feelings is one of the most habitual things we learn when it comes to feeling pain. We develop countless ways to avoid fully feeling, from addiction to just thinking about solutions to solve the pain before we let ourselves feel the emotion in the first place. When all emotions arise, try to stay with them and journey towards them, instead of running away. Deep with all feeling is the core of your intuition, so running away from these emotions pushes you farther from this amazing sense.

Take the leap of faith and trust your intuition, even when it seems risky: This one might be the hardest thing to do on this list, to blindly trust a sense you don’t feel you have much experience with. But, when you give it a chance to be right, you’ll be amazed at just how accurate it is! Trust in your experiences helps you build a confidence that fuels your intuition even more.

Listen to the answers you receive, even if they aren’t what you want to hear: Our intuitions may sometimes seem like our worst enemy, because they point out when we’re doing something bad for ourselves, when we’re acting out, or when we’re otherwise not following our best path. Start to listen to the answers your intuition gives you, even if you want the answer to be different. Although your mind may try to convince you otherwise, your intuition knows best and you’ll be the happiest if you follow it, even if it seems difficult in the moment.

Once a day close your eyes and sense the energy in the room around you: This exercise is a more conscious way to practice testing your intuition. There’s no right or wrong answer, so there’s zero risk, and you can practice it as often as you like. What does the room you’re in feel like right now? Without labeling temperature and other physical senses, try to get a picture of how pleasant (or unpleasant) the space you are in is. This sense is just like when you walk into a room after an argument and you can feel the angry energy left. Try this little exercise in different places and develop a feeling for each, notice subtle differences in each location.

The other 10 are right here at this links, so that this post isn’t too long! 

And, if you’re interested in an intuitive reading (spirit, energy, or past life), all of the ones I offer are at this link here.

Yep, there’s an essential oil for that!

Hello!! Want to start off by saying thank you, I hope this isn’t too long, and I love your work! I really enjoyed From Where the Land Meets the Sea and I regularly check The Places You Shouldn’t Be for updates. I’m used to writing long papers for school so sorry if this comes out long! Also I’d like this matchup to be romantic, I’m always so excited and intrigued to hear who others would arrange my marriage to lmao. My Quotev username is Rosemary/SteelOatmeal in case you need it!

Basic info: I’m 19, I use she/her/hers pronouns, and I am bisexual. Astrologically, my big three are pisces, pisces, gemini, and my chart is mostly water and air signs so I’m just a big mess internally :’). I’m an enneagram type 4 and INFP. I’m a big ole introvert but I will let loose and get wild around close friends. I’m a psychology major and I absolutely love learning about how people work; I’m also in marching band bc I’m a big loser /j.

Likes: I like sorting things into categories (as I’ll do with the rest of this essay lol) so I hope that helps you too! I am pagan so I love nature and all that good shit, but I don’t go outside that much bc it’s hot and I’m very lazy. I have a large collection of candles bc I love to set the mood of my space, as well as decorate it with art prints, random shit, and my own paintings. In general, I like my space and clothing to be as comfy and cozy as possible while also being aesthetic and cool. Hand-written notes from loved ones are one of my favorite things and I keep every one I get to look through when I’m sad. I absolutely adore cats, I like to knit/crochet, I consider thrifting a sport (that I do often), I read a lot but only fanfics lmao, my signature look is winged eyeliner, my favorite band is Car Seat Headrest, and I drink large amounts of herbal tea.

Dislikes: Obviously bigots, racists, misogynists, capitalists, and anything-phobes are getting their shit rocked for being scum. I have misophonia so I have to flee my room/put in earbuds often which REALLY sucks and affects my life a lot. I greatly dislike people being judgemental towards others for no good reason (ie cringe culture). When I was younger I was often made fun of for the things I liked and it really did a number on me so it makes me very mad when I see others getting the same treatment. Also raw tomatoes can suck it.

