As an herbalist, I am all for the use of supplements. If I weren’t I’d be out of a job I love. However, it is very easy to go overboard, especially if you aren’t sure what you’re taking. If you can’t find or afford consulting a qualified herbal practitioner, you may want to do some research about the ones you wish to take.
A recent news story gives an example of this problem. If you routinely take ten to one hundred times the RDA of many antioxidants, you may putting yourself at risk for cancer. Overdosing on fat soluble vitamins is easier to do than water soluble, but both can create life altering problems.
If you take herbal supplements, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, herbs can and do interact with each other, with other supplements and with medications. To be safe, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is any chance that the other things you are taking.
Some supplements can’t be used by everyone. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid most herbs unless the doctor oks them. Besides the obvious danger of harming the child, some can cause uterine contractions. That could cause miscarriage or premature birth.
People with auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus must also be careful. Plants like echinacea can interfere with medications or make the illness worse. Those with high blood pressure need to avoid herbs such as licorice and rosemary, as both herbs can raise blood pressure.
Children also need special attention when looking at supplements. Some herbs and even aromatherapy oils may not be safe for them. As an example, children under two should not be exposed to peppermint or eucalyptus oils. Eucalyptus can’t be used on or given anything with eucalyptus, including cough drops.
As further examples, I’ve selected four very popular herbal supplements, to show you what to look for. As more studies are done, more precautions and interactions may be added to the list.
Black Cohosh: It’s been used by women going through menopause for ages, but it does pose some risks. If you have or are at risk for hormone related problems including cancers, it’s best to avoid it totally. Boys should not take it, as it can cause problems in their developing reproductive organs, and it could harm the liver. Do not take it while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Cayenne: Food amounts are probably safe for most people, however lactating women may want to avoid it as it could colic the child. Supplements should be avoided if you take ACE inhibitors, stomach acid reducers, aspirin, blood thinners, anti-platelet medications or some asthma medications.
Echinacea: People use this herb to help boost the immune system. That means that if you have an auto-immune disorder or take medications that affect the immune system, you should avoid it. If you have TB, leukemia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, HIV, AIDS or liver problems, don’t take it. Some antifungal medications will also interact.
Garlic: Those taking blood thinners, anti-platelet medications or protease inhibitors should consult the doctor before taking garlic supplements. Raw garlic is a stomach irritant, so use caution if you have any sort of stomach problem, including ulcers or Cronn’s disease.
My eBook the Complete Guide to Complementary Remedies, has information from all of my mini books, plus much more. Topics include:
• Blood pressure: Page Eleven
• Depression: Page Fourteen
• Kidney stones: Page Fifty-Six
• Herbs and weight loss: Page One Hundred Two
• Interaction list: Page One Hundred Fifteen
Our site has information on many topics and my five eBooks about herbal remedies. You can also download my free report, the Top Ten Herbs. It details ten popular herbs, their uses, side effects, precautions and drug interactions. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me: mary@healing-home-remedies.com
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