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Common Misperceptions about Herbs and Supplements

Tess Thompson

We are more inclined to seek quick relief rather than take the slow and probably tedious option of a natural remedy. One of the main reasons why we shirk from taking the safer but slower natural approach is because the treatment requires us to make significant changes in lifestyle and diet; something that does not come easy to us. It is difficult to question why we get sick and asses the changes required to prevent getting sick again and then adopt the recommended lifestyle changes than popping in a pill each morning. Also, the desperation to get well soon is so great at times that we make ourselves believe that all is well as soon as the symptoms are not obvious.

Of late there has been a greater inclination to choose herbal remedies over conventional drugs. Indeed herbs and herbal supplements are immensely helpful in treating and preventing diseases but the practice of natural medicine is not as simple as grabbing a product off the shelf. The main reason that people fail to get proper relief from herbs and supplements is that they indulge in self medication and the general advice from those who are not experts in the field.

Human ailments are complicated and there are many variables associated with mild ailments like cough and cold also - not all people show the same symptoms for a specific disease. It is because of this reason that natural remedies like Homeopathy, Ayurveda and TCM (traditional Chinese Medicine) insist upon treating an individual rather than the disease. These therapies believe that the specific variation of the illness should be diagnosed along with inherent characteristics of the individual body to get the best results.

Self medication is dangerous, even in the case of herbal medicines. This is specifically so because an herb that is beneficial for one may not necessarily be beneficial for another. Moreover, some herbal supplements should only be taken for a certain period of time or in specific doses, beyond which they become harmful.

It is also important to consult a professional and avoid resorting to self medication because some labels on supplements can be misleading. The names of the ingredients may look fine as standalone herbs. They may even be combined together in the supplement to produce a beneficial effect. However, if you are taking some other supplement or herb, an herbal supplement picked off the shelf can prove to be harmful.

Another common mistake that many people make is related to the safety of herbs. Even though herbs are safer than conventional medicine and free from the risks of side effects, some herbal formulas can be poisonous if taken in conjunction with other drugs or in larger qualities. It is crucial that you discuss all the conventional drugs and supplements that you may be taking so as to ensure that there is no interaction between the herb and other treatment procedures.
 
It should always be kept in mind that herbs are not a substitute for medical drugs. Herbs work best when they are chosen appropriately and combined with dietary changes and a healthy living style.