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Does "natural medicine" mean "safe medicine"?
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Sage-commonly used in herbal medicine for minor digestive disorders.
The use of natural, herbal and alternative remedies is on the rise, with many preferring them to traditional medicine and medical practices, whether it comes to mid, intermittent conditions or more chronic ones. Such remedies have been used for hundreds-sometimes thousands-of years, and new applications are coming to light every day regarding natural sources of healing. But before we all jump on the bandwagon and attempt to self-medicate with them, or decide to switch our healthcare plan from a traditional one to an alternative one, a few points to bear in mind are the following:
1. Many herbs are safe to use when the correct dosage and method of administration are observed, but lose their usefulness or even become harmful if the person is simultaneously taking another herb, drug or supplement. For example, many studies have shown that St. John's Wort ( Hypericum perforatum) is an effective herbal remedy for mild depression, but if taken while on certain anti-retroviral drugs (for example, those that are taken by HIV positive patients) it can lessen their effectiveness. So, always make sure to provide complete and accurate information regarding any prescription medications, supplements,over-the-counter medicines, etc you are taking to your physician, pharmacist or registered homeopath/naturopath/other alternative healthcare provider to avoid any adverse interactions.
2. Just because a herbal product gives positive results for one person does not mean it will have the same effect for another. In fact it may even have a detrimental effect, due to the widely differing nature of the human body. So, like traditional medicine, one should never take a product used by someone else until they consult with their chosen healthcare provider.
3. Always read the label of any product you buy; some signs of a reputable company and a good quality product include: A clear label that lists both the scientific (Latin) and common names of all herbal ingredients, the recommended dosages, any excipients (inactive ingredients included in the preparation such as lactose as a filler) and a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) seal, which shows that the manufacturing company is approved by the National Nutritional Foods Association, an organisation that works with herbal companies to assure adherence to high cleanliness, employee training and other parameters.
4. Never discontinue your routine drug regimen prescribed to you by your doctor in favour of a herbal remedy without talking to your doctor first about it.
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