In contrast to common beliefs, not all natural ingredients are safe. Many of today's medications are merely synthetic copies of naturally-occurring substances, showing that herbs need to be taken with as much care as medications do. A herb directory needs to be used with responsibility, and under the guidance of a doctor.
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.
A responsible directory that gives data about the safety and efficacy of every tonic are invaluable. Ingredients such as ephedra have received FDA black box warnings. The safety information of these kinds of tonics needs to be assessed before deciding on a herbal solution. This is particularly important for those with chronic conditions and who are taking medications daily.
Those who add herbal remedies to their treatments need to limit themselves to brands with solid reputations. The fact that naturopathic medications aren't controlled as strictly as medications are means that there is more responsibility on the shoulders of the consumer. Good brands will list all ingredients on the bottle, and use the stated quantities.
Some herbs are addictive and should not be taken by those with addiction problems. Ma huang, also known as ephedra, is among the most dangerous of these herbs. It has stimulating effects and restricts the appetite. Ginseng is not as addictive but it also acts as a stimulant that cannot be taken by cardiac and epileptic patients or women who are pregnant.
Before buying herbs, it is important to understand how much regulation the FDA provides. While these supplements receive a fair degree of monitoring, they are not approved. However, they do need to be manufactured responsibly so that contaminants and pesticides are not included. Supplements that are available on the market are also monitored by the FDA. If any negative side effects or safety issues arise, warnings will appear on the FDA website or the supplements themselves will be barred. It is thus safer to purchase naturopathic supplements made in well regulated countries.
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.
Not all people can safely take herbs. Those who are breast feeding or pregnant are safer avoiding them altogether. Patients with epilepsy or cardiac health problems need to avoid certain ingredients, and patients over 65 or under 18 years of age should not take herb directory supplements.
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.
A responsible directory that gives data about the safety and efficacy of every tonic are invaluable. Ingredients such as ephedra have received FDA black box warnings. The safety information of these kinds of tonics needs to be assessed before deciding on a herbal solution. This is particularly important for those with chronic conditions and who are taking medications daily.
Those who add herbal remedies to their treatments need to limit themselves to brands with solid reputations. The fact that naturopathic medications aren't controlled as strictly as medications are means that there is more responsibility on the shoulders of the consumer. Good brands will list all ingredients on the bottle, and use the stated quantities.
Some herbs are addictive and should not be taken by those with addiction problems. Ma huang, also known as ephedra, is among the most dangerous of these herbs. It has stimulating effects and restricts the appetite. Ginseng is not as addictive but it also acts as a stimulant that cannot be taken by cardiac and epileptic patients or women who are pregnant.
Before buying herbs, it is important to understand how much regulation the FDA provides. While these supplements receive a fair degree of monitoring, they are not approved. However, they do need to be manufactured responsibly so that contaminants and pesticides are not included. Supplements that are available on the market are also monitored by the FDA. If any negative side effects or safety issues arise, warnings will appear on the FDA website or the supplements themselves will be barred. It is thus safer to purchase naturopathic supplements made in well regulated countries.
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.
Not all people can safely take herbs. Those who are breast feeding or pregnant are safer avoiding them altogether. Patients with epilepsy or cardiac health problems need to avoid certain ingredients, and patients over 65 or under 18 years of age should not take herb directory supplements.
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