How to Be Safe With Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies can be incredibly healthy or harmful alternatives, depending on how you use them. You should employ these remedies with the same care and consideration that you use with prescription medicines.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Consult your doctor or other licensed practitioner before you begin any herbal regimen. A healthcare professional can recommend the proper dosage and combination for your medical issue. If you are taking any other medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that there will not be any undesired interactions

2. Research before you use any herb or herbal supplement. Learn its side effects and possible interactions with any drugs you may be taking. Properly identify the each herb before you buy or use it – herbs are not always correctly labeled.

3. Take one new herbal remedy at a time. This gives your body enough time to adapt to the herb. Take this herb for at least two weeks before you add another herb or herbal formula.

4. Begin taking any new remedy at half the recommended dose. This enables you to track any allergies or other adverse reactions. Take this lower dose for about three days and increase it to the full dose if there are no harmful side effects.

5. Stop taking the herbal preparation if you experience any adverse reactions such as nausea, headaches, diarrhea or an upset stomach. Wait to see if the symptoms persist. Call your doctor immediately if your reaction is severe.

6. Do not exceed the recommended dosages of any herbal remedy. Even though herbs are natural, they contain powerful chemical compounds that can be as potent as prescription drugs. These can be harmful, even toxic, when taken in large amounts over long periods.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes, allergic reactions will not develop until weeks or months after you begin using an herb or herbal supplement.
• Be especially cautious with herbal remedies if you are pregnant or nursing. With some exceptions, herbs taken in medicinal quantities can harm your baby.
• Consult with your pediatrician before administering herbal remedies to your child, and pay attention to the recommended dosage for children.