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What You Don't Know about Herbs Could Kill You
by Katherine West
Recently there has been an upsurge in healthy living, we see many supplements with herbs and vitamins advertised daily. Many companies selling herbs are now claiming to cure everything from impotence to hair-loss. But how safe are these products really? Yes, when taken in the prescribed quantity, most of these products are safe, but the indiscriminant use of herbal medications is a considerable danger to our health. What many people don't know about herbs could kill them.
High doses of many vitamins can even cause irreversible damage to organs and threaten lives. High doses of herbs can do the same. Yes, vitamins and herbal supplements have become very popular in today's world, but just because they are widely used does not mean that we should be careless or blasé'. There is a dark side to the herbal boom. in the news for causing illness and even deaths
In February, the FDA cautioned users of St. John’s Wort. The FDA released a warning that this herbal supplement may reduce the effectiveness of certain prescription drugs- as many as 50 different drugs. In March, there was another study linking herbs to another health concern. Researchers at Loma Linda University link side effects of St. John’s Wort, Echinacea and Ginkgo Biloba to infertility.
This study uncovered some evidence of genetic damage to sperm, suggesting that these herbs can be connected to problems of infertility. Dr. Curt Furberg a professor of public health science at Wake Forest University School of Medicine made the following statement about St. John's Wort: "I think people should just stay away from St. John’s Wort until we [know how safe it is]," These may only be a few herbs, but there are many more cases just like this for several other herbs too.
Chinese herbs have also been under close scrutiny recently. The Food and Drug Administration warned consumers, especially diabetics, to avoid five different brands of Chinese herbal products. It seems that the herbal remedies illegally contain prescription drugs. So not only could the herb itself harm you, but also it could be tainted with other drugs. These warnings should be taken very seriously and herbs should be treated with respect. Yes, it is a bit scary for us consumers lately.
Most herbal remedies are reasonably safe, but some can be quite dangerous, especially when they are used in combination with prescription, over-the-counter drugs, in high quantities, or when other herbal products are involved. This is especially true when herbs are used by people with pre-existing health problems. A person who overmedicates themselves with either vitamins or herbs is running the risk of possible death. The road to hell was paved with good intentions, and the road to good health is paved with many potholes. The ironic thing about people that take mega-doses of herbs and vitamins is that they are very health conscious. They are trying to increase their life span, while they could be shortening it. By not consulting their physician, they are putting their very lives at serious risk.
I know a little about this topic. When my mother was diagnosed with pancreas cancer, her doctor immediately asked her if she had been taking herbs or supplements. He also asked her if she had been on a diet recently? She replied yes to both questions. He simply nodded. Later Doctor N. Fahmy, a gastroenterologist, told us that even prescribed doses of herbal supplements could be dangerous. If the people taking the herbs are not well informed, they can be mixing a dangerous cocktail of herbs. Some herbs counteract others. Also by taking high doses of herbs and vitamins, patients can damage organs and do the exact opposite of what they intended- harm themselves.
A diet that was under 10% fat, high doses of vitamins, and many different herbs is what my mom's physician said possibly hastened her onset of pancreas cancer. I know for a fact that my mom took high doses of vitamins and herbal supplements. I am also sure that she did not know of all the side effects and drug interaction warnings. While this is just one woman and not a comprehensive study, perhaps we can learn from this case. Currently there is no scientific data that suggests that herbal supplements could actually be the cause of cancer, but the idea is plausible.
If vitamins and herbs can effect the organs, medication absorption, and various other bodily functions, then they must be able to effect the cellular make-up of the organs also. This means that it could be possible, even if there is no scientific evidence of this yet, there could be a connection. Until further research can be done, there is no clear-cut answer, though. Remember that this is the story of one woman- one case. I am not a doctor; I am just an educated consumer who has learned to be cautious. Try to remember that we do not know all there is to know about herbal remedies. We learn new things every day.
Yes, herbs taken in small quantities can be very good for the average person, but not when they are taken in high doses. What many of us forget is that herbs are drugs. They were the precursor to today's drugs. These herbs contain many of the same chemicals, as do drugs that do some of the same things. Many are stimulants. Many are "downers" or relaxants. Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean that we should be lulled into a false sense of security. When something is natural it does not automatically mean that it is safe in high quantities. There have been many women and men harmed by herbal supplements. Don't be a statistic or a news story. Be cautious! We should always check with our doctor before taking any medication and remember that herbs are medication. This is the safest thing you can do for yourself.
Sources:
ABC News
Associated Press
Copyright Katherine West 2001
eDiets
Medifocus.com,Inc.
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Copyright Katherine West 2001