Guide to Alternative Medicine: Medicinal Herbs

There are so many forms of alternative medicine from acupuncture to herbs. This article is designed to take you on a comprehensive tour through unknown territory and unknown dangers. Before you decide to use alternative medicine you should learn about it first.

Alternative Medicine: Herbs

There are many great herbs that can cure, heal, and soothe various medical conditions. But there are also some herbs that can do the exact opposite. It is very important when using natural remedies to discover more about the plants involved. Anybody can tell you that a certain plant can cure anything you have, but you must be responsible enough to check out the statement. When I use alternative medicine, and I use it a lot, I base my decision on clinically proven studies on the herbs I am planning to use.

There are some herbs that people have fooled around with without educating themselves. Below are a few herbs that you should stay away from. Although some may be useful in a certain capacity, they can do more harm then good when in the wrong hands.

• Belladonna-This is used as a sedative and to stop spasms and gastrointestinal pain. However, it also contains a few toxic alkaloids that can be harmful if used too much.
• Blue cohosh- This helps in menstrual disorders but if used when pregnant it can cause miscarriages because it induces labor.
• Borage- it is used for coughs and as a diuretic but it contains liver toxins and carcinogens.
• Broom- This is used as a diuretic and for other various problems including those having to do with cardiovascular health. Because this herb contains toxic alkaloids it can slow your heart rhythm leading to severe problems.
• Comfrey- this is usually used for exterior cuts and ulcers. It also contains toxins that can induce liver disease and death in the wrong amounts.
• Ephedra- We have all seen the number of people who have died from this herb because diet pills contained a massive amount.
• Chaparral- it is usually used for cancer and arthritis but if taken in excess it can cause severe hepatitis and/or liver failure.
• Lobelia- many believe this to be a wonderful herb for mood disorders, however in a large dose it can cause rapid heart beat, coma, and death.
• Skullcap- this is a widely used sedative and as with any sedative if too much is used it can cause serious distress and shut down the body.
• Wormwood- there are various uses for this particular plant but if misused it can cause seizures and hallucinations.

Alternative Medicine: In Conclusion

Whenever you use alternative medicine you must first educate yourself, I can not stress the importance enough. Alternative medicine does not have as many side-effects as chemicals and prescription drugs. But, if used incorrectly it can have severe consequences.