Question:
I don't normally post on this topic and don't always read the threads, so Im going in head first here and may open a can of worms.
It has occurred to me how many people, who are totally anti conventional medication are happy to pop many herbal and other supplements without consulting a trained practitioner. Often it is just on the recommendation of a friend who says 'it worked for me' or worse still, on the recommendation of the person selling the product.
I'm not targeting anyone in particular here, but more and more these products are being sold through the press and internet. Surely if these products work, and I don't doubt that they do, they also have the ability to do harm to some people. Natural doesn't necessarily mean safe. We all know that some of the plants in our garden are poisonous!
As an aromatherapist, I have to carry out a health and lifestyle consultation before using essential oils on any client. Surely this is the least that is necessary when people are putting products inside their bodies.
Does anyone else agree?
Lesley
I think a lot of people assume all 'natural' products are safe. Yet herbs are pretty potent as you say Lesley. Certain ones may carry warnings, for example St John's Wort has some contra-indications I believe. The trouble is, where do you draw the line? Is it OK to take herbal teas but not to use tinctures unless guided by a herbalist? This isn't an area I know much about so I'm not aware of the different potencies and contra-indications. I did hear however just the other day about a lady who was getting side effects from taking glucosamine supplements so who knows how supplements and remedies might be affecting us? Let's hope someone who knows lots on the subject will reply to this because I for one need educating!
It has occurred to me how many people, who are totally anti conventional medication are happy to pop many herbal and other supplements without consulting a trained practitioner. Often it is just on the recommendation of a friend who says 'it worked for me' or worse still, on the recommendation of the person selling the product.
I'm not targeting anyone in particular here, but more and more these products are being sold through the press and internet. Surely if these products work, and I don't doubt that they do, they also have the ability to do harm to some people. Natural doesn't necessarily mean safe. We all know that some of the plants in our garden are poisonous!
As an aromatherapist, I have to carry out a health and lifestyle consultation before using essential oils on any client. Surely this is the least that is necessary when people are putting products inside their bodies.
Does anyone else agree?
Lesley
Answers:
I think a lot of people assume all 'natural' products are safe. Yet herbs are pretty potent as you say Lesley. Certain ones may carry warnings, for example St John's Wort has some contra-indications I believe. The trouble is, where do you draw the line? Is it OK to take herbal teas but not to use tinctures unless guided by a herbalist? This isn't an area I know much about so I'm not aware of the different potencies and contra-indications. I did hear however just the other day about a lady who was getting side effects from taking glucosamine supplements so who knows how supplements and remedies might be affecting us? Let's hope someone who knows lots on the subject will reply to this because I for one need educating!
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