Many consumers believe that all that is natural is safe. In fact, many of the medicines in use today, such as aspirin, were discovered in nature and recreated in synthetic form. Herbs carry side effects and risks, many of which are as serious as those of other medicines. It is thus crucial to use a herb directory responsibly, with the support of a medical doctor.
Databases that are responsibly built will offer more than mere listings. Some list foods and their naturally occurring nutrients, along with their health benefits. Others focus on nutritional supplements. Still others offer information about herbal ingredients. Many herbs have more than one name, so a responsible listing will offer tonics under all the terms that describe them. This is a particularly important facet to seek out for those with chronic conditions, since some herbs are contraindicated under certain circumstances. Mistakes are easy to make when one doesn't know all the terms for the tonics one must avoid.
A responsible directory that gives data about the safety and efficacy of every tonic are invaluable. Ingredients such as ephedra have received FDA black box warnings. The safety information of these kinds of tonics needs to be assessed before deciding on a herbal solution. This is particularly important for those with chronic conditions and who are taking medications daily.
Those who add herbal remedies to their treatments need to limit themselves to brands with solid reputations. The fact that naturopathic medications aren't controlled as strictly as medications are means that there is more responsibility on the shoulders of the consumer. Good brands will list all ingredients on the bottle, and use the stated quantities.
Herbs sometimes open up the potential for abuse and should be avoided by those with addiction problems. This is particularly true of ma huang, which is otherwise known as ephedra. It is a stimulant that is highly addictive. Less addictive but equally stimulating herbs such as ginseng should not be taken during pregnancy or by those with cardiac or epileptic disorders.
Before buying herbs, it is important to understand how much regulation the FDA provides. While these supplements receive a fair degree of monitoring, they are not approved. However, they do need to be manufactured responsibly so that contaminants and pesticides are not included. Supplements that are available on the market are also monitored by the FDA. If any negative side effects or safety issues arise, warnings will appear on the FDA website or the supplements themselves will be barred. It is thus safer to purchase naturopathic supplements made in well regulated countries.
Supplements of any kind should be taken under the guidance of a pharmacist or doctor. Medical professionals who stay up to date with the data emerging about natural ingredients can supervise their patients well. It is important not to take dosages that are higher than what is recommended and to stay within suggestions regarding treatment length.
Some people need to avoid herbs altogether. Pregnant or breast feeding women, those who are about to have surgery, patients taking medication, and those older than 65 and younger than 18 should avoid all substances listed in a herb directory.
Databases that are responsibly built will offer more than mere listings. Some list foods and their naturally occurring nutrients, along with their health benefits. Others focus on nutritional supplements. Still others offer information about herbal ingredients. Many herbs have more than one name, so a responsible listing will offer tonics under all the terms that describe them. This is a particularly important facet to seek out for those with chronic conditions, since some herbs are contraindicated under certain circumstances. Mistakes are easy to make when one doesn't know all the terms for the tonics one must avoid.
A responsible directory that gives data about the safety and efficacy of every tonic are invaluable. Ingredients such as ephedra have received FDA black box warnings. The safety information of these kinds of tonics needs to be assessed before deciding on a herbal solution. This is particularly important for those with chronic conditions and who are taking medications daily.
Those who add herbal remedies to their treatments need to limit themselves to brands with solid reputations. The fact that naturopathic medications aren't controlled as strictly as medications are means that there is more responsibility on the shoulders of the consumer. Good brands will list all ingredients on the bottle, and use the stated quantities.
Herbs sometimes open up the potential for abuse and should be avoided by those with addiction problems. This is particularly true of ma huang, which is otherwise known as ephedra. It is a stimulant that is highly addictive. Less addictive but equally stimulating herbs such as ginseng should not be taken during pregnancy or by those with cardiac or epileptic disorders.
Before buying herbs, it is important to understand how much regulation the FDA provides. While these supplements receive a fair degree of monitoring, they are not approved. However, they do need to be manufactured responsibly so that contaminants and pesticides are not included. Supplements that are available on the market are also monitored by the FDA. If any negative side effects or safety issues arise, warnings will appear on the FDA website or the supplements themselves will be barred. It is thus safer to purchase naturopathic supplements made in well regulated countries.
Supplements of any kind should be taken under the guidance of a pharmacist or doctor. Medical professionals who stay up to date with the data emerging about natural ingredients can supervise their patients well. It is important not to take dosages that are higher than what is recommended and to stay within suggestions regarding treatment length.
Some people need to avoid herbs altogether. Pregnant or breast feeding women, those who are about to have surgery, patients taking medication, and those older than 65 and younger than 18 should avoid all substances listed in a herb directory.
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