A Guide to Unsafe Herbal Remedies

According to various estimates, up to 80% of the World population consider Herbal Remedies a part of an individual wellness regime. In the United States, the figure is about 30% with annual sales of Herbals approaching $4 Billion Dollars. Due the the increases in production Numbers of new prescription drugs and lack of funding by Government Regulating Agencies, many Herbal Remedies have gone under the radar so to speak, in terms of research and effectiveness. Compounded by the uses of Herbals in concert with conventional prescription medicines, many times unsupervised by a Physician, this can present a recipe for disaster.

Many individuals purchasing over the counter Herbals have little, if any knowledge of exactly what they are ingesting. Side effects and drug interactions are often overlooked as they must be safe or they would otherwise require a prescription in the eyes of the user. Consumers tend to view Herbals as Health Aids rather than what they truly are - non regulated drugs, or at least minimally regulated. The ramifications of misuse is only addressed when a death attributive to Herbals attracts media attention. Most Herbal Remedies if researched and taken in proper dosages under qualified supervision, have a positive effect on Health. Misinformation, improper dosage and self medication based on ignorance serve as a detriment to the achievement of desired outcomes.

Here are a few Herbal Remedies to examine closely before use:

Apricot Pits - Laetrile is made from Apricot Pits and is used in Cancer treatments of some countries outside the US. Apricot Pits contain toxic Cyanide Chemicals.

Kava Root - This Herb can cause shortness of breath and increase the Heart rate.

Coltsfoot - This is usually used for reduction of coughs, but contains Chemicals toxic to the Human Liver.

Colon Cleansing - Can eliminate needed trace minerals from the Human Body and may be a shock to the balance of Your system.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) - This Herb can reduce the ability to absorb B Vitamins, causing a number of Health problems.

Foxglove (Digitalis Purpurea) - An extract of the Foxglove is the Heart Drug Digitalis, This can be a very dangerous Herb taken unsupervised.

Tansy ( Tanacetum Vulgare) - Tansy can cause dermatitis on contact and produces toxic products in the Liver.

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) - Most used as a fragrance and in culinary applications, Sassafras is highly regulated by the US FDA, and may cause Cancer or Liver Damage.

Yohimbe (Pausinystalia Yohimbe) - Yohimbe has been used as an Aphrodisiac, but has effects similar to Amphetamine usage.

The best rule in utilizing the benefits of Herbal Remedies is to use them under the supervision of a trained professional. Further, be aware of what you are taking, the desired benefit, interactions and proper dosages.