Good traits: I would describe myself as both the funny friend and the cool funky aunt. Also VERY anxious and flighty but sneaky and mischievous; I love some light trespassing and shenanigans. I care a lot about my close relationships and always try to be as helpful as humanly possible for them. I often give people advice and try to be there for them in any way I can (listening, cheering up, encouraging, etc.). It takes me a long time to open up but I consider myself a cool person to talk to and hang out with once you get to know me. I’m very accepting of others, as long as you’re not a bigot or just a dick we’re cool.

Less good traits: I often let my anxiety get in the way of opportunities (social, romantic, events, etc.). It also holds me back from being at all vulnerable with people. I am very paranoid and concerned with safety/not getting caught so I’ve been told I sometimes hold other people back from doing their thing out of my own anxiety. I’m kind of a hermit and incredibly lazy, always have been. I am terrible at confrontation and will avoid it at all costs because I am totally a coward and not afraid (..the irony) to admit it. I can be bossy bc I like having authority, control, and having things done my way.

Fun story!! This is my favorite story to tell, I hope you enjoy! A few years ago I was hanging out with some friends in their neighborhood and we found a storm drain exit hole (??) so we decided to walk in. I’m like 6 feet tall but I only had to crouch a bit to walk the roughly 100 feet into the concrete tube until we reached a small room beneath the manhole/storm drain cover. We all sat in the little room having fun, playing cards, and trying not to be scared of the quiet black tunnels behind us that led further into the drain. A few of the people with us leave to go to the surface. The rest of us are just having a good time when suddenly an extremely loud, thunderous BOOM echoes all around us. I have never felt such immediate, intense, primal fear in my life. I thought either the tunnel was collapsing or pennywise was coming to demolish our stupid teen asses. We briefly share a horrified look before scrambling up and booking it out of the tunnel, me scraping my head and hitting a few spiders on the way out. When we got out, shaking and gasping, we were greeted to the laughs of the guys who left earlier. They had thrown a large rock onto the metal manhole/storm drain cover to scare us. Assholes. Fun to look back on now though lmao.

Thanks again and take care!! :)

Your matchup is… Jane!

In General:

I have said it once, twice and I will say it again, you guys are SO GOOD at making me ??? With who I want to put you with!! And once again, this is just because I find you so interesting and just chef’s kiss with so many different people. SO why did I match you with Jane? Honestly I love Jane and I see her getting along with Pisces and everything about you just vibes with her but I will get into that! I think what genuinely pushed me in that direction over some of the other characters than ran through my head (as in, Hoodie, EJ and maybe,,,,,, just maybe,,,,,,, Toby,,,,,,,) was your hobbies and good traits. but over all sorry I love Jane and I think she would be the best girlfriend ever for you.

Things she likes about you:

Jane has such a sense of justice about her, at least, that’s how I tend to see her. She’s an ambivert leaning towards extroversion and is often the life of the party but I think she genuinely loves how cozy you are because it’s so calming and relaxing to her. She finds everything about you so SO peaceful. She’s also a bit artistic herself so ofc, she loves your artwork. She also finds your personality so admirable because it’s like the perfect balance of doing fun shit and taking it slow. She needs that ngl. The shenanigans like light trespassing? She’s 100% up for that, like literally just going to explore stuff with her if that’s your thing, she’d hold your hand the entire time and probably bust out some history of the place because lowkey, I think she’s into history. I think you also mentioned you’re tall so like she’s into that. I like to think she’s a tall girl too and wears heels just to tower over people lol like Lady D, but make it Jane. She’s here for that. Jane also really likes that you’re helpful/and willing to lend an ear because she has an unhealthy habit of bottling stuff in until it explodes, but I think you’d put her in such a peaceful/safe space that she’ feel willing to let that stuff out healthily and at a good pace rather than waiting until it explodes. Jane doesn’t like cringe culture either - genuinely the only thing she hates is Jeff. Like that’s it. Everything else is just tolerable (but she adores you omfg). She also really likes that your makeup,,,, which leads me to-

General cute stuff:

