Herbal medication is one of the applications of eastern herb medicine. However, since many people, particularly patients and even the doctors are now applying herbs in combination with the western medicine, the concept for complementary medicine has emerged.
There is also a concept that is associated with herbal medication, and is known as alternative medicine, which is a substitution for conventional medication. As with all forms of medications, one thing is of great importance, the safety and effectiveness when considering herbal medications and supplements.
Most people are concerned with safety and it is important to remember that although many herbal medications are thought to have several medicinal values, there are still some risks connected to them, for example, the risk of toxicity.
This is because there are really no concrete rules and regulations requiring proof of the safety and effectiveness of herbal medications. Not even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no standards for them. There are also no requirements of the manufactures of herbal medications to give proof of the amount or the quality of a certain herbal medication.
This is one of the major differences between herbal medications conventional prescription medications. The laws and regulations are very strict on the drug companies to provide proof about the safety and effectiveness of drugs they produce. Given these facts, it is then necessary to keep in mind that when considering herbal medications, that you should purchase them from a reputable and trusted manufacturer. This is perhaps one of the best ways to avoid complications.
Herbal medications are drugs that are derived from natural sources, and just like conventional medications, they can have similar effects on the body. One of the most common misconceptions is that herbal medications are totally safe due to them being labeled as “natural” or “herbal.” This is however not always the case. It is important to note that all of the precautions that are given to conventional medications must also apply to herbal medications. In fact, many experts have recommended the children, pregnant and nursing women to avoid herbal medications all together.
Proper guidance, with the help of an expert must be sought out before taking any form of herbal medication. This is in fact, the best way for you to know the exact dosage, drug interactions, side effects, and other essential information in order to attain the results that you are looking for.
