Natural health and herbal remedies can help you improve your health in a number of ways. The key is to choose the correct ones. Choose wisely and avoid the ones that make wild claims. Here is a look at some common herbs. You can also read about their side effects and interactions with drugs. Here are some things you should know about Elderberry.
Common herbal remedies
Herbal remedies can treat a variety of health conditions and may have fewer side effects than conventional medicines. However, herbal medicines should be used with caution and in consultation with a physician. There are some herbs that may cause allergic reactions, interact with conventional drugs, or be toxic in high doses. As with all supplements, you should consult with a physician before using herbal medicines.
Herbal remedies can be taken in many different forms. Some are tinctures, made from dried herbs, others are concentrated liquid extracts, and still others are available in the form of oil. Essential oils are extracted from plants and used for massage. Tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of the active ingredients of an herb.
Side effects of St. John’s wort
The side effects of St. John’s wort are rare and usually mild, but some people do experience digestive problems. People who take it may also experience changes in their heart rate and blood pressure. Those with diabetes or thyroid issues should also exercise caution when taking this herb. It can also cause skin irritation and drowsiness.
Some people take this herb to help with gastrointestinal problems and pain. However, it may interact with many prescription medications and may increase the risk of side effects. It can interact with ulcer medications, antacids and methylphenidate (Ritalin). It can also make birth control pills less effective. Pregnant women should not take this herb unless it is specifically recommended by a health care provider.
Interactions with other drugs
If you are using a prescription medication and a natural health supplement, you may want to ask your doctor about possible interactions. These can result in adverse side effects such as bleeding or irregular heart rhythm. Sometimes the interactions will be harmless, but others can lead to serious health complications.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database can help you determine if there are any interactions between natural health and herbal remedies. It is a free, web-based resource with a searchable database of monographs and other information. You can also view drug profiles and see adverse interactions.
Safety of Elderberry
The safety of Elderberry has been tested in human clinical trials. The herb is a natural anti-viral. Its flavonoid compounds are responsible for its immune-stimulating action. Flavonoids bind to envelope virus proteins and prevent them from attaching to host cells. They also prevent the virus from replicating and flourishing in the body. Elderberry is also a natural anti-inflammatory, increasing production of IL-10, the immune cytokine.
Elderberry is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It can be toxic if consumed in large doses. Other parts of the elder tree are also toxic. They contain glycosides and a type of cyanide. Elderberry can also cause allergic reactions in people who have a compromised immune system. It also acts as a diuretic, so it’s important to check with your doctor before taking it.