herbs safe When reading the label on an herbal preparation, keep in mind that manufacturers are prevented by current law from stating that herbs can help treat or prevent diseases or symptoms. According to the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), herbs are considered supplements, not drugs.

Manufacturers are able to claim that their products can enhance general well-being or that they can support or help improve body functions, such as circulation or digestion, so long as the claim is supported by scientific evidence.

In any case, it is important to educate yourself about any herbal remedy or synthetic drug that you consider taking. Don’t use any substance without being familiar with therapeutic indications, dosages, side effects, and contraindications (factors that render the administration of a drug or herb inadvisable).

Do not self-diagnose for potentially serious medical conditions or use a clerk at a health food store as a surrogate doctor or pharmacist. It is always best to consult a physician for a diagnostic checkup and a discussion of therapeutic options.

If you already have a known medical disease or take prescription drugs, discuss with your doctor whether herbs are safe for you. Do not discontinue medically approved conventional treatments without medical supervision. If you have any unusual side effects from an herb, stop taking it and call your physician immediately.

If you are pregnant, consult with your obstetrician or other health care provider before taking any herb. Some herbs contain substances that can cause a miscarriage or premature labor or damage the fetus. Little research has been done on using herbs during pregnancy or breast-feeding, so caution is strongly recommended.

No substance is perfectly safe. Among the few people who have become ill after taking medicinal herbs, some had the mistaken notion that if something is natural, it is safe in any dosage. Others may have unusual allergic reactions to herbs that are safe for most people, just as some people have food allergies. Although side effects are few and generally mild, you should consider them carefully before taking any herb and take only the recommended dosage.