Herbal Safety Guidelines

Many people rely on herbal medicines because of the overwhelming evidence that they really work plus the lower price of it compared to prescription drugs.  But using such medicine is not as simple as you would think it is.  It takes a lot of precaution before you can actually use any herb you are unfamiliar with.  You need to find out its medicinal properties first, research it thoroughly and consult with a qualified practitioner or expert before using it.

Using herbs medicinally while taking prescription drugs or having medical condition is dangerous. Have it checked before doing any move.  Most of these herbs work well in small amount but doesn’t mean that bigger amount could work wonders. Each one of us has different constitutions, sensitivities, allergic reactions and possible health conditions. If this certain herb works on your friend, it doesn't follow that it will work on you, too.  If you are pregnant, nursing a baby, or have a chronic medical condition, such as, diabetes, hypertension or heart disease, be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing or taking any supplement.

Although vitamin and mineral supplements are considered safe, you still need to ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking these or any other dietary supplements. If you are to replace your drug with a supplement or combine it with any other drug, you must see your doctor or health care provider first.

For example: Coumadin (a prescription medicine), ginkgo biloba (an herbal supplement), aspirin (an OTC drug) and vitamin E (a vitamin supplement) can each thin the blood, and taking any of these products together can increase the potential for internal bleeding. 

Another example is that when you are going to undergo an elective surgery, stop taking these products at least 2-3 weeks ahead of the procedure to avoid potentially dangerous supplement/drug interactions such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure and increased bleeding.  This could adversely affect the outcome of your surgery.  We may not be familiar with some herbal content but they might also have active ingredients that have strong biological effects hazardous to all users. A person with health condition who takes herbal medicine places himself at risk.

Herbs that are being offered on many websites have guidelines that show us what the allowed and prohibited herbs are for certain health condition and for combination with prescription drugs.     But these lists do not help with administering information on possible interactions and contraindications with prescription medicine. It has to be discussed with your doctor.

As much as the FDA doesn't evaluate the statements of most hair loss product companies, it does not evaluate or test herbs either. The right thing to be done is to consult with your physician for diagnosis or treatment rather than having yourself treated through self-medication.  Why put yourself at risk when there is a sure way to grow that hair back?

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