One of the biggest mistakes people can make is to assume that because herbs are natural, they are completely harmless.
In Herbal Therapy, the term “herb” refers to any plant or parts of plant that give medicinal benefits. Herbs have been used in healing since the earliest times and are still the basis for as many as two-thirds of the world’s population, some four billion people.
Early Beginnings
Plants have been valued as medicines, as well as food, since the dawn of human civilization. Marshmallow has been found in early Neanderthal burials, while traces of Ephedra were found in Iraqi tombs dating back 60,000 years. In 1991, a frozen, mummified body of a prehistoric man was discovered in the Italian Alps. Dubbed the Iceman, anthropologists discovered two mysterious lumps in a leather pouch, which turned out to be the Piptoporus betulinus fungus. This fungus contains an oily resin that is toxic to intestinal parasites. Scientists had no idea why the Iceman carried the fungus until an autopsy of his digestive tract, in 1998, showed eggs of an intestinal parasite. It appeared that the Iceman knew he had intestinal parasite, which caused abdominal pain, and was using the P. betulinus fungus for its anti-parasitic action. It became clear that prehistoric humanity were more medically sophisticated than previously believed.
Surviving Traditions
Human discovered the many medicinal effects of herbs simply by observation, trial and error. They learned through experience that some plants healed, while others harmed. It is more remarkable when we consider isolated cultures separated by thousands of miles, arriving at similar uses for many herbs.
Ginger, Liquorice: Asians, Europeans and Native Americans relied on them as treatment for respiratory complaints.
Mints: All herbal traditions used these herbs to sooth digestive ailments.
White Willow: All herbal disciplines used this to treat pain and inflammation.
Today’s herbal medicine is a combination of tradition and science. While research has offered a way to explain the actions of some herbs, the mechanism of action of many healing plants remains a mystery. The majority of herbs are simply used in a time-honoured fashion, the way our ancestors have done for thousands of years. Many of the herbs listed in ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Indian and Western records are still used in similar ways today by modern clinical herbalists. For example, Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga recemosa) was prescribed for menstrual disorders – a fact that science has verified. This herb does indeed have effects on hormonal balance and can be beneficial for women complaints.
How Safe Are Herbs?
When you ask “Are herbs safe?” and the person who is supposed to be an expert on that topic answers you with a blanket “Yes”, go to someone else for reliable information! The fact is herbs taken in medicinal amount contain pharmacologically active compounds that can alter body processes. That’s the whole point of using herbs to treat diseases – to change the internal situation to encourage the body to go into healing mode. Such compounds have the potential to cause harm and interact with other herbs and drugs. Just like any medicine, herbs must be treated with respect and used with care. One of the biggest mistakes people can make is to assume that because herbs are natural, they are completely harmless. Some of the most potent poisons known to humanity are herbal, for example Poison Hemlock and Amanita mushroom.
While herbs and pharmaceutical drugs are often viewed as opposites, they actually have a good deal in common. Twenty five percent of all pharmaceutical drugs are still derived from plants and new, powerful drugs continue to be derived from plant sources.
But there are also key differences. Dose for dose, most herbs are less potent than drugs. While this may sound like a disadvantage, it makes herbs safer to take. Reduced risk of side effects is a major reason why herbs have regained popularity. In addition, some herbs known as “tonics” exert a gentle health-promoting effect on the whole body. Good examples are Ginseng and Astragalus. Rather than treating specific diseases, herbal tonics improve the body resistance against the harmful effects of stress, enhance mental sharpness and increase physical stamina. To date, no known drugs have such tonic and health-giving benefits.
So, are herbal medicines safe? Most herbs are safe for most people most of the time. Just remember this point – not unlike drugs, herbs have great potential to do good when used in a responsible manner. However, when abused and misused, they can cause harm.
How To Use Herbs Safely
- Be Well-Informed
Don’t just listen to friends, read up on it from reliable sources. When in doubt, seek the advice of a qualified herbalist, or don’t use it.
- Stick To The Recommended Dosage
Do not assume that if a little bit of that herb is good, more must be better. Dosage recommendations for herbs are often based on centuries of clinical experience and sometimes, scientific research. Read labels properly and follow directions.
- Respect Your Individuality
Everyone responds and reacts to herbs differently. If you are unusually sensitive, even low doses may cause side effects. Stay alert for anything out of the ordinary – abdominal upsets, diarrhoea, rash, headache, nausea.
- If Over 65, Start Low
If you are over 65 years old, start with dosages at the low end of the recommended ranges. You can increase the dose later if there is no untoward incidence.
- Caution If You Are Pregnant
With a few exceptions, moms-to-be and nursing moms should not take medicinal amounts of herbs. Herbs that are safe for adults may have unpredictable effects on the unborn and newborns. Women in this category who wish to try any herbs should only do so under the supervision of a professional herbalist.
- No To Children Under Age 2
As gentle as most herbs are, they may not be appropriate for the very young. Even though I have used herbs on numerous occasions for babies between 6 and 12 months old, I take a more conservative position when advising parents who wish to self-medicate their brood. When administering herb to a child, dilute the remedy according to the child’s weight.
- Keep Your Doctor Informed
Being honest and forthright help prevent potentially harmful herb-drug interaction. Tell your doctor which herbs you take and inform your herbalist of the drugs you are on.
- Discontinue Herbs Before Surgery
If you are scheduled for a surgery, stop taking herbs with blood-thinning effect 10 days beforehand. Herbs in this list are Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric, Ginkgo and White Willow.
Patricia Loh is an educator and writer on natural health issues. A qualified clinical herbalist, she practices Holistic Medicine in the Klang Valley. She would be happy to receive comments and inquiries at herbalorigins@yahoo.com or 03-5631 7751.
