 |
Before You Buy Herbal Product6 Things to Consider Before Buying Herbal ProductsWith only a handful of restrictions imposed on herbal manufacturers, most people wonder if it is possible for the average consumer to buy safe and effective herbal products. It is possible. However, before spending your money on herbal products, here are a few things that you should do.Educate YourselfDo not rely on pamphlets written and distributed by health food stores or herbal product manufacturers. These are used for marketing purposes, not for educating the public. Invest in herbal books to equip yourself with reliable information. Find our recommended picks here.Tell Your DoctorTell your doctor what you are taking or planning to take. Some herbs like garlic, ginger and ginkgo biloba can thin the blood. If you are taking anticoagulant prescription drugs such as warfarin, these herbs could strengthen the effect of the drug and lead to a medical problem. People taking aspirin or other blood thinners are also advised to avoid ginkgo.ReputationChoose herbal products manufactured by reputed companies that have been in business for a long time. Look for a manufacturer's address and an 800 number on the label. You should be able to call and ask questions about the product.Another good place to look for herbal information is Consumerlab.com. This site will tell you the brand names of supplements that meet your criteria. You will have to pay for this service. Your IllnessBefore trying an herb, ensure that your medical condition has been correctly diagnosed. For example, you may think you have bad breath when the real problem is sinusitis.Try Fresh HerbsSome herbs like garlic or bilberry can be bought fresh at the supermarket. Instead of rushing to buy an herb extract or pills, check the fruits and fresh produce isle in your supermarket first. Fresh fruit is one of the best sources of natural herbs.NoteSome herbs have been touted as dietary supplements but may have adverse impacts. An amphetamine-like herb called ephedra or ma huang, for example, has been touted as an energy booster and weight-loss aid. However, it can also cause dangerous increases in blood pressure and speed up heart rate. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a limit on the amount of ephedra that can be added to supplements. The FDA has also issued warnings on other potentially dangerous herbs including chaparral, comfrey, yohimbe, lobelia, germander, willow bark, Jin Bu Huan, and products containing magnolia or stephania.Over-consumption of anything can be dangerous, even something as benign as water. So ensure that you take your herbal supplements sparingly. Common sense will tell you that they are not staple food! Most of the herbal supplements mentioned above are safe when taken in small doses. Life-threatening reactions have been recorded when these herbs are consumed in excess. Please use your common sense. The fact that you are reading this and looking for information on herbs shows that you are doing your research. I trust that you will make a good decision when using these herbs. If you require detailed information on the toxicity of plants and herbs, read Introduction to the Toxicology of Common Botanical Medicinal Substances by Francis Brinker. Also Read:
|