Use Herbs and Herbal Products Safely and Smartly.

Herb and herbal products are being used increasingly by people to manage health issues or just for
wellness and the concern most people have now is what is safe and at what quantity. More and more people are turning to herbal preparations to deal with chronic inflammatory conditions and numerous chronic diseases.

Herbal products have been used from the beginning of time to heal and treat chronic health issues. Then individuals learnt the skill and methods from their family members or other herbalists, but with the advent of medicine, most of the knowledge of herbs and their uses have been lost, especially in Africa.

While herbal remedies have been used for long, there is lack of scientific evidence or official
information to;

• Back their efficacy
• Determine safe dosages and side effects
• Interactions with other herbs, prescription medicines or over the counter medicines
• Inform about their allergic reactions

This is due to the fact that little or no research is carried out by those who have the means to do it because natural products cannot be patented and as such cannot bring financial gains. So, most of us are left with finding information on the internet or from friends who have tried an herb or herbal product.

If you have chosen to use herbs for whatever reasons, play it safe by following the basic guidelines.

• Find good and reliable sources of information on what you plan to use.
• Inform your doctor or health care provider.
• Start with small doses.
• If possible, procure the raw materials and prepare your own herbal remedies.

Another concern is that of drug abuse. This is not limited to people using herbal products. Some individuals will go to any length to overdose on anything for whatever reasons they find anyway.

Most people overdose or use too much because they want a quick cure. Unless your condition is an acute one, healing will not happen overnight.

It is best to consult your health care provider to determine and diagnose the health issue you are dealing with, instead of giving yourself the diagnosis. A lot of health issues present the same symptoms and you may end up with making your condition worse.

A lot of herbs have several healing properties, so have a good knowledge of the properties of your
herb before using so that you can avoid a condition you do not want to deal with.

Herbs have different methods of preparation which will affect the concentration of active components and the manner it will be used. For more on how to prepare herbal remedies safely, read here, here and here.

If you are pregnant, it is best to avoid herbs in the first three months. Opt for foods, vegetables and fruits that will give healthy nutritional values. Some herbs may stimulate the uterus and adversely affect the growing foetus.

Herbs are safe, cheap and effective when used properly and are usually without horrendous side effects. Just be smart so that you don’t misuse them, get discouraged and miss out on their fantastic healing properties.

Please share good tips and effective remedies below or by email to yvonnebosede06@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell for updates.