Herbal safety guidelines

Make sure you are not allergic to the drug you want to use, especially if you suffer from allergy, asthma or the like. Following are a few simple guidelines, which are by no means a complete list, but it provides a general understanding. For detailed guidelines a qualified practitioner must be reached who can advise proper precautions specific to health your conditions.  

Ask a consultant

Herbal supplements are not totally free of risks, under certain conditions. This can be a major concern if you are pregnant, have chronic health conditions or nursing a baby. In presence of diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, professional consultation may be significant.  Always remember, it is your health, be extremely sure about your safety, before using any medicine.

Interaction with prescription or over the counter drugs

The matter can be further complicated if you are using large numbers of medicine together. A general use of safety is to keep a gap of about three hours between the herbal supplement and over the counter drug. But it is not completely safe. Nothing can replace a timely expert advice before using the medicine.

Herbal supplements & surgeries

Some supplements have direct effect on your heart beat, blood pressure, blood coagulation and diabetes etc. If you are planning to go through a surgery, avoid taking these supplements for some period, probably several weeks. Inform your healthcare provider of any such medications, before the surgery.

Pregnancy & nursing

Rely on a good source of information about the herbs you are using. A good professional source will provide you with information like adverse reactions, use during pregnancy and nursing. There is a great number of herbs which are not be used during pregnancy and lactation. Be aware of such precautions before use.

 Other health conditions

There are herbs for specific health conditions and ailments. Herbs other than those prescribed may actually aggravate certain conditions. One herb cannot be used for all health conditions. Issues like kidney stones, liver problems or some stomach aches may aggravate with use of improper drugs.

Quantity of dose

Correct dosage information may be necessary in order to safely benefit from the herbs’ medicinal properties.

Herbal storage

Herbs should be stored at a cold and dry space. Store them away from direct sunlight. Storing at damp places should be avoided. Herbs are sensitive to light and heat. Directly storing them in such conditions almost destroys herbs.

Put herbs in tightly closed, preferably glass containers. By the way, grinding them for storage may not be a good idea, as shelf life of ground herbs decrease and effectiveness is reduced after some time. Herbs should be ground to be used over several weeks only, probably two to three weeks. It will still be effective after that period, but its effectiveness will gradually decline.

Syrups should be refrigerated as they tend to decompose pretty soon.

Label your herbs

Sometimes, it is difficult to differentiate an herb especially for the newbie. It is always a good idea to clearly label the container and write the date of preparation. You can also briefly include the usage, dosage and date