In contrast to common beliefs, not all natural ingredients are safe. Many of today's medications are merely synthetic copies of naturally-occurring substances, showing that herbs need to be taken with as much care as medications do. A herb directory needs to be used with responsibility, and under the guidance of a doctor.
Some reference databases are more useful than others. Some list foods according to their nutrients and how they support health. Others offer listings of nutritional supplements alone, and others list herbal ingredients. Because some herbs have several names, it is important to use references that list all of these. This vital service ensures that patients with chronic illness or who are taking medications regularly don't mistake an unsafe herb for a safe one. It is crucial to be entirely aware of all the side effects of the herbs one takes.
Directories which offer information about the safety of every substance are invaluable. Substances such as ephedra carry FDA warnings and serious side effects. For this reason, safety information pertaining to everything one takes should be assessed, but those with pre-existing conditions or who are taking medications should only take herbs under the supervision of a medical doctor.
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.
There are herbs that have addiction potential and thus need to be avoided by addicts and alcoholics. Ma huang is one such ingredient. Otherwise known as ephedra, this ingredient is a powerful stimulant that is extremely addictive. Ginseng is another stimulant that should not be taken by pregnant women, epilepsy patients, and those with cardiac 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.
A doctor or pharmacist can offer the most reliable monitoring of supplement usage. Those who stay updated as to new information about naturopathic remedies and their evidence-based trials offer a reliable degree of support to their patients. It is also important not to exceed recommended dosages or treatment time frames, since this increases the chances of side effects.
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.
Some reference databases are more useful than others. Some list foods according to their nutrients and how they support health. Others offer listings of nutritional supplements alone, and others list herbal ingredients. Because some herbs have several names, it is important to use references that list all of these. This vital service ensures that patients with chronic illness or who are taking medications regularly don't mistake an unsafe herb for a safe one. It is crucial to be entirely aware of all the side effects of the herbs one takes.
Directories which offer information about the safety of every substance are invaluable. Substances such as ephedra carry FDA warnings and serious side effects. For this reason, safety information pertaining to everything one takes should be assessed, but those with pre-existing conditions or who are taking medications should only take herbs under the supervision of a medical doctor.
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.
There are herbs that have addiction potential and thus need to be avoided by addicts and alcoholics. Ma huang is one such ingredient. Otherwise known as ephedra, this ingredient is a powerful stimulant that is extremely addictive. Ginseng is another stimulant that should not be taken by pregnant women, epilepsy patients, and those with cardiac 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.
A doctor or pharmacist can offer the most reliable monitoring of supplement usage. Those who stay updated as to new information about naturopathic remedies and their evidence-based trials offer a reliable degree of support to their patients. It is also important not to exceed recommended dosages or treatment time frames, since this increases the chances of side effects.
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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