True or false? Since they’re “natural,” herbals are safe and effective. False. Herbal supplements are neither well tested nor well regulated. “Natural” doesn’t mean “effective,” “mild effect,” or “safe” as you may use them. Some herbals may be more harmful than healthful!
A lot of unknowns surround herbal supplements and their use. We don’t know all their bioactive substances and what they do, how different varieties of the same herbal compare, how growing conditions affect their bioactive substances, how substances in one herbal interact with another or with food or medication, how much is effective or harmful. They aren’t tested or regulated as medicines are.
If you take an herbal supplement, be cautious!
- Learn about its risks and possible side effects first. It may be especially dangerous to take if you have health problems.
- Get your doctor’s okay, talk to your pharmacist. Herbals aren’t advised for women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, or for children.
- Use only as directed. An herbal can be toxic in high doses, taken for a long time, or combined with other supplements or medications.
- Avoid herbals—if you’re on medication since they may interfere with drug action, if you’re going in for surgery, if you feel side effects, or if they offer no benefits.
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