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Alternative Medicine to Avoid

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Alternative Medicine can be a good route to go to avoid or alter many illnesses. It's always a good thing to be able to discard medications that may have so many side affects. You may not realize though that herbs come with side affects and danger warnings as well. That's why it's necessary to use precaution when experimenting with alternative medicine. Doing your research is a necessary part of protecting yourself against bad side affects or even worse poison.

Ephedra or Ma Huang may sound very familiar to you. This was an herb used in many diet products as it helps suppress hunger and gives you high energy. This herb originally was used for bronchial problems, like asthma, bronchitis, even in children. One of the problems with Ephedra is that it is a stimulant of the nervous system and a dependent drug. It was never meant for those with high blood pressure or heart problems. Even those without heart problems, could suffer some irregular heart palpitations.

This herb caused many problems especially among those who wanted to lose weight. There were a few deaths recorded and many problems associated with Ephedra and it was banned in many states. Many companies were marketing it safely, but there was not enough education behind the herb. From personal experience, it is a fantastic herb to be used with caution. It is no longer available because of the misuse of it. The FDA banned Ephedra in 2004 in dietary supplements.

Pennyroyal is an alternative medicine you may want to be cautious with. This herb originates from Europe and was one of the first herbs brought to American by the Pilgrims. This herb was used for liver and gallbladder problems. It was even used for colds. Pennyroyal is actually a toxic herb so if you slightly overdose with this herb (and it doesn't take much) it will cause death. My advice concerning Pennyroyal is that it is not an herb you should take internally.

The Yew is a European plant. It has been used as an alternative medicine to treat diphtheria, and epilepsy.

Yew Plants are completely poisonous, including all parts of the plant. This plant has been highly used as an ornamental plant in our gardens. Even a small amount of ingestion of the needles can cause death to an adult.

The herb, Poke root, is found in North America. Poke Root is used for rheumatism, as a laxative or stimulant. Using Poke root in raw form is highly poisonous and will cause death. This herb has berries on the plant that may be attractive to children. Even one berry can kill a child. This plant is in the Nightshade group of plants which are mostly known for their poisonous affect. Once this herb is cooked, its poisonous properties are gone.

White Hellebore is an Italy born herb and the root was used as the medicinal part for herbal remedies. White Hellebore was used in the past as an alternative medicine for high blood pressure and even herpes. The more common illnesses it was used for were vomiting, and cramps. Besides being a very poisonous herb, White Hellebore has a number of side affects which may seriously affect your heart. This is not an herb to use for any reason.

In order to safeguard your health, and insure you avoid herbs that may be harmful, read all labels. Educate yourself, so you know what you are taking. Buy herbs from a reputable health store who has qualified employees who can answer your questions on alternative medicine.

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Comments

Oct 18, 2009 10:24am

livluvlaf729
Important info! I'm an advocate for alternative medicine, but I think too often people take herbal remedies without truly researching possible side effects.

Oct 18, 2009 2:48pm

ladybugblue
This is true and it's not regulated like prescription meds, so we have to educate ourselves. PDR on herbal medicines is highly recommended.