Sunday, January 5, 2014

Using A Herb Directory To Find Reputable Ingredients

By Eugenia Dickerson


In contrast to common beliefs, not all natural ingredients are safe. Many of today's medications are merely synthetic copies of naturally-occurring substances, showing that herbs need to be taken with as much care as medications do. A herb directory needs to be used with responsibility, and under the guidance of a doctor.

Databases that are responsibly built will offer more than mere listings. Some list foods and their naturally occurring nutrients, along with their health benefits. Others focus on nutritional supplements. Still others offer information about herbal ingredients. Many herbs have more than one name, so a responsible listing will offer tonics under all the terms that describe them. This is a particularly important facet to seek out for those with chronic conditions, since some herbs are contraindicated under certain circumstances. Mistakes are easy to make when one doesn't know all the terms for the tonics one must avoid.

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.

There are herbs that have addiction potential and thus need to be avoided by addicts and alcoholics. Ma huang is one such ingredient. Otherwise known as ephedra, this ingredient is a powerful stimulant that is extremely addictive. Ginseng is another stimulant that should not be taken by pregnant women, epilepsy patients, and those with cardiac disorders.

Before investing in supplements, it's crucial to understand the FDA's regulations. While this body does monitor naturopathic remedies up to a point, it does not approve them. The FDA does monitor the quantities used and ensures that pesticides and contaminants are not present. The organization also monitors these ingredients after they have been placed on the market. It issues warnings when safety concerns arise, which can be found on its website. This means that it is safer to take herbs that are manufactured in countries that use this kind of regulating body.

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.

There are many patients who should not take any herbs at all. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid all herbs, since there is insufficient safety information in these circumstances. Those with chronic conditions or who are awaiting surgery should, too. People younger than 18 or older than 65 cannot safely take tonics listed in a herb directory.




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