Alternative medicine has become quite popular once again. One aspect of alternative medicine is the use of herbs for common ailments and disease prevention. Many people tend to believe that because herbs are all natural they are much safer than a man made drug. This is not true. Here are some things you need to consider when using any herbal remedy...Herbs ARE medicines. Man has made many of the medicines we know and have used from plants with medicinal properties. However, man has regulated the strength and dosage of the medicinal ingredients. In the plant itself the medicinal strength may be so strong that a unsuspectingly small amount could be fatal. The best thing you can do is to remember that natural does not always mean safer. Always read all package labels and follow directions precisely when using herbal products. Although the use of herbs in pretty safe and beneficial, overdose on herbs is as real and deadly as overdose on prescription drugs.
Not all herbs are created equal. Each herb does a different thing for the body and mind. Most herbs are user friendly and do not harm the body while helping it. However, there are some herbs that do more harm than good. The following herbs should be avoided at all costs...Chaparral, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Ephedra, Lobelia, Pennyroyal, Senna, and Yohimbe. The first three of these herbs can cause serious liver damage. They contain the chemical NGDA, along with other liver damaging chemicals like Allantoin and Pyrrolizidines. Ephedra is an herb that has also been known to cause liver damage, along with high blood pressure, heat problems, and strokes. It has caused deaths in some of it's users, and severe complications in others. Lobelia can possibly lead you to coma and death if misused. Pennyroyal has been used throughout early history as a means of inducing miscarriage in pregnant women. In other words, abortion. Senna can irregulate your heart. Yohimbe can cause a variety of minor ailments, and some severe as well. It is definitely a good idea to steer clear of these specific herbs, for the sake of your health and safety. Always consult your health professional before using herbs as medicine.
Join us next week when our Botanical Health Magazine Editor, 'Kat Torres' will be doing an interview with our in house physician Dr. Judith Caporiccio, ND.
