Herbal medicine has its origins in ancient cultures. It involves the medicinal use of plants to treat disease and improve overall health and well-being. Should be taken with the same caution as, In fact, many drugs are based on man-made versions of natural compounds found in plants. For example, the heart remedy digitalis was derived from foxglove.
- Herbal medicine is the use of plants to treat disease and improve overall health and well-being.
- Herbs can interact with other medications and should be used with caution. Always consult your doctor if you have any health problems and tell them about any herbal medicines you are taking or plan to take.
- Never stop taking herbal supportive prescription medications without first discussing them with your doctor.
- Be careful when buying herbal medicines online. Unregulated herbal medicines some traditional folk medicines may not be produced to the same quality and standards as regulated medicines.
Active ingredients and herbal medicine.
Herbal medicines contain active substances. The active ingredients of many herbal preparations are still unknown. Some medicines are based on a single active substance obtained from plant sources.
Herbalists believe that the active ingredient may lose its effectiveness or become less safe if used in isolation from the rest of the plant.
Contained and used in the manufacture of aspirin. Aspirin can cause bleeding through the stomach lining, but fenugreek naturally contains other compounds that help prevent salicylic acid irritation.
Greater than Critics argue that the nature of herbal medicine makes it difficult to administer measured doses of active ingredients.
Medicinal use of some herbs
Herbal medicine aims to return the body to its natural state of balance so that it can heal itself. Different herbs affect different body systems.
Some herbs commonly used in herbal medicine and their traditional uses include: To treat conditions such as ulcers, fevers and cold sores.
Dong Quai (dang gui) – used for gynecological conditions such as premenstrual tension, menopausal symptoms and menstrual cramps. Some studies show that Dong Quai can lower blood pressure.
Garlic – used to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood fat and cholesterol (a type of blood fat) will garlic’s antibiotic and antiviral properties mean it is also used to fight colds, sinusitis and other respiratory infections?
Ginkgo Biloba – Often used to treat poor circulation and ringing in the ears (ringing in the ears).
Ginseng – commonly used to treat fatigue, for example when recovering from an illness. Although it is also used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, excessive consumption of ginseng has been linked to increased blood pressure.
Studies have shown that St. John’s wort is as effective as some pharmaceutical antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression. It is also used for anxiety and insomnia Increase.
However, St. John’s wort can interact with many prescription medications, including oralcontraceptives, and prevent them from working properly.
It is not a self-diagnosed disease
It is very important that people do not self-diagnose health problems. All medications (herbal or otherwise) should be taken under the supervision of an experienced and licensed physician.
Special considerations for herbal medicines
Since herbal medicines are “natural” products, they can be misinterpreted as completely safe. This is not always true.
Herbal medicines can cause side effects ranging from mild to severe, including:
Allergic reactions and skin rashes
Asthma
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
As with other prescription drugs, herbal remedies should always be prescribed by a qualified registered medical practitioner. Contact the professional association for your chosen treatment and ask for a list of members in your area.
Be aware that herbal medicines can interact with other medicines
Herbal medicines and dietary supplements can interact in harmful ways with over-the-counter and prescription medicines you take.
Taking herbal supplements may increase or decrease the effects of other medications you are taking, may increase the risk of negative side effects. For example, St. John’s wort increases the effectiveness of antidepressants, although it most often reduces the effectiveness of other drugs.
Consider using herbal remedies If so, it is recommended that you consult your doctor about possible side effects and interactions with other medications you are taking.
Buy herbal medicines from reputable sellers.
Not all herbal medicines on the market are safe. Always buy from sources that stock products from reputable manufacturers or suppliers, such as: B. Health food stores, supermarkets, pharmacies or reputable doctors.
Be careful when buying herbal medicines on the Internet. Unregulated foreign herbal medicines may not be manufactured to the same quality and standards as regulated medicines. In some cases, products purchased online have been found to contain dangerous amounts of lead, mercury or arsenic, which can cause serious health problems.
Herbal medicines made in Australia are subject to regulation. Ask your pharmacist about the safety and effectiveness of any herbal medicine or dietary supplement you are considering. If you are considering using herbal remedies, we recommend the following:
Do not stop taking prescription medications without consulting your doctor. If you are considering starting herbal remedies for your
Symptoms, be sure to talk to your doctor. Get advice from a qualified naturopathic doctor, physician or pharmacist about the safety, quality and effectiveness of herbal medicines. Always buy products from trusted sources. Care should be taken when purchasing Chinese herbal medicines and dietary supplements manufactured overseas. Take all herbal medicines exactly as directed and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects
