Natural Herbal Remedies-harmful effects and things to
avoid
by Michael
Fortomas
zone3
Natural herbal remedies are good medicine. There is no doubt about
that fact. What is so amazing about natural herbal remedies is their close
association to our modern medicines. Most of our current “wonder drugs”
have a botanical connection. However, there are over 300,000 higher plant
species. A good herbalist may know of one or two thousand of them. This
means that even an experienced herbalist can make mistakes. Let’s take a
look at some of the most common problems.
In recent years the issue of Alternative Healing has skyrocketed to the
forefront of the medical field. A 2004 government survey concluded that
more than one third of adults use alternative medicine and healing.
However, there are over 300,000 higher plant species. A good herbalist
may know of one or two thousand of them. This means that even an
experienced herbalist can make mistakes. Let’s take a look at some of the
most common problems.
Pregnant women should avoid barberry root bark, cascara sagrada,
feverfew, juniper berries, mugwort, pennyroyal, pokeroot, rue, senna,
southernwood, tansy, thuja and wormwood. All of those herbs can increased
a risk for miscarriage. Safe herbs during pregnancy would be Manna,
Butternut Bark or Root, Flax Seed, Slippery Elm and Lemon Verbena.
No matter what herb(s) you are taking, be mindful of anything
unexpected. Stop taking whatever it is and consult an expert you can
trust.
Make certain you have the correct diagnosis. Diagnosis is not easy and
sometimes doctors make mistakes. Generally, however, a doctor is much
better equipped to diagnose. Discuss any planned herbal discipline you
plan to undertake with your physician.
Watch for any allergic reactions. Even though you may have never had
any allergies in the past, if you are embarking on an herbal journey,
watch carefully for any adverse reactions. If you experience difficulty in
breathing within 30 minutes of trying a new herb, food or drug, call 911
immediately! You may be having an anaphylactic reaction which is the most
severe form of allergic reaction. This condition can quickly become fatal
unless treated promptly. This reaction is rare, but you need to be careful
and be aware.
Watch for any interactions. Medicines often interact negatively with
one another. So do herbs. Always be careful when taking more than one drug
or herb or a combination of both. If you suspect an interaction consult
your physician or pharmacist.
One interaction that you should be aware of is Antidepressants known as
monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. They interact badly with wine, cheese
and many other foods. St. John’s Wort is also an MAO inhibitor so the same
food restrictions apply. If you plan on using St. John’s Wort, discuss it
with your physician or pharmacist.Lastly, make certain that both your
physician AND your herbalist are fully aware of all medications and/or
herbal treatments you are using.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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