Herbs: Separating Fact from Myths
Interest in natural and herbal medicine continues to grow, in part fuelled by a shift towards enhancing personal wellness and greener lifestyles. However, for many it is still a relatively new phenomenon, and it is important to be educated about the benefits and potential risks of using herbs to enhance wellbeing. Often, people involved in the sale of herbal products may make lofty claims to make the products more appealing to reluctant buyers. For this reason, here are some myths about herbs that we should all be aware of.
Herbal Products are free from side effects
Ever since herbs started to come to the forefront, warnings were issued by some medical practitioners, that they posed the risk of kidney damage. Studies have shown that some products contain a chemical called mercury sulfide which can damage the kidneys and the nerves. It is important to consult your doctor before taking any supplement, and be sure to read product labels before buying.
If the product comes from China you know it’s good
This is not necessarily the case. It’s true that some of the world’s best herbal products come from China, but this depends on how they are handled and processed. In some cases the traditional recipes aren’t followed, and shipping delays may lead to decline in the potency of the products.
Herbal Products are always natural and pure
No matter how they are marketed, you can never be 100% sure that your herbal product is natural or pure. In some cases, manufacturers add chemicals to their products, often when there is a problem locating the authentic herb. However, a good natural health store will generally have the real deal, so try to stock up from reputable suppliers.
You can trust herbs more than pharmaceuticals
There is no reason to think that this is true. The herbal industry is a business like any other. And for that reason, one of its main motives is profit. In fact, given that herbs are not regulated in the same way as pharmaceuticals, some of these companies can be a bit loose with the truth.
Herbs from different companies are basically the same
Remember that in the same way two companies can make the same product with one being of a higher quality, this is also true for herbs. There are differences in how herbs are harvested, handled, processed and ultimately shipped. Ask for recommendations or read reviews of various products before making a decision on what to buy.
Doctors are right to tell you to avoid herbs
Even today the debate about alternative medicine continues. Many of the herbs being sold today have been in use for centuries. Aloe Vera for example, is now a popular ingredient of hair and skin care products, but it has been highly regarded by ancient civilizations for its curative properties. There are some decisions you will have to make for yourself when it comes to your health, and you may find that it is best to find a doctor who at least has an open mind about natural and alternative medicine.
Information is key when exploring the world of herbs and natural medicine. Anything that has worked for others for hundreds and in some cases thousands of years, can certainly work for you. Before committing to an herbal regimen, talk to your doctor not only to get their views, but also to find out about possible interactions with drugs you may be taking. Remember also that you can’t always take at face value positive reviews about herbs, especially if they come from the person trying to sell them to you.
December 4th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Although some of what you say is correct much of it is highly biased - why would you want to consult a doctor before buying or using herbs? - its rather like consulting a plumber when you need to fix your electrics - why not consult a herbalist? The herbal profession is largely made up of people who care, they are not motivated by money (if they were I can think of better professions to choose e.g. pharmaceutical medicine).
The herbal practice is actually more regulated than you imply and is likely to almost disappear in the near future due to over regulation (caused by concern over the Harold Shipman affair - who was of course a medical doctor).
Casualties from the use of herbs are generally not considered worth printing whereas there are many thousand cases per year of pharmaceutical toxicity.
Your reference to mercury occuring in some herbal medicines relates to the occassional obscure indian or chinese medicine which gets through to this country - but never through reputable suppliers - what you didn’t mention is that all vaccines (even those we give to small children) contain mercury.
OK thats my bias - regards - john
January 18th, 2009 at 7:43 am
This is one of my favorite slogans: “STOP Drugs Prescription Intoxication”. But I have a split opinion about this article. I understand that the purpose of it is of a service to the people who visit this site; this article wants to inform, and that is important. Not everybody research about natural products. People mostly “research prices”, yes I agree there are myths about herbs that we should all be aware of, and there are cautions we need to exercise particularly when taking antidepressants.
ORGANICS: Once we get to this level of awareness you are equipped to make the right choices. We are what we eat. So you know then, intoxication is every where. That bring you to the reality: Natural is better, but natural products are also susceptible to contamination. We don’t have to go back to synthetics, fatty, and full of additives-contaminated food, get fat, sick and have a happy death.
DON’T GET SICK: Just be SELECTIVE for your own health and for your family! Here is when the Organic Food becomes a great alternative. This is food that is supposed to be free of contaminants. You could grow your own if you have means of doing it. “There are also Organic medicines when you get sick, depressed, etc.”
ORGANIC-NATURAL HEALING: If you don’t eat well, eventually you may get sick. This is cause and effect logic. We take care of our bodies when we eat and when we exercise but also when we take MEDICINES. PROBLEM is that the medicines are drug prescriptions full of chemical toxic contaminants. Here, I have to agree with the previous comments of John E Smith. We have had enough with the FDA’s illegal unhealthy policy, which keeps promoting the “Destructive Cycle of Drugs Prescriptions Intoxication and creating new sicknesses every day”, for financial purposes.
There is GOOD Natural healing; there are NATURAL ORGANIC HEALING alternatives, (with no side effects) like the ones we promote in our site: organicbestchoices.com, you just need be responsible and exercise caution!