3 Common Mistakes Made when Taking Herbal Remedies

Many people think herbal remedies are always safe to use because they are natural, but this isn't always true. Herbal remedies can cause interactions, side effects and allergic reactions just as conventional medications can. Prior to taking herbal remedies, there are many things that need to be considered to ensure you will be using the remedies safely.

Interactions

Prior to taking herbal remedies, you must be fully aware of any interactions that can occur. Many herbal remedies interact with conventional medications, including over-the-counter and other herbs and supplements. Some remedies can even react poorly to certain foods or beverages. Simple remedies that may seem safe, such as chamomile tea, can cause serious reactions when combined with certain medications. To eliminate the risk for interactions, always speak with a medical professional prior to taking any herbal remedy. Often, you can find information about herbal interactions on the Internet or speak with a pharmacist.

Developing a Dependency

When taking herbal remedies for a prolonged period of time, many people often develop a dependency for the supplements. This commonly occurs with herbal laxatives and other remedies used to promote regular bowel movements, such as aloe, rhubarb and buckthorn. You can easily become dependent on these herbal remedies, even if you only use them for a few weeks. Overtime, the bowels can begin to lose the ability to function properly on their own. Upon stopping these herbal remedies chronic diarrhea, constipation and kidney or liver impairment can occur. You must use herbal remedies carefully and for a limited period of time to prevent dependency from occurring. If you have become dependent on an herbal remedy, a health care professional can assist you with weaning off the herb while maintaining normal and healthy body functions.

Medical Procedures

No matter how safe you think an herbal remedy is, it is vital you inform your doctor or surgeon about any herbs or supplements you are taking prior to a medical procedure because serious and life threatening complications can occur. Many herbal supplements can interact with anesthetic and many can cause excessive bleeding, which both of these complications are severe. For this reason, it is absolutely essential you inform your health care provider about any and all supplements you are taking prior to surgery. You will most likely be advised to stop the use of these supplements for 2-3 weeks after the surgery or procedure.

Prior to taking any herbal remedies, consult with your health care provider. If you plan to stop using any herbal remedies, consult with your health care provider to determine if dependency issues will cause any complications.

References:

"Using Herbal Remedies Safely" Natural Health Cure
"Herbal Medicine" Medline Plus
"How to Take Herbal Remedies" My Health Collection