Herbal Hype – 3 common myths

by Registered Dietitian, Andrea Holwegner | Sep 16, 2011

Herbal Hype – 3 common myths

By Andrea Holwegner, Health Stand Nutrition Consulting Inc.

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.