Herbs may seem like a safe alternative for treating many symptoms or ailments. While this may be the case for many herbs, some herbs may cause serious side effects when used incorrectly. Like any supplement, herbs should be used in the correct dose, taken at the proper time of day and used only with guidance from your physician.
Parts of the Plant
Before taking an herb, consult your doctor to ensure you are using the right part of the plant for your symptoms. With some herbs, one part of the plant affects the body differently than another. For example, dandelion leaves are a diuretic, but dandelion root aids in digestion.
Delivery Forms
Herbs are available in a variety of delivery forms, including teas, tinctures and capsules. You can also buy bulk, dried herbs to make your own teas or to add to food during cooking. When choosing a delivery form, consider the specific herb you are taking as well as your lifestyle. For example, you may choose to make teas from herbs that come from heartier parts of the plant, such as the roots. These parts of the plant often need to boil for extended periods of time before the elements responsible for healing are activated so that you get the most benefit from the herb. This can often take up to 40 minutes. If you have an active, busy lifestyle, you may need to forgo teas and use herbs in tincture or capsule form.
Dosages and Timing
Herbs are most effective if you take proper dosages at the correct time of day. Some herbs may work best on an empty stomach, while others may need to be ingested with food. Some herbs are most effective when taken in small amounts throughout the day. Others are best ingested in one dose. Additionally, some herbs need to be taken for a period of weeks, while others should only be used for a few days. When using herbs, consult your physician for recommendations on dose and timing. Do not take herbs in dosages larger than your physician recommends, as this can cause unwanted side effects.
Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Some herbs can cause side effects or interfere with medications. For example, St. John's wort interferes with the effectiveness of a variety of medications, including antidepressants and birth control pills. Other herbs can have side effects even if you do not take medications. Ginseng, for instance, may cause nervousness and insomnia. For this reason, you should discuss any herbs you take with your doctor to ensure they do not cause side effects or interfere with medications.
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