Herbs Are Natural But Not Always Safe
Although the majority of herbs are safe to use under any circumstances, this is not always the case. Some herbs used in the wrong way and in the wrong does can be hazardous and in rare situations potentially lethal. This is not meant to frighten you - just to encourage you to discover what you need to make herbs safe for you. Here are a few tips to make the all herbs even safer for you to use.
Five basic safety guidelines
Everyone must be sensible when using herbs, especially when taking them for medicinal purposes. The following five simple guidelines will help ensure your safety.
Start with one formula at a time
Try not to be tempted to give the body all it needs in one go! The body needs a chance to adapt and change and you need to be patient with herbal remedies. Start with one formula of herbs at a time. Take these herbs for two weeks and then add others as needed.
Begin with a low dose and work your way up
You can check your sensitivity to a herb or formula by starting with half the dose. Take this low dose for two to three days. If you notice a positive effect or none at all then try increasing to the full therapeutic dose. If you believe that you feel mild side effects such as a headache, continue taking the herb for another five days and then re-evaluate. If you continue to feel the side effects or if they are stronger at any time then discontinue them and consult your herbalist or practitioner.
Pay attention to quality
Herbs are grown in countries all around the world and some of these countries allow the use of herbicides and pesticides to be used during the growing of the herbs. A number of herbs will also absorb heavy metals from some fertilisers. Always get you herbs from reputable suppliers. If you are buying dried herbs the look and smell should be like the fresh product. Look for good color. A herb that was originally green when fresh should not look like yellow straw when dried. Bright golden yellow flowers should still show their hue. Nettles should still be bright green.
Where possible choose organically grown herbs. These generally have the most healing properties. Sometimes you can find supplies of 'wildcrafted' herbs - herbs that have been collected from the wild. Make sure that they have been collected in a sustainable method - avoid plants that are endangered or at risk.
If you have a serious health condition consult you health professional
If you are unable to consult with a herb-savvy health professional or herbalist then use only mild herbs in light to moderate doses and read the information that is available about the herbs and their actions.
Understand the nature of a 'healing crisis' - when feeling bad is not necessarily bad
A healing crisis is a short period of discomfort resulting from your body's attempt to remove toxic material from the system to help heal itself. This is a common response to a new herb or herbal formula and it is sometimes necessary in order to get well.
Years of accumulated waste matter can be stored in your fat tissues, liver and other organs. Herbs that are cleansers and those that work on the liver are well renowned for bringing on a cleansing response and therefore a healing crisis. In this process the toxins are put into the bloodstream and the body again has the job of removing them.
The herbs assist the elimination process and they are removed through the kidneys and bowels and also the skin. As they circulate through the system they can produce symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, rashes, fatigue, irritability and even anger. If you experience some of these symptoms it is a sign that your body is doing what is needed. Try to stay with the herbs but you might want to reduce the dose for one or two weeks.
Drink a few cups of pure water or elderflower tea with half a squeeze of fresh lemon juice throughout the day. If the symptoms clear you can be fairly certain that you are on the right track.
If your symptoms don't clear up or get worse then you may be taking the wrong herb for your personal constitution or present condition. Consult your health professional or try another herbal formula that sounds right to you.
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16.08.2007. 20:06
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