The fact that herbal remedies are natural doesn't mean they're safe. A time-honored form of treatment, herbal remedies utilize plants with therapeutic or medicinal properties to prevent, treat or cure health problems. Some remedies do provide benefits without posing harmful effects. Because herbal treatments are not regulated for safety or effectiveness, however, gaining understanding of the potential risks and ways of avoiding them is important. For best results, discuss herbal remedies with your doctor.
Significance
Because herbal remedies are not regulated, they are often mislabeled and contain contaminants and additives that aren't listed on product packaging, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Herbal supplements, teas and other remedies may also pose side effects including toxicity if you consume them in excess or interactions with medications. These facts are particularly significant in the United States where herbal supplement sales increased by nearly 5 percent in 2009, according to the American Botanical Council, leading to a market total of roughly $5 billion.
Side Effects
Like medications, herbal remedies can cause numerous side effects, ranging from mild abdominal discomfort and bloating to more severe symptoms, such as allergic reactions, internal bleeding, liver toxicity, insomnia and an increased risk for seizures. The severity of potential side effects depend on the potency of the herb, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Your personal sensitivity to particular substances, body weight, age and overall health may also contribute. Herbal remedies with stimulatory effects, such as ginseng, green tea extract and bitter orange, can increase your heart rate and lead to nervous symptoms, such as shakiness, anxiety, heart problems and difficulty sleeping. Calming herbs, such as valerian and kava, affect areas of your brain. Valerian may cause digestive symptoms, while kava may be linked with liver injuries. The mild and calming herb chamomile, on the other hand, is considered generally safe.
Evaluation
The safety of herbal remedies can be evaluated in numerous ways, including laboratory studies and history of use. Although many herbal remedies are not investigated, scholarly articles and reports regarding studied herbs are often available to health care professionals and consumers. Systematic reviews summarize and evaluate clinical trials that meet particular criteria. If several clinical groups study valerian, for example, researchers may combine and analyze their findings, then publish their report. Because meta-analysis reviews are based on data from many studies, they may provide more conclusive information. To access research on herbal remedies, research online journals or visit your local library. You can also read alerts based on research findings and consumer reports on the Food and Drug Administration website.
Considerations
Most people using herbal remedies are hesitant to tell their doctors, according to the UMMC. Doctors are often valuable resources on the potential risks and interactions associated with herbal remedies and supplements, however, so discussing all natural remedies with your doctor is important. If you're pregnant, nursing or have a medical condition or take medications, you may hold greater risks for side effects. After purchasing herbal supplements, read the product packaging thoroughly and get rid of supplements with past expiration dates. The UMMC also suggests purchasing herbal products from reputable manufacturers, as some products, particularly those from Asian countries, contain metals.
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