Herbs and Safe Use: Just because herbs are natural doesn’t mean they’re always safe to use. Learn what you need to know about using herbs safely.
Today’s Myth Monday topic is something I hear a lot about. It crosses between nutrition and pharmaceuticals. I am not a medication expert, but my husband is, and this is a topic we have discussed together several times because it gets brought up a lot in both our fields of work.
I’m not going to discuss every detail about herbs and their safety, but will only be scratching the surface of this sometimes controversial subject.
Myth: Since herbs are natural, all herbal products and supplements are always safe to use.
The Truth: Natural does not always mean safe and free from side effects.
For example, the FDA has stated, “Cumin oil is safe in food, but can cause the skin to blister. Certain citrus oils used safely in food can also be harmful in cosmetics, particularly when applied to skin exposed to the sun.” In today’s world of DIY everything (see Pinterest), it’s important to make sure your all-natural DIY product is safe to use.
Herbs and Safe Use - Does Natural Always Mean Safe? Share on XDietary Supplements and the FDA
Herbal and other dietary supplements are regulated differently by the FDA than “conventional” foods and drug products. They are regulated under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), which states “firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations,” and the “FDA is responsible for taking action against any adulterated or misbranded dietary supplement product after it reaches the market.”
This means different companies may use different standards of quality, and different brands and batches may have varying levels of purity and concentration. Without across the board standardization, these products may not be as safe as you think. Additionally, they may not actually do anything to improve your health – any claims made on a bottle must include a disclaimer that the FDA hasn’t evaluated the claim. It’s usually not until a significant amount of adverse events or complaints have been made that the FDA will take action against certain companies or products, depending on the severity of the complaint(s) being made.
But Essential Oils are Safe and Cure Everything, Right?
I know I may have sparked some emotions with this sub-topic, especially with die-hard essential oil users. There are many out there who claim essential oils are the remedy to everything and since they’re natural, they’re perfectly safe to diffuse into the air you breathe, ingest, and apply on your skin. Now before I get a bunch of hate mail and comments, know that I do use essential oils in my home, too. I have an essential oil diffuser in my office at work, as well. But I use essential oils very carefully and make sure I know of any potential interactions or side effects before use. Essential oils and other herbal products certainly have a place in today’s world, but it’s crucial to know that they, too, can have serious side effects if used improperly, especially in children, pregnant women, or those taking certain prescription medications.
Bottom Line:
Herbs have been around for centuries and were often used by our ancestors for many reasons. This does not mean they do not have side effects or are safe to use in any combination you want. So, my recommendation: before self-prescribing yourself a supplement, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to learn about potential side effects and interactions it may have specific to you and any condition(s) you may have.
Tips for safe use of herbal supplements:
- Tell your doctor. Let your healthcare provider know of any dietary or herbal supplements you may be taking. They will help you determine the best course of use for you.
- Follow directions. Don’t take more than the recommended dosage(s) or take the herb for longer than suggested.
- Take note. Take only one supplement at a time to determine if it’s effective. Keep track of what you take, including how much for how long, and how it affects you.
- Be cautious about supplements produced outside the United States. Some European countries highly regulate and standardize herbal supplements. But harmful ingredients have been found in herbal products manufactured in other places, such as China, India and Mexico.
- Review alerts and advisories. The FDA and NCCIH maintain lists of supplements that are under regulatory review or that have adverse events reported. Check their websites occasionally for updates.
Sources:
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs as a Glance
Mayo Clinic: Herbal Supplements: What to Know Before You Buy
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