When a doctor has to be consulted before using a home remediation

When a doