How To Use A Herb Directory Responsibly

By Eugenia Dickerson


Those who sell herbs would have their buyers believe that natural means safe. This is far from the case. Many medications used today are the synthetic equivalents of natural remedies, proving that even naturopathic ingredients need to be used responsibly. A herb directory can support the use of secure natural supplement usage.

Reference databases are not all equal. Some offer listings of all naturopathic foods, what they contain and how they can help to improve health. Others focus on supplements, while others offer information about herbal tonics in isolation. Since herbal preparations can carry a number of different names, a better listing will present users with all terms applying to each preparation. This is crucial, since those with co-existing medical conditions need to avoid certain herbs and it is easy to accidentally take something that is not recognisable under a different term.

Directories which offer information about the safety of every substance are invaluable. Substances such as ephedra carry FDA warnings and serious side effects. For this reason, safety information pertaining to everything one takes should be assessed, but those with pre-existing conditions or who are taking medications should only take herbs under the supervision of a medical doctor.

When one's treatment plan includes herbal preparations, it is best to limit oneself to brands with positive reputations. Naturopathic tonics are not put through the same stringent trials as synthetic medications are. Trustworthy brands offer herbs in the quantities listed on the bottle, and list every ingredient in their preparations.

Herbs sometimes open up the potential for abuse and should be avoided by those with addiction problems. This is particularly true of ma huang, which is otherwise known as ephedra. It is a stimulant that is highly addictive. Less addictive but equally stimulating herbs such as ginseng should not be taken during pregnancy or by those with cardiac or epileptic disorders.

Before investing in supplements, it's crucial to understand the FDA's regulations. While this body does monitor naturopathic remedies up to a point, it does not approve them. The FDA does monitor the quantities used and ensures that pesticides and contaminants are not present. The organization also monitors these ingredients after they have been placed on the market. It issues warnings when safety concerns arise, which can be found on its website. This means that it is safer to take herbs that are manufactured in countries that use this kind of regulating body.

Supplements of any kind should be taken under the guidance of a pharmacist or doctor. Medical professionals who stay up to date with the data emerging about natural ingredients can supervise their patients well. It is important not to take dosages that are higher than what is recommended and to stay within suggestions regarding treatment length.

Some people need to avoid herbs altogether. Pregnant or breast feeding women, those who are about to have surgery, patients taking medication, and those older than 65 and younger than 18 should avoid all substances listed in a herb directory.




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