Helpful Herbal Safety Tips

By Michael Castleman
April/May 2004
Peppermint
Image Gallery
While peppermint is known for its help in relieving indigestion, the herb’s menthol also makes it a great choice as a decongestant and sore-throat soother.
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

1. Before you take an herb, read up on it. Don’t just follow the latest fads or take your friend or neighbor’s word for it. Do some research to make sure the herb’s right for you. (Check out The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs by Thieme Medical Publications, 2003, or The Herb Companion’s sister publication, Herbs for Health magazine.)

RELATED CONTENT

2. Don’t take an herb’s identity for granted. Look for products that identify ingredients by Latin names — and know what you’re looking for.

3. Don’t exceed the recommended dosage. Follow the product’s label directions or your practitioner’s recommendations closely.

4. Respect your individuality. Watch for any allergic reactions or adverse effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, headache or a rash. If you notice any such symptoms, discontinue the herb.

5. Be wary of herb-drug interactions. If you’re taking prescription drugs, check with your health-care provider before taking herbs.

6. If you’re older than 65, start your herb regimen with a low dose. As people grow older, they become more sensitive to drug effects, so a low dose might suffice. You always can increase your dose later.

Michael Castleman is a frequent contributor to  The Herb Companion’s sister publication, Herbs for Health, and is the author of 10 consumer health books including  The New Healing Herbs  (Rodale, 2001). Available on our Bookshelf.

Click here for the main article, 7 Super Herbs For Your Medicine Cabinet.


Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print


Comments

2147486069
MY COMMUNITY

MOST POPULAR


Pay Now & Save 58% off the Cover Price
First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*


(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Subscribe to The Herb Companion

Your guide to the many uses and even more pleasures of nature's most helpful plants!

The Herb Companion is the smart and easy complement to your own healthy, vibrant lifestyle! In every issue you'll find information on using herbs to:

  • Transform simple dishes into spectacular meals
  • Make gardens as useful as they are beautiful
  • Replace harsh chemicals with natural alternatives
  • Help find fulfillment, balance and good health
  • And much more!

Yes, send me a one-year subscription (6 issues) to The Herb Companion. I'll pay just $19.95.

Save Even More Money By Paying NOW!

Pay now with a credit card and take advantage of our Earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. You save an additional $5.00 and get 6 issues of The Herb Companion for only $14.95 (USA only).