Most popular medicinal herbs, are reasonably safe for most people most of the time when taken in recommended amounts.
But remember herbs do contain pharmacologically active compounds that have drug effects on the body when taken in medicinal doses. They therefore can potentially cause harm - allergic reactions, side effects, possible fetal injury, interactions with other herbs and drugs, and death.
Having said that, it cannot be overemphasized enough that overall, herbs are safer than drugs, but they are potent medicine, and anyone who uses them medicinally should do so cautiously and responsibly. Fortunately you don't need to be a master herbalist to use medicinal herbs safely. All you need is a little information and some common sense.
Here's 7 rules to guide you:
BEFORE YOU TAKE ANY HERB, READ UP ON IT.
Don't just listen to friends and relatives. Do your own research. The information in Herbal Medicine Making is a good starting point. Take any warnings seriously. When in doubt about the appropriateness of the herb for your condition, don't use it. Limit your use to those herbs that are widely recommended in popular herb books.
DON'T TAKE HERB IDENTITY FOR GRANTED
Only buy herbs and herb products that identify the herb by its Latin binomial name - that is, genus and species. For example, thyme's binomial name is Thymus vulgaris.
STICK WITH THE RECOMMENDED DOSAGE, AND NEVER EXCEED IT
Some people assume that if a little herb is good, more must be better. Wrong. Herbal dosage recommendations are based on centuries of clinical experience and, often, scientific research.
If you are over age 65, start with a low dose. As we grow older, we become more sensitive to medicinal herbs and drug effects. In addition, older people often take other medications. You don't want to risk adverse herb-drug interactions. Rather increase the dose gradually.
RESPECT YOUR INDIVIDUALITY
We are all different. You may be allergic to one or more herbs or you may develop other unusual reactions. Stay alert for any adverse reactions such as abdominal upset, diarrhoea, itching, rash, headache - anything out of the ordinary. If you notice any unusual symptoms that appear to be linked to the herb, stop taking it and discuss your reaction(s) with your health care provider.
Even if you are not allergic, you may still be unusually sensitive to one or more medicinal herbs. Doctors refer to this as an idiopathic reaction. Idiopathic means "for unknown reasons" - in other words just one of those things. Out of the blue, you may react badly to a herb that's generally considered safe. It happens.
NEVER ON SUNDAY'S
Always challenge a treatment: if after several weeks it is thought that the herb is useful, or even if there are doubts, stop the herb for a period of time and see if it is still necessary. Take the herb for six days, then break a day. Or take it for four weeks and then break a week. Whichever time scale you decide on, you must challenge the treatment.
USE YOUR COMMON SENSE
Never persist with any herbal remedy after a moderate period of time (preferably no more than several weeks, a couple of months at the outside) if it is not clearly improving the condition concerned. Contrary to popular belief, most herbs do not take months to work, it is the condition that sets the pace; if it is going to take months to correct professional advice would in any case be preferable.
CONSULT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
In most cases you can safely treat any ailment for which you normally would have opted for over-the-counter remedies, without getting professional advice, with herbal remedies. But you have to draw the line somewhere. Our position is that you should in all cases consult your doctor and/or minister/pastor. Be especially careful of self diagnosis. It may land you in hospital and/or cost you your life or soul.
Source: Herbal Medicine Making
Great guidelines. As an herbalist, I am always surprised at how easily people are willing to take an herb without doing any research on it. Your guideline on finding herbs by the latin name is particularly useful, as there are so many "common names" out there. Good work!
Posted by: Alan Joel | June 04, 2009 at 03:34 PM