What is Herbal Medicine

People today are using more and more organic and natural supplements in an effort to improve their health, including herbal tea. However, always remember that your doctor know best. Do not take you your health into your own hands.

Medical drugs are generally considered to be chemicals that can prevent, prolong the life, treat other effects of a health condition, improve the quality of life, and/or cure ailments and diseases, or alter the function of any part or chemicals inside the body. In order for a medical drug to be sold on the market it must go through and extensive testing and approval process.

Herbal supplements on the other hand are not classified as drugs but as dietary supplements. The main difference is that they do not have approved by any agency. Dietary supplements can contain vitamins, minerals, herbals, or amino acids, all aimed to added to or supplement the diet of an individual. However, these supplements are not intended to be taken as a standalone substitute for any food or medicine.

Many herbal supplements are believed to improve health in many ways. However, if you are wanting to use an herbal supplement to assist you medically then you need to consult your doctor.

First, clear your condition with your doctor. Ask if taking a particular herbal supplement is safe given your health condition. Sometimes people with heart, liver, kidney trouble, or other medical problems are advised not to take these or limit to minimum amounts. For example Kava, which is used by many to relieve stress also contains substances believed to cause liver damage. Ephedra is another example that is used for losing weight but also contains chemicals with heart-inducing effects that can increase heart rate. In turn it can exhaust the heart and even cause heart attacks.

Second, make sure to follow the directions on your herbal supplement package, including tea. Never take more herbal supplements than what is directed by the doctor or as instructed on the bottle or package. Each individual can react differently to substances within herbal supplements. It may be perfectly safe for one individual to take in a supplement of primrose oil capsules but another person may be allergic to it.

Third, herbal supplements and tea have no approved curative effect. No matter how the product pamphlet or the label of the bottle sounds about how it has been found to be helpful in certain health conditions, these herbal supplements are not therapeutic. So do not substitute these for the medications prescribed by your doctor for the treatment of certain diseases, or for the maintenance of blood pressure, lowering of blood sugar and cholesterol, and fight off infections.

Herbal tea is generally safe and can be bought at most grocery stores. However, you should still be careful. Be aware of your allergies and do not substitue herbs for medical attention. Always consult your doctor if you want to consider using an herb to help with a medical condition.