Are Herbal Remedies SafeWritten by Loring A. Windblad
Continued from page 1
After centuries of experience, most highly toxic plants have been eliminated from herbalist's stock-in-trade. Lily-of-the-valley, daffodil, deadly nightshade, jimsonweed and hemlock are among substances banned by Health and Welfare Canada for sale as foods or in food. Reports about adverse effects of some herbal remedies are surfacing, ranging from minor to serious, from lethal poisonings to allergic reactions. Many of adverse effects reported from herbs are from mis-identification but include: severe allergic shock from camomile tea, heart problems from liquorice tonics, liver toxicity from comfrey and dizziness from oleander tea. In one recent case, a woman who mistook oleander for eucalyptus died after drinking tea. In another an elderly couple died within 24 hours of overdosing on digitalis, mistaking poisonous foxgloves for comfrey. Plants containing pyrrolizidine (e.g., Golden senecio or ragwort) are of increasing concern owing to reports of liver disease from consuming this substance. especially for long periods. Gordolobos tea containing this ingredient - widely consumed in Southern U.S. - is no longer considered safe. Harmful overdoses from herbals are most likely when they're made into strong teas, steeped for 10-20 minutes or more. For example. liquorice contains chemicals that, taken in large quantities, can cause sodium and water retention, high blood pressure and even cardiac arrest. In addition, herbal remedies can interact with OTC drugs. Some plants such as tonka beans, melilot and woodruff, which increase bleeding, should not be consumed by those regularly taking Aspirin. Several herbs - such as hellebore and hawthorn - can exacerbate effects of heart medication digitalis. Others such as bayberry, juniper and St. John's Wort, even coffee, are powerful diuretics that should not be taken if you are already taking prescription diuretics. In final analysis, shopping for herbal products is a matter of “know your product” - or stay away!
Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer. His latest business endeavor is at http://www.organicgreens.us
| | Natural Hair Color RestorationWritten by Loring Windblad
Continued from page 1
Wouldn’t it be nice to renew your natural hair color -- naturally? There are several herbal tonics and rubs/shampoos out there which say they will “restore natural hair color”. You choose any of them at your own risk. However, some are more risky than others. Any “natural color restoration system” which depends upon either being a rub or a shampoo sounds more like an artificial dye job. You need to seek out ones that are taken internally. Tonics and teas would appear to be most effective of all natural hair color restoratives. A word of caution here. There are several really effective color restorative teas and tonics available, but they do not work equally for everyone. What works for one person may not, even probably won’t, work for next person. As an example, what has been working for my wife is not working for me. Yet her hair color keeps on getting better and better with each passing month. Another word of caution. Do not expect instant results. My wife’s results were obvious after 6 months – obvious that natural hair color was returning. She has been using this product now for 22 months and her hair color is significantly improved, and it is “from roots” This is indicative of a cellular level change and improvement ongoing within her body. The product being used is Native’s Gift; contact author for additional details or for ordering
Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer. His latest business endeavor is at http://www.organicgreens.us
|
