Herbal remedies are medicines, and as such must be used with care. Most herbal remedies are safe when used according to directions, with wisdom and with the input of your herbalist, doctor or health practitioner. All herbs can produce side effects when taken in too large a dose, too frequently or by someone who is overly sensitive. If you would like to use herbs, consult your health practitioner before doing so.
Herbal Tea
Herbs are available in a variety of forms, fresh and dried. One of the safer methods for taking herbs is in an herbal tea. You can control how strong or weak you make the tea, how much herbal material you include and how much tea you consume. You also have control of the potency of the herbs, to some extent. Most herbal tea is made either from fresh herbs, recently harvested, or from loose, dried herbs. When making herbal tea, follow the directions of your prescriber or a qualified herbal specialist.
Herb Potency
If you see mold or other discoloration on you herbs, do not use them and discard them. Certain molds can be fatal. If you have herbs on your shelf for over one year, it is time to get rid of the old and re-stock as you need them. When taking manufactured herbal supplements, you have no control over how they are made or whether they are heated during manufacture, which affects their potency. If you purchase your herbs from a well-regarded source that has a high turnover and restocks their herbs frequently, you can feel confident that you are using the best herbs available. Always keep loose, dried herbs sealed in a container to prevent them from becoming stale or contaminated. Fresh herbs are best kept in a refrigerator sealed in plastic to preserve them and prevent the formation of mold.
Manufactured Herbs
Some people just prefer to take herbal medicines in pill form and do not like herbal tea. If you use herbal supplements, take several precautions. Freeze dried herbs are more efficacious than those that have been heated. Most freeze-dried supplements are packaged in capsules. If the supplement is in pill or tablet form, it is likely that it was heated to form the tablet during the manufacturing process. In all cases, it will have lost some of its potency. Most herbs are also available in liquid extracts or tinctures. Liquid herbs are usually stronger than powdered and you need less to obtain desired effects. Liquids can be taken straight or mixed in water or juice. All herb supplements should be kept in a cool dark place in your home to protect them from breaking down due to exposure to light. Buy only recognized brands from a store that has a high turnover to ensure getting fresh product.
Dosage
Each individual is unique and requires a specific dose of any herbal medicine tailored to his overall health, size, weight, history, genetics and current condition. Manufactured supplements are required by the FDA to have dosage instructions on the label. These directions are generic and based on what is most common for that product. Always ask your health practitioner or an expert herbal specialist before you take any herbal product for guidelines pertaining to dosage. Do not follow online guides for dosage because these too are general and not based on your particular needs. If you are at a loss for expert advice, consult the herbal sales representative at the health food store or apothecary where you buy your herbs. If a range is provided for dosing, start with the lowest amount and work up slowly to see how you feel when taking the herb. More is not always better, and in some cases can cause serious problems.
Precautions
All herbs have the ability to produce side effects and allergic reactions. If you experience any symptoms that are new to your case or any symptoms that are unpleasant or disturbing, contact your health practitioner immediately. If you experience difficulty breathing or swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat, stop taking the herb immediately and seek medical treatment at once.
References
- UTEP / UT Austin Cooperative Pharmacy Program; Introduction to Herbal Safety Website; Armando González Stuart, Ph.D., 2004
- "The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety"; Sinmon Mills and Kerry Bone; 2005
- "Mosby's Comlementary and Alternative Medicine"; Lynda W. Freeman; 2004
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon MS and Sifu Teresa Graedon; 2002
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