Many people turn to herbal remedies because of the perception that because they are natural they are safe. This assumption is unfounded. If we are adding chemicals to our bodies in an attempt to alter them, even if that is to cure disease, then it is possible that we can alter them in unwanted or unforeseen ways.

Herbal supplements can cause problems in several ways.

The product that you buy may be impure. There has been much publicity over the years regarding impurities in herbal products. Recently a well-known Chinese herbal product for eczema was found to contain high levels of steroids. Other contaminants may be present, such as heavy metals or pesticide residue.

Goji berries are a well-known dietary supplement that many people assume is safe, but in fact much of the commercial farming in China involves the use of pesticides and herbicides, some of which have been banned in other countries. The FDA has recently released research showing high levels of these chemicals in many commonly imported brands.

Herbal remedies are not required to undergo many of the rigorous quality control procedures that are applied to pharmaceuticals and so should be sourced from reputable companies and suppliers.

Herbal supplements may have side effects that are unwanted. Black Cohosh has recently come under scrutiny due to reports of liver damage in consumers. Many other herbal remedies may cause this problem. Several common remedies cause blood thinning, raised blood pressure and changes in blood sugar levels. All these effects may be harmful, especially in patients that already have medical problems.

Taking six fish oil capsules a day is commonly recommended to lower cholesterol, but at these levels the fish oil may trigger gall stone attacks in susceptible patients, and also leaches Vitamin E from the body. These effects are overcome by taking an additional Vitamin E supplement each day.

The desired effect of the herbal supplement may cause problems, particularly if your mainstream physician is unaware that you are taking them. Natural anti depressants such as St Johns Wort work because they increase serotonin levels in the brain. Pharmaceutical antidepressants and painkillers have the same effect, and a serious condition known as serotonin syndrome can occur if they are taken together.

Interactions may occur between your herbal drugs in just the same way as with mainstream drugs. St John's wort has been implicated in reducing the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill and epilepsy medications. Several herbal remedies interact with warfarin (blood thinners), increasing the INR reading.

Herbal remedies, if they are to be taken, should be sourced from a reputable supplier. You should make sure that all your health care providers are aware of all the medications you take, both mainstream and alternative.

By taking an herbal remedy you are expecting it to have an effect on your body, hopefully a beneficial one, but the very fact that they have an effect on your body chemistry implies that it could be an adverse effect.

Learn more about this author, Eve Redstone.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Can herbal health products and supplements cause other problems??
We want to hear your view. Write now!