For people who take herbal remedies...?

Question

Do you do this on your own, or do you get guidance? I'm really curious. I hate drugs of any kind, and I can't imagine treating myself for a condition with something that people just "swear" by.

I mean I hear people recommend stuff for heart disease, asthma, diabetes, menopause, cancer, etc....how do you know you're not doing more damage than good? Seriously?

Answer 1

Some herbal supplements are very helpful and effective. Some are dangerous. They are ALL medications. For example, the Red Yeast that lowers cholesterol is the precursor for todays statin drugs. IT HAS THE SAME DANGERS AND SIDE EFFECTS. I strongly believe in statins saving lives. However, people who are on statins have their liver enzymes monitored and are aware of the dangers and side effects. The statins are regulated by the FDA to provide safety and a guaranteed strength. You get no strength or safety regulation when you take red yeast. Most people don't have their liver enzymes monitored. If you are going to take herbal medications, RESEARCH THEM YOURSELF. And don't kid yourself into thinking that you aren't taking a "medication." Don't fall into the "Natural is safer" thought.

Answer 2

Well first of all you don't take any medicine without knowing what your treating yourself for first. I use herbal remedies for everything for my whole family and my kids are some of the healthiest despite school,and my kids are 11 and 14 we struggle less with illness than their friends and I treat all illness with herbs and homeopathic first. Only when it's gone to long will I take them to the doctors. You have to do your homework and you have to learn your body so you pick appropriate remedies. I would suggest you get a book called Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing (4th Edition) use that as your source books. There are many other books but this one is written so that everyone can understand. All good health food stores and book store carry this book. Remember that all medicine was created from herbs to begin with then the pharmaceutical strips away all but the part they can synthesize so it can be mass produced. If you go back to the herbal supplement just pick white willow for example, was the original aspirin, salix in the willow is what they used to mass produce aspirin. White willow in it natural base has a stomach protector so that you don't get a stomach ache using willow like you can with aspirin. That is just one simple explanation, obviously there are many many more; get the book and read it. Anything by Rosemary Gladstar is also good, The Family Herbal is one book I would recommend.

Good Luck

Answer 3

Well,, most herbal remedies won't hurt you either way. That's why people like them. For instance, ginger tea helps with chills it has a warming effect, but it won't hurt you if you don;t have a chill.
Valerian tablets really help me sleep at night, but they won't hurt you, and you can wake up if you want to.
Nobody in their right mind would treat major illness with a "remedy", they would get qualified medical advice. Herbal remedies will make you feel more comfortable, not cure you. That's why they are good for menopause, because its not an illness, its a bunch of uncomfortable symptoms

Answer 4

A really good question! Many people go by folklore and next door neighbor's or friend's recommendations. But you can do better and that is to get educated. The internet is a good source. And there are good books for laymen. So look around.

And there are other options like homeopathy, Bach Flowers, acupressure, Reiki etc. where little or no medicine is involved.

Answer 5

There are books on the subject, and studies to back up the usefulness of certain herbs. Personally, I use herbal remedies for minor problems (cold, flu, eczema, bug bite) but would leave it to the doctors for the big stuff. Patented drugs are generally (though not always) more powerful and efficient.

Answer 6

My suggestion could be to first make sure what's inflicting stress-existence stress, interpersonal issues, housing industry crash, or a actual ailment? the two way, i understand from journey that chamomile tea works as a organic scientific care. additionally, i could try a supplement referred to as GABA (gammabutyric acid) accessible over-the-counter at any community drug keep or pharmacy. This has a neurotransmitter calming effect. perchance additionally, if older, say over 40, melatonin supplements will help quell stress and supply a solid sleep, if taken until now bedtime. yet of course, exercising probable is the finest and suitable scientific care. desire this helps.

Answer 7

Two excellent references for you to consult:
The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine - Murray and Pizzorno
Prescription For Natural Cures - Balch & Stengler
I am a pharmacist and find much useful info on alternative medicine in these excellent books.

Answer 8

Buy a book called prescription for nutritional healing third edition by Balch. It will tell you everything you need to know about alternative medicine, vitamins, minerals, amino acinds, herbs, others

Answer 9

i know people who use herbal remedies and they generally have guidance. if you can't find anyone in your area then you can check out your local book store and they generally carry books and walk you through it and have all the specifications and warnings. i personally use ecinachea to keep from getting sick and i very rarely get sick. so it definitely has done me a world of good!

Answer 10

You have to do research - even if its just asking questions of friends who you know take herbals. I do take a few things, and honestly most of the time I think its the placebo effect - I expect to feel better and I do.