Herbal remedies could be doing more harm than good

Most are trying to be as healthy as they can be.  When a new supplement comes out with big health claims, many will flock to it based on the “science” behind it.  A new study has revealed that some of these supplements could be doing more harm than good.

 A study was undertaken by the University of Adelaide, Murdoch University and Curtin University has shown that while most Australians think that herbal supplements are harmless that their contents are not so harmless.

Herbal suppliements are not put through the strict testing like many other medications, and some suppliments have been found to contain harmful chemicals. Natural toxins, petecides, and heavy metals. Medical experts are now urging the government to force independent testing to this suppliments

The study’s co-author Ian Musgrave told the ABC, “A significant number of traditional herbal medicines do not comply with Australian regulations”.  He added, “In some cases, ingredients are either not listed, or their concentrations are recorded inaccurately on websites or labels.

“Most worryingly, a few products are illegally adulterated with standard pharmaceuticals to increase the effectiveness of the herbal product.”

There have been reports of some people experiencing seizures, prolonged illness, and in some cases organ failure.  All meditication, including any herbal mediciens or suppliments, should be discussed with your doctor before taking to prevent any damaging side effects.

Have you had a bad experience with a herbal medicine or supplement?  Do you take them?  Have you discussed them with your doctor?

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.