USING HERBS SAFELY
Since our bodies generally perceive herbal remedies as food, contraindications or interactions with foods, pharmaceutical drugs, or other substances are rare. Herbs are gentle, generally slow-working and, when used properly, free of side effects. This is another reason we do not use “standardized” herbal extracts. Removing certain constituents from the plant and concentrating others alters the plant from its natural state and can dramatically change its action.

Generally, self-treating with herbs is quite safe for minor ailments. However, for more serious conditions it’s very important to work with a qualified health care practitioner.

Do not self treat when:
The symptoms worsen or persist for more than a few days. If you’re suffering acute or continual pain.
If you relapse once the treatment is stopped.
If fever is high and continues for more than 3 days.
You have a chronic disease, or are on large numbers of pharmaceutical drugs, without the supervision of a qualified practitioner

There is no substitute for common sense when using plants as medicine, and in virtually every case of herb-related injury or death, there has been obvious misuse or a pre-existing condition. Some folks believe if some is good then more is better. This is not true when using plants as medicine. That’s why it’s vital to read and follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions to the letter, unless you are told otherwise by a qualified practitioner.

Why All-Natural?
It’s simple: synthetic nutrients are not totally compatible with the human body. Our cells don’t recognize and utilize artificial nutrients like they do natural, plant-based ingredients. Studies have shown that certain synthetics can build up, causing damage to organ systems. I always compare natural to synthetic in what I call my “boot analogy”. You could probably eat a boot if you had to. But once you choked it down, your body simply could not use it as a fuel source. It wouldn’t know how to process it.
So for optimum effectiveness in an herbal or vitamin supplement, choose all natural. And remember, if you buy a product that contains synthetic nutrients, chances are the company selling it to you is more interested in your money than your health.

Herb/Drug Interactions
Herbs are considered safer than pharmaceutical drugs. But don’t always assume it’s safe because it’s labeled “herbal”. Plants can have gentle yet powerful effects on the body, and there are some herbs that need to be treated with caution There are many wonderful and informative books on the subject, and we strongly encourage you to educate yourself about whatever natural medicines you decide to take.
In the meantime, here’s a short list of well-known and documented cautions to consider as you work on your herbal pharmacy.

Ginkgo
Ginkgo leaf is known to thin the blood. Do not combine it with pharmaceutical blood thinning agents; it may enhance their action. If you are undergoing surgery, discontinue use for at least 2 weeks prior.

Grapefruit
Grapefruit or grapefruit juice has been shown to increase blood levels of anti-anginal drugs and increase the risk of side effects, as well.

St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort, popular in treating mild to moderate clinical depression, should not be combined with prescription antidepressants or MAO inhibitors. This plant may also alter estrogen/progesterone metabolism in women undergoing estrogen replacement therapy (ERT).

Siberian Ginseng
Also known as Eleuthero ginseng, it may increase blood pressure in people pre-disposed to or actively treating hypertension.

Astragalus
A famous immune-boosting Chinese tonic herb, astragalus should not be taken if fever is present.

Echinacea
Echinacea should not be taken daily for more than 2 weeks. Echinacea should be avoided in cases of degenerative neuromuscular diseases such as MS.

Black Cohosh Root
Recent studies have shown that Black cohosh root may increase the risk of cancer in women with a family history of the disease. It is therefore not recommended for those battling or recovering from breast cancer.

Vitamin E
Since vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient, the body is unable to throw off the excess if too high a dose is taken. Do not exceed the recommended dosage unless advised by a qualified practitioner. Individuals with a compromised liver should avoid vitamin E supplements.

Beta Carotene
There is an increasing body of evidence indicating that this type of vitamin can be harmful when used by heavy smokers. It is therefore not recommended for those who smoke a pack of cigarettes or more per day.