Using A Herb Directory To Find Reputable Ingredients

By Eugenia Dickerson


Those who sell herbs would have their buyers believe that natural means safe. This is far from the case. Many medications used today are the synthetic equivalents of natural remedies, proving that even naturopathic ingredients need to be used responsibly. A herb directory can support the use of secure natural supplement usage.

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.

Databases that provide information about the safety concerns of the ingredients they list are extremely valuable. Ingredients such as ephedra have FDA warnings attached because they can cause serious side effects. Before taking herbs, one should assess how they interact with one's health problems and medications. This is best done with the help of a medical doctor.

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.

Herbs sometimes open up the potential for abuse and should be avoided by those with addiction problems. This is particularly true of ma huang, which is otherwise known as ephedra. It is a stimulant that is highly addictive. Less addictive but equally stimulating herbs such as ginseng should not be taken during pregnancy or by those with cardiac or epileptic disorders.

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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