Safety issues in using herbal medicines

[Faery-Wings]

I am taking an online intro course in using herbal medicines. One of my assignments is to discuss the safety issues with some other people. I would like to hear any of your thoughts and suggestions on how to use herbs safely. Have any of you had a bad reaction to an herb? Do you prefer to use FDA approved drugs or herbal remedies?

My thoughts (as a beginner) on this:

I feel that is most important to know your herb before taking it. And sadly, I haven't always gone by this advice *sheepish smile*
But I think you need to know what the effects of the herb is and what side effects it could have. Proper dosing is important of course, especially since the variablity in the medicinal components of the herb. So far I have not had bad effects of any of the herbs I have taken. I usually take standardized formulas from the health food store, but I hope some day to be able to make my own teas and tinctures from bulk herbs. I have mixed treatments depending on the situation whether I use OTC/Dr prescribes meds, aromatherapy treament or herbs. I don't always feel comfortable with pharmaceutical drugs which I why i would like to get more involved with herbs.

I hope no one minds me using this forum to pick some brains on my assignment.
Thanks!!

:)

Chris

[Yvonne Belisle]

I think this is the perfect forum for it. Don't forget to read the stuck thread on herbals it may help. :)

[Lavender]

Originally posted by chryssi1
I am taking an online intro course in using herbal medicines. One of my assignments is to discuss the safety issues with some other people. I would like to hear any of your thoughts and suggestions on how to use herbs safely. Have any of you had a bad reaction to an herb? Do you prefer to use FDA approved drugs or herbal remedies?

I prefer herbal remedies whenever possible but that's not to say I never use pharmacuticals either. It greatly depends whatever my health issues are. I've never had any bad reactions to herbs. I research what I use very carefully. Also, natural doesn't always means safe. Even though the remedies are natural, I use caution...making sure by reading as much as I can and asking lots of questions.

Also, I'm finding the herbs that I grew myself seems to be more potent than store bought herbs.

[EasternPriest]

A couple of thoughts off the top of my head.....

1. Standardized formulas are important, especially since herbal potency is not regulated.

2. Reputable brands, for the same reason.

3. An herb with the same primary chemical as a phrmaceutical should be treated the same for dose, precautions, etc...

Blessings in your quest!