By the gods let her do your makeup and you do hers. I can just see the two of you sitting on the floor, candles all around, maybe a ring light giggling and doing each other’s makeup. Her hands gently touching your face, caressing you and just telling you how pretty you are like I am weak. Also you mentioned liking cats she likes cats too! At one point she would ask you to knit her something with a cat-- like you two probably have a cat together or something she’s soft. Also, I think she’s the type of girl to send legitimate letters to her GF! Like she would totally just send actual handwritten letters to you, busts out a fountain pen, and then kisses it with her black lipstick with a dash of her perfume and eagerly waits for you to get it. She’s the type of girl to put polaroids too,,,,,, and take an astounding amount of polaroids with you and string them up on her wall or have a “our adventure book” kind of deal. She’s also really perceptive? So, if a situation is ever too much and you need to retreat, she’s got you 100%. If you need your space? That’s totally cool she’s just really understanding of you and everything going on in your orbit. I also like to think she’s that kind of partner that would just exist in a room with you? Like she doesn’t even need to be talking with you to enjoy her time with you (or maybe I really like those pleasant silences lol). She’s also really supportive of everything you do, regardless of what it is because she hates that people hurt you when you were younger. She wants you to absolutely thrive and she will help you do that. Jane also likes,,,,, those nap dates? I mentioned it in another matchup, like "let's take melatonin and sleep together" like that. Just let her hold you while she cuddles you. She likes simple contact. Jane would also join in your hobbies and learn about them if you'd let her. She'd also teach you some things too - mostly protection related because she wants you to stay safe at all times.

You two as a couple:

Thrift dates are a must. No questions asked. Like, she would be so happy to go with you and just do normal stuff and thrifting is just super cute in her opinion? She’s not judgmental at all when it comes to you. Once again, the only person she seems to really dislike and throw any judgment on is Jeff, so like, that might flare up once and again. I also think that in her relationship with you, she’s just really understanding, attentive and willing to go the extra mile to make you feel safe and secure and follow your own guidelines and boundaries when doing so. She’s big on the respect thing. You two are always laughing too? Like, just giggling at everything because it’s always such a fun, wholesome time together. Interestingly enough, Jane can be quite bossy too and likes having total control as well, but she’d work on compromising more just to make you happy (and because compromise is a mostly good thing). Honestly I’m just going to stress communication, but that goes for any relationship really. She also takes a bit to open up in a relationship but that’s because of y’know her history and stuff. But once she does open up? You have a best friend and a solid girlfriend. I also think she’s protective of you. She just wants to make sure you’re safe, happy and healthy on all facets (emotional, physical and mental) and will do whatever she can to make sure you’re in those safe zones. Jane is admittedly a bit of a go getter so sometimes being a hermit won’t mesh entirely well with her, but she gets it. She might encourage you, but let her know if it’s annoying or makes you upset because she will pull back. I think Jane would hope for you to become more open with her as the relationship goes on, but it’s not like she’d actively force you either. Other than that, she’d probably take you to gardens and stuff just to appreciate nature with you. Lil walks out in the woods, looking for fun mushrooms, all that cottagecore stuff lmfao. She would deadass weave flowers into your hair and just bring in pretty flowers because "they remind me of you" y'know? Idk how else to say this woman loves everything about you. She melts in her entirety just by looking at you.

Closing Thoughts/Other Stuff:

I am just here to say I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU. You are a psych major? Me too! Hate raw tomatoes? Absolutely! And your story is SO FUN like omfg I wish I had friends to go into Pennywise’s storm drains with smh. Also a fellow pagan hi!! I always get so excited to see others thriving out here. You wrote me a perfect amount and broke it up for me, that is so thoughtful, like I swear I could cry that’s exactly what I want when y’all send me your essays. And you are SO SWEET like I might legitimately cry lmfao. Im soft. You are such a sweet human being I cannot stress that near enough, I hope for nothing but good things, light, and many blessings to come your way. I just adore you, and Jane ABSOLUTELY does too.

Anyways, I hope this was good and that you like it! Lmk what you think, thank you for sending it in! <3

The tarot reading section of my grimoire ☽◯☾

Crystal and Gemstone Correspondence Masterpost

A

Agate- competition, eloquence

Agate (Bluelace)- composure, calm, balance

Agate (Botswana)- understanding, recuperation

Agate (Dendritic)- balance, energy, steadiness, recuperation

Agate (Moss)- assertiveness, renewal, meditation, self-awareness

Agate (Tree)- organization, management

Alexandrite- investment, growth

Almandine- inspiration, tolerance, affection

Amazonite- self expression, insight, growth, study, clarity, success, stabilizes emotions

Amber- career, accomplishments, uplifting, depression, relieves stress

Amethyst- sleep, calming, relieves stress, inspires happiness, addictions, positive feelings

Ametrine- resolution, teaching

Andalusite- moderation, memory, enlightenment

Angelite- bravery, abundance, balance, communication

Anhydrite- concentration, co-ordination

Antimoany- intellect, progress

Apatite- calms, helps business, will help you speak up

Apophyllite- tranquility, honesty

Aqua Aura- dexterity, the arts

Aquamarine- insight, love, growth, calms nerves, brings peace, promotes truth

Aragonite- energize

Astrophyllite- confidence, insight, intellect

Augelite- contemplation, justice

Aventurine- judgement, relieves tension, prosperity

Azurite- meditation, concentration, spirituality

B

Barite- writing, decisions

Beryl- determination, calms, stability, reduces stress

Bloodstone- temperance, kindness, courage, wealth, confidence

Blue John- renewal, strength

Blue Coral- balance, protection from negativity

Bowenite- intelligence

Brazillianite- enhances relationships

C

Calcite- comfort, inspiration, calm, balance

Carnelian- passion, sensuality, sexual energy

Cassiterite- endurance, contentment

Cats Eye- inner vision, security

Celestite- calm, relaxation, meditation, eases worries

Cerrusite- confidence, nerves, insomnia, calms

Chalcedony- stamina, energizes, awakens, stimulates the mind

Chacopyrie- perception, intuition

Charoite- assertiveness, inspiration

Chiastolite- stability

Chrysocolla- self awareness, self-expression

Chrysoprase- passion, beginnings, friendship, sensuality, prosperity, good luck, physical love

Chrysotile- partnerships, generosity

Cinnabar- stability, independence

Citrine- calm, uplift, dreams, intuition, psychic ability

Colemanite- loyalty

Corundum- awareness, confidence

Covellite- communication

Crocoite- action, industry

Crupite- awareness, teaching

D

Danburite- social grace, dignity, confidence

Desert Rose- perception, intuition

Diamond- abundance, courage, prosperity, business, strength

Diopside- love, partnership, commitment

Dolomite- optimism, hope, belief

Dumortierite- patience, calm

E

Eilat Stone- spirituality, balance, mediation

Emerald- prosperity, intellect, truth, psychic ability

Eudialite- management

F

Fluorite- grounding, meditation, spiritual awareness

Franklinite- imagination

Fuchsite- teamwork, productivity

G

Galena- dedication

Garnet- creativity, charm, charisma, attract love

Geode- growth, psychic ability, inspired dreams

Goethite- perseverance

Goldstone- optimism

Granite- balance, stability, determination

Graphite- achievement

H

Hematite- calm, serenity

Herkimer Diamond- opens the mind, learning, study, enhances dreams

Hickoryite- adventure, imagination, creativity, removes negativity

Hornblende- wisdom, insight, communication, balance

Howlite- resilience, competition

I

Iolite- control, management

Irnamite- calm, rational, judgement, inspiration, emotional balance

J

Jade- longevity, providence, attract friendship, calm the mind, benevolence

Jasper- attract what you desire

Jet- dispels negativity, empathy

K

Kunzite- balance, stability, communication

Kyanite- energy, strength, finance

L

Labradorite- charisma, improve relationships, release hidden qualities

Lapis Lazuli- spirituality, protection, truth, wisdom, mysticism, abundance, integrity, attracts wealth

