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It must be remembered that a great many pharmaceutical drugs have been synthesized from naturally found ingredients in the first place. Digitalis (the drug) which treats an irregular heartbeat is derived from the plant by the same name, commonly known as the Foxglove. Aspirin was manufactured after discovering a family of chemicals found in white Willow bark with antipyretic (temperature reducing) properties. And the poppy is, of course, famous for providing the most powerful painkiller - Morphine.

It seems logical, therefore, that there are probably a great many cures and treatments to be found in natural form, for all manner of ailments. And with today's tendency to over-indulge in all things man-made, it is refreshing to try something more natural. However, employing natural plants and herbs to self medicate should be done with caution.

Using the poppy seed as an example again, it is quite evident that plants can produce extremely potent effects. Pharmaceutical drugs are manufactured using pure forms of the active ingredients and in finely measured amounts - something which is difficult to achieve when using natural plants and herbs, making it easy to overdose.

It should also be remembered that with most medicines there are usually side effects, some of which are mild, others can be more severe or of a serious nature. Drugs that are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies have been stringently tested for side effects, efficacy, safety and contraindications - the same, unfortunately, cannot be said for herbal remedies and, whilst they may have very beneficial effects, they should always be treated as an 'unknown quantity'. In other words - be careful!

Learn more about this author, Libbie Reed.
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