The risks of herbal treatments

Many people feel that traditional herbal products are more “natural” and safer than conventional drugs. Unfortunately, unlike prescription and over-the-counter medications, most herbal products are considered "dietary supplements" and do not need to be proven safe or effective before they are sold. Herbs are essentially crude drugs with the potential for both beneficial and harmful effects.

Herbal products or very high doses of vitamins or minerals can have dangerous drug interactions and side effects, just like prescription and other non-prescription products. Side effects may reflect the purity of the preparation or additives. Stop taking herbal products and contact your health care provider immediately if side effects, a rash or signs of an allergic reaction occur.

In some cases, the herbal content of a product is considerably more or less than the strength listed on the label. While most herbal products are safe, some products have been found to contain pesticides, heavy metals, toxic herbs or prescription medications. For this reason, it is recommended that only high-quality products be used.

Be safe. Talk with your doctor earlier rather than later. Your doctor can help determine if there are any dangerous side effects or drug interactions and help determine the right dosage for you. As with all medications, more is not better and can lead to serious illness and death.