Quick Tip:

Herbal remedies have been around for a very long time and have been used for centuries. Herbal remedies, however, contain active ingredients that may act like the medicine your doctor prescribes or you buy at a pharmacy. As a matter of fact, some drugs are derived from herbal remedies found at your local health food store.

The bottom line is there are good reasons to be careful about herbals:

• Herbal or natural doesn’t mean safe. All medications have risks and benefits and have the potential to cause side effects.
• Herbal remedies can interact with other medication. These products can increase or decrease the effects of both prescribed and over-the-counter medication you may be taking.
• Herbals can make a problem worse. If you have an existing medical condition, it could get worse — even when taking a herbal remedy for something unrelated.

Take herbal remedies the smart way

If you want to try herbals or natural health products, follow these tips to ensure you stay on the path to good health.

1. Ask your doctor.
   If you have a pre-existing medical condition or take prescription mediation, ask your doctor if using an herbal remedy is a good idea for you.
2. Don’t replace your doctor with herbals.
   Sometimes it’s easier to try an herbal remedy for an embarrassing problem rather than speak to your doctor about it. Know that doing so could only worsen the problem or you could be wasting time using a product that doesn’t work. It’s best to work with your doctor and benefit from proper medical care. You can also ask your pharmacist questions. Pharmacists can be very helpful when dealing with herbal remedies and may advise you to speak to your doctor first.
3. Think of herbals as medicine.
   Before your next doctor’s appointment, include a list of herbal remedies you’re using in your health journal so that you paint a clear picture of how you manage your health on your own.
4. Buy at a pharmacy.
   Herbal remedies are available at most pharmacies across the country. With a trained pharmacist in easy reach, trust their professional knowledge about brands, dosage, side effects and interactions. A pharmacist may also recommend that you speak to your doctor first.
5. Do not replace your prescribed medication with an herbal remedy.
   Doing so could be quite dangerous. Again, tell your doctor about your interest in trying a herbal remedy and get his or her professional advice first.
6. Don’t fall victim to Internet hype.
   There are many websites, online forums and chartrooms dedicated to herbal remedies. Many of them give advice on what product to try, how to use the product or even “diagnose” your condition online. But since nothing beats the professional advice of your doctor or pharmacist, why trust a stranger?