While herbal medicines generally have far fewer and far milder side effects than pharmaceuticals, they may still cause problems if used improperly. Here’s how to take herbs safety:
- Become well-informed. Read up on herbs before you use them. Don’t follow a friend’s advice about dosage (unless that friend has years of clinical experience). Get your information from a reliable source that includes safety warnings.
- Start with a low dose. Herb dosage are typically presented as ranges: example , 1 to 2 teaspoon of herb per cup of just boiled water, steeped for 10 to 20 minutes and taken two or three times a day. Begin at thelow-end of the recommendation range. If a low dose does not provide sufficient relief, gradually move toward the top of the recommended range. If you still do not experience noticeable benefit, consult a herbalist, a naturopath, or your physician.
- If you buy commercial preparations (teas, pills, capsules, combination products, and so on), follow the label directions. These preparations may vary in strength; some are concentrated. Safer to go by the manufacturer’s dosage recommendation.
- If you experiance any unusual symptoms within 8 hours of taking a herbal medicine, discontinue use. Everyone reacts to herbs differently. If you’re unusually sensitive, you may experience side effects and allergic reactions even at low doses.
- Do not give herbal medicines to children younger than 2 without the approval of the child’s doctor.
- If you are over 65, stick with low dosages. Sensitivity to drugs and the medicinal compounds in herbs increases with age. So does the risk of side effects.
- If you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have a chronic illness and/or are taking any medication, do not take medicinal herbs without consulting your physician.
- If you consult a herbal practitioner, follow that person’s instructions, and promptly report any unusual symptoms to them or to your doctor.