Larimar- meditation

Lavakite- intellect, learning, adaptability, achievement

Lazulite- serenity

Lepidolite- recharge, peace, balance

Leucite- clear thinking, protection

Lodestone- communication, teamwork

M

Magnetite- composure, learning

Magnesite- enlightenment, emotional balance

Malachite- business prosperity, plant growth, optimism, spells

Marble- renewal, compassions

Marcasite- ambition

Meteorite- intuition, communication, benevolence, adventure

Moldouite- insight, sensitivity

Mookaite- responsibility

Moonstone- attracts love, safe travel, devotion, beauty

Morganite- intellect, commerce

Mtorolite- serenity, capability

Muscouite- inspiration, energy

N

O

Obsidian- dispels negativity, creates tranquility

Onyx- spiritual alignment, harmony, tranquility, peace of mind

Opal- creativity, prosperity, power, luck, abundance, attraction

Opalite- invention

P

Peacock Ore- mind stimulant

Pearl- creativity, certainty

Peridot- invention, wealth, career, protection, abundance

Phenacite- intellect, insight

Pietersite- objectivity, organization

Prehnite- insight, intellect

Purpurite- prosperity, leadership

Pyrites- truth, awareness

Q

Quartz (Clear)- healing, energy

Quartz (Rose)- love, happiness, peace, harmony

Quartz (Rutilated)- passion

Quartz (Smokey)- removes negative energies

Quartz (Snow)- relaxation, serenity, meditation

R

Rhodochrosite- comfort,love friendship,balance,stability

Rhodonite- communication

Rhodolite- stability

Rhyolite- marketing, stability

Rubellite- prosperity

Ruby- luck, fortune, contentment

S

Sapphire- love, protection, partnership, power, inspiration

Sardonyx- forgiveness

Satinspar- insight, calms disputes

Scapolite- strength, achievement

Schalenblende- attraction, abundance

Scheelite- awareness, balances relationships

Schorl- balance, practicality

Seftonite- learning, relationships

Serpentine- meditation, enlightenment

Siderite- loyalty, intellect

Silicone- attraction

Silver- perception

Smithsonite- harmony, consideration

Soapstone- loyalty

Sodalite- confidence, meditation, self-assertion

Spessartine- renewal

Sphalerite- career, integrity

Spinel- energy, intellect

Staurolite- focus, awareness, integration, brings all the elements together

Steatite- adventure, communication

Stichtite- loyalty, creativity

Stilbite- creativity, understanding

Sugilite- insperation, co-operation, co-ordination, peace of mind, psychic awareness

Sulphur- protection, intellect

Sunstone- insight, regeneration, sexuality

T

Tanzanite- vitality, movement

Thulite- meditation, concentration, aligns mind and body

Tiger Iron- endurance, clarity

Tiger’s Eye- insight, integrity

Topaz- legal matters

Tourmaline- success, abundance, luck, confidence

Turquentine- comfort, tranquility, protects the home

U

Ulexite- contentment

Unakite- strength, stability, enhancement

Uvarouite- joy, vitality

V

Vanadinite- friendships, socializing

Variscite- writing, meditation

Verdite- friendships, partnerships

Vesuvianite- intuition, partnership

Violan- insight, vitality

W

Williamsite- truth, tranquility

Wollasonite- meditation, grounding, moderation

Wulfenite- relationship balance, harmony

X

Y

Z

Zeolite- independence, clear thinking

Zinc- loyelty, joy

Zircon, clarity, rest, sleep

Zoisite- attraction

The story my grandfather told about why he got sent home from Vietnam might be the worst fucking thing I’ve ever heard.

I’m sharing the story because I was forced to sit through it during New Year’s Eve dinner and I’m so freaked out and god damn itchy that I need to get it out of my system. I’m sure some of you are going to breeze on by this little tantrum here and go right to the meat of the story because you’re thinking, “hey, I’ve got a strong stomach.” Well, go for it.

Boring stuff out of the way: he was drafted, and since he was short and skinny, he was a perfect tunnel rat. Those were the guys who wriggled their way through the ridiculously narrow tunnels the Viet Cong used to transport personnel and weapons, set boobytraps, and all that. And when I say narrow, I mean narrow. Here’s a pic.

So, gramps was wriggling around in a tunnel one day and a few bad things happened. First, the two other people with him got killed by a solitary VC while they were standing around the hole. Being a few feet underground and about twenty feet through meant grandpa couldn’t see who attacked them or know if anyone survived. He later learned he was the only one left alive, but he assumed the VC attacker would soon start throwing grenades into the tunnel and he’d be done for. After a few minutes with no sign of any incoming attack, grandpa breathed a sigh of relief and starting moving forward again. A little while later, though, it starting pouring rain. The tunnel began to fill with water.

Continue reading.

Sudden epiphany: THINK OF ALL OF THE WITCHY THINGS YOU CAN HIDE AROUND YULE!!!!!! EXAMPLES, HERE!!!!!

Protective ward snowflakes, found at this blog.

Garlands with different herbs, woods, or fruit for your specific purpose, from Funky Junk Interiors.

More gorgeous wardy goodness on your front door in the form of a wreath! You could even add herbs that suit your purposes, like rosemary sprigs for protection.

And more garlandy goodness from this blog! You could use this beautiful orange garland as an offering for your household fae, gods, or spirits.

All of these decorations are wonderful ways practice some craft during the holidays, especially if you’re heading home to be with your family who are either less than supportive of your practices or don’t know about them. And they’re all gorgeous!!!

How do you know when a God has responded?

Let’s just say, when you know, you know.

I realize how vague and unhelpful this is, so I’ll list some common ways the Gods respond to people:

They appear in your dreams

You hear Their voice in your head

The elements around you respond when you pray to Them (i.e., the wind shifts, the candle rises or flickers, etc.)

Your mood changes abruptly

You feel Their touch

You feel another sensation come out of nowhere, such as a temperature change, or a feeling of a blanket on your shoulders when there is none

You constantly run into Their symbols (for example, suddenly the crows of Apollo are following you or being extra loud or something)

A circumstance in your life changes, or you run into serendipity at a much-needed time (proving that They’re watching over you)

You feel an irresistible gut feeling to do something, such as make an altar for Them, research Them, do a certain spell or the like

Gods responding is similar to spirit work or locating omens: when you know, you just know. It’s very intuitive. But sometimes it takes Gods a while to respond.

Just know that the Gods will respond to you. Blessed be lovely ~ ( ^ ω ^ )

wait hold up - being on an SSRI means you should never have citrus again? I knew about grapefruit but i figured that was because grapefruit can be fucking weird (my late grandpa had arythmia and some other issues as well as being a stroke survivor, one of the meds he ended up on had the no consuming grapefruit thing). I'm off the SSRI i was on, have been for a year or so. Should I not be drinking my lavender earl gray calm-the-fuck-down tea?! -shocked and sad noises-

Okay, clarifying, since I actually did an entire thesis paper on this for neurobiology/neuropsychology. This is the section specifically about bergamottin, which is the culprit that creates the grapefruit effect. That means bergamot oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, and pomelos? Nope, can’t have them. (Not that I liked grapefruit or pomelos in the first place.)I’ve been off the SSRI since about 2010 and I *still* cannot have these things on a regular basis. Some people don’t react as badly, but a cup of earl grey could potentially fuck me up for days.

I *can* have lemon or lime in small doses, but only if I’m using them to cook with.

Any other citrus is fine, though. I nom on clementines like nobody’s business with no ill effects. (Pun intended.)

Food and Pharmaceutical Interactions (The Grapefruit Effect)

At one time, I was prescribed theSSNRI known as Cymbalta (generic: duloxetine). An SSNRI is part of a group of drugs called selective serotonin andnorepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.  Basically,they keep serotonin and norepinephrine levels raised by preventing these twoneurotransmitters from being reabsorbed, thus making the effects of theirinitial release last longer. Cymbalta istypically considered an anti-depressant, but in my case it was meant as anattempt at treatment for certain painful aspects of fibromyalgia.  

The prescribing physician, an RNwho specialized in fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, gave me a shortdescription of what the drug would do, how I had to take it, and what I couldexpect from the medication.  At no pointdid she mention that there were specific foodsthat could not be combined with Cymbalta.

At the pharmacy, the grapefruitwarning label was applied directly to the pill bottle.  Noproblem, I thought at the time, as I didn’t eat grapefruit anyway.  However, grapefruit was not the only culprit;I quickly discovered that hibiscus tea also interfered with the metabolizing ofCymbalta.  No one had warned me abouttea…or about chocolate, another culprit of pharmaceutical interactions.  Worse, no one mentioned anything abouttryptophan.  While I was not takingtryptophan supplements, I had a diet very high in carbohydrates.  In essence, I was eating the Cymbalta intoineffectiveness.

Grapefruit, the biggest knownoffender for food and drug interactions, prevents the proper metabolisation of manydrugs commonly prescribed.50 Thisis commonly referred to as the Grapefruit Effect. Improper metabolisation is aproblem for any medication, but with neurological medications, particularlySSRIs or SSNRIs, it means that dangerous levels of serotonin can build up inthe brain in short order. Such a build-up can easily turn into Serotonin Syndrome.51  As well as anti-depressants, grapefruit juiceis known to easily interfere with immunosuppressants, antihistamines, calciumchannel blockers, blood pressure treatments, sedatives, anti-anxietymedications, and drugs to treat erectile dysfunction.

Grapefruit’s origin brings theculprit to light. Grapefruit was created when an orange was crossed with theAsian Pomelo fruit.52 Pomelo contains high amounts of bergamottin, 53a type of furanocoumarin, 54 which is an organic chemical compound producedby plants. (Bergamottin is also found in the bergamot orange, the oil of whichis used to make bergamot tea.) 

Bergamottin inhibits the cytochromeP450 enzyme, which performs first-pass oxidative metabolizing of specificdrugs. Without that metabolisation, high levels of the drug in question can buildup in the body.  “Researchers havediscovered that the molecule bergamottin, found in grapefruit juice,inactivates drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver, allowing drug levels tobuild up in the bloodstream. It can take up to four days for the body to metabolizethe offending chemical, and for the effects of a single glass of grapefruit juice to wear off.” 53 [Emphasismine.] Grapefruit juice causes interactions with so many pharmaceuticalsthat more work is underway to create a further hybridization of grapefruit toremove, or greatly reduce, the amount of bergamottin it contains.  It is hoped that this will reduce the numberof drug interactions caused by grapefruit juice.

There are other culprits, thoughnone are currently as troublesome as grapefruit juice. Hibiscus tea is known tointeract with the body’s metabolizing of acetaminophen, hydrocodone, Vicodin,Caduet, and Darvocet.55  VitaminC and acid-rich fruit juices, along with magnesium, will reduce theeffectiveness of Adderall if consumed within an hour of dosing. Amitriptyline,a tricyclic antidepressant, does not work nearly as well if black leaf tea isconsumed within an hour of taking it. Dangerous interactions with St. John’sWort, a popular herb for treating depression, have been reported when taken incombination with other mood disorder or anti-depressive drugs.56  If you’re having trouble treating yourheadaches, acetaminophen’s pain-killing strength is also greatly reduced bycruciferous vegetables (cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli) foods high inpectin (jams and jellies) and carbohydrates.57

Many anti-depressants, MAOinhibitors, SSRIs and SSNRIs advise you never to take tryptophan supplements(also called 5-HTP) while taking them. It might also make sense to advise patientsto make sure their diet is low in tryptophan, as well. A high-carb diet—andthus, a diet high in tryptophan—will hinder the medicine’s ability to work withthe body, and could lead to serotonin excess or, again, serotonin syndrome.