Today, people are increasingly turning to holistic "medicine" to maintain their health. They may want to avoid prescription drugs' side effects, or to cut medical costs. And today, health food store sales of herbal supplements have increased 10 times over what they were just a few years ago. However, if you believe, as many do, that natural herbs are safe just because they're natural, think again. You do have to worry about use and dosage of these most potent natural substances.
Although widely touted as a healthy alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals, herbal treatments must be used with caution and by someone who knows what they're doing. You want to be knowledgeable about what you put into (or on) your body before you ingest a dangerous amount of an herb you're not familiar with.
Some people simply use herbal remedies instead of visiting the doctor, and they choose to do so for all of their ailments, whether serious or not. This is not wise, and you should always consult your doctor prior to using any herbal treatments - whether on their own or in conjunction with prescription medication.
Many companies sell herbs off the internet without any verifiable way to back up their claims or even a guarantee that you're receiving the kind of herb you're investing in. You want to only buy from a reputable company that delivers herbs you can trust.
You should aim to prevent future illnesses and diseases, instead of simply treating those that you have now. The philosophy behind the use of herbal medicine involves maintaining a balance within the body, and not simply trying to fix whatever is wrong at the moment.
Whenever you buy herbs, you want to know what the plant does and how much you can safely consume of it. If you're on any other medications, you'll want to check with your physician first to determine if you'll have any unsafe interaction between the natural and synthetic medications.
While most distributors of herbal supplements include dosage directions on the packaging, some do not. You should be able to find information about the particular herb that you are interested in online, so you should ensure that you order the correct herb and take it in the correct amounts.
Before you start taking an herb for the first time, be cautious and start with smaller doses until you make sure you can safely take the substance without having an allergic or other negative reaction to it. If all goes well, you can increase it to the recommended dosage.
Again, remember that just because a medicinal remedy is natural, it doesn't mean it's always safe to use. Herbs, too, are medicinal and they can be dangerous or even deadly if you don't use them right. Read all labels and instructions for use before you take them, and if you have any questions, consult your doctor before you begin.
About the Author:
Kim Archer writes about women's wellness. She is publisher of The Internet Spa, where you'll find up-to-date information to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.
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