Herbal Hype - 3 common myths
Many Canadians are taking more responsibility for their own health, and are therefore reaching for herbs and various natural health products. Read on to hear 3 common myths about herbs.
Myth #1: Herbs Are Not Drugs
- Approximately 1/4 of prescription drugs have products derived from plant sources. Eg. morphine
- Herbs can have drug like effects and should be treated with respect like prescription medication
Myth #2: Natural Means Safe
- Herbs can be potentially toxic acutely (harmful in the short term). Eg. Ma Huang can cause heart complications and death after a single dose.
- Herbs can be potentially toxic chronically (harmful over the long term). Eg. Prolonged use (>3 months) of Kava can result in vision disturbances, yellowing of the skin, problems with equilibrium, skin allergy, dizziness and stupor etc.
Myth #3: Herbs Cannot Harm - Only Cure
- Many herbs are harmful and even toxic to the body such as tobacco, poison ivy, poison hemlock, and deadly nightshade
- Some herbs can be beneficial in some circumstances and not
beneficial in others. Eg. Garlic can help keep the blood less sticky and less likely to clot and cause a heart attack or stroke. Garlic can also cause prolonged bleeding in surgery or trauma because the blood is thinned.