is it necessary to do research before consuming herbal products?
By jofeli
@jofeli (502)
Indonesia
May 9, 2008 3:23am CST
Recently I got these butterbur extracts from my friend. She said that it relieved headaches and inflammation and proven working for her. She gave it to me since she knew I have terrible headaches lately.
Before consuming it, I did a little research of what the product is about. In fact, I found out that these butterbur extracts has been used for centuries by herbalists to cure migraines, headaches, inflammation, stomach ulcers, coughs, allergies and asthma. But a substance contained in this plant, namely pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) is pretty harmful as it can cause cancer and liver damage. Side effects range from diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue to itchy eyes. And it was said that it was not suggested for long-term use. However, the product she gave me was an extract of it, and said that it was a standardized product and free of PA (the harmful one).
Having known this I managed to try to consume it for 2 months and as she said, it worked pretty well on me. And since I'm aware of its side effects and possibly can cause cancer and liver damage, I stop using it after 2 months.
I find that the research I did was very much useful to me since I would know that the product is not safe for long-term use. Now, do you think it's necessary for us to do research before we consume herbal products? let me know what you think, and experience, if any. thx a lot...
3 people like this
8 responses
@jer31558 (3683)
• United States
12 May 08
I think research should be done not only before consuming herbal products, but before taking new medicines as well. Even over the counter medicines have contraindications and precautions and side effects and such. It is much better taking a little time to research something before you use it than to be sorry after you use it.
@MateiMonica (199)
•
10 May 08
Yes, as the only way to know that all natural products have been made through a natural and right formula. It means that additives can be avoided. Just to read carefully the prospect.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
9 May 08
oh yes that is wonderful that you stay informed and you are responsible enough to know what you are consuming, that is a very wise move indeed.
1 person likes this
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
9 May 08
Hi jofeli! Yes, I find that to be true and necessary. We don't have to believe everything people tell us for they too might have been given wrong or incomplete information on the herbal product. Like for instance, my mother-in-law advised me to take banaba tea everyday to assist my losing weight and she said that it has a lot of nutrients. Oh i did drink the banaba tea and made a little research after a few days of drinking. Oh it is true that it will make you lose 2 lbs at least each month but that is just the side effect of the plant because it is for the treatment and maintenance of people having diabetes and high blood pressure. i did stop drinking it since I do not have a diabetes and i don't have high blood pressure. Actually I have a low blood pressure. Just my thoughts. Take care and have a nice day! 
1 person likes this
@LilyPad123 (377)
• Singapore
9 May 08
Yes you got to research first before buying the product. Remember it`s your money that goes down the drain if the product doesnt work for you. Its alright to consume herbal products. I would usually check the content for nutrition and chemicals added. The product packaging needs to have this printed on it. Than i would search normally one by one. But as time passess you will gain knowledge of it so the process will be quick. Now also do not forget to check about allergies and also wheather that particular product as been approved by the governing bodies. In the past i bought a product for weight loss and started having headaches. I stopped using it and researched on the product and found about its side effects. I wasted money on it..sad but its better to know it early...
1 person likes this
@ruby222 (4847)
•
9 May 08
I dont know very much at all about the herbal products,but im sure that you have to be evry careful if you are taking prescribed medicines .They apparently sometimes dont interact very well with other medications.I wanted once to start taking St johns wort,but was advised not to because of the medication i was on at that time.But i know a lot of people who place good faith in the herbal remedies,and swear by them.A freind of mine uses echinea to ward off her colds,she is convinced that it works.As for them causing damage to organs and cancer ive never yet heard ogf any of this.
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
26 Aug 08
You were right to do your homework! Herbal products are potent medicines and should not be taken without some knowledge of what they contain, what kind of medications they will react with, how they react with these medications, and the possible side effects. The good thing about herbal medicines is that if you have a reaction to them immediately you just stop taking them and you're not as likely to sustain any damage.
@Prophet_Warrior (93)
• Philippines
9 May 08
This is my personal opinion and should not be viewed as a professional advice. I think that herbals can work with some and may not work with some people. So as you said, it might be better to have a second opinion or a research before taking in the herbals. It's still safe to find out for yourself. I did take herbals before but I think they did not work fine for me. Thank you!
1 person likes this
