Research shows that herbal products can interact with prescription medicines and may affect safety. This is important for people with diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure. Read more here: PubMed herb drug interaction review.
Many people believe herbal products are always safe because they are natural. This is not always true. Natural products can still affect the body strongly.
Some herbs may lower blood sugar. If they are taken with diabetes medicines, sugar may fall too much. Low sugar can cause sweating, shaking, confusion, fainting or seizures.
Some products may affect blood pressure. Others may affect blood thinning medicines, liver function or kidney function.
Quality is another issue. Not all products are tested the same way. Some may have wrong doses, hidden ingredients or contamination.
Before taking any herbal product, ask:
What is it for?
Is there evidence for my condition?
Can it interact with my medicines?
Is it safe for my kidney and liver?
What dose is safe?
When should I stop it?
Who will monitor me?
Tell your doctor about every tablet, powder, oil, tonic or supplement you use. This includes products bought online.
Madhavbaug shares information on its research publications for readers who want to understand its documented work.
Herbal care should be open, supervised and safe. It should not be hidden from your doctor.
Organisation resource: Madhavbaug
Medical note: Seek urgent help for severe allergy, breathing trouble, fainting, severe vomiting, jaundice, bleeding or very low blood sugar.
