Using Herbal Medicine Effectively and Safely

Mar 13, 2011 Ann Bruce

Bumble Bee Collecting Nectar on Lavender - Ann.E.Bruce

Learn how to use herbal medicine effectively and safely.

If you want to avoid using expensive synthetic medicines with their well documented side effects, then herbal products may be a good choice. Synthetic medicines are very carefully monitored and formulated to produce the right effect to cure our ills. However, with so many possible side effects, it's not surprising that more and more people are turning to herbal medications.

Herbal Medicine: A Safe Alternative Solution

In today's market, the abundance of herbal medicines available in health food shops and on the internet makes using these medicines an attractive alternative to prescription medication. There are some doctors and other health professionals that are already prescribing herbal medicines to aid a person's recovery and boost their immune system for a more permanent health improvement.

Herbal medicine is made from 100% natural ingredients and does not contain any of the chemicals that are used in conventional medicines today. Despite the safety of these medicines, we need to be careful as in some cases people will experience problems when taking them.

Make Sure You Get the Right Product for You

You must never just go out and buy a product because you have seen it advertised or your friend has taken it and it worked for them. You must consult a professional who knows how the herbal medicine and its ingredients work and how it would work for you. This could be your medical practitioner or another specialist in herbal medicine. The last thing you want is an allergic reaction or to make yourself ill, through either taking the wrong product or one that will cause you an allergic reaction.
Never make up your symptoms about your illness or leave any symptoms out because you think you can make use of the cheaper option of herbal medicine. This is not a wise or safe thing to do. When consulting your doctor, be honest about your symptoms, leave nothing out, so that they can arrive with an accurate diagnosis of your problem and confirm whether a herbal product is suitable for you or not.

Check the Company That Made the Herbal Product

Once you have the name of the herbal medicine that is right for you and your ailment, do some research. Check out for yourself what the medication does and whether it has any side effects so that you know what you are dealing with before you begin your course of treatment. These days, research is much easier. Look on the internet to find out information about the herbal medicine, who created it and produces it. Also look for any feedback from people who have already used the product, what comments have they made, did it work for them, did they find it safe to use? At the same time check the ingredients and the correct formula so that there is no chance of overdosing when you come to use it.

How Much Should I take?

It is a misconception that because herbal products are reputed to be 100% safe to use that it is okay to up the prescribed dosage to speed up the results. This will lead to unnecessary problems on to top of your existing medical condition, so never take more of the herbal product than it is prescribed. It is important to always check the label and any instructions before starting to take your herbal medication. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for advice before administering your herbal medicine.
By following the proper instructions, your healing should be speedy. However, if you think you know better and decide to make up your own prescription, problems may ensue. By following the recommended dosage and instructions you will achieve the best results and treatment for your health.


Sources:
Safety First Properly Using Alternative Herbal Medicine Effectively,
Safety First Correctly Using Alternative Herbal Remedies Effectively

Disclaimer:  
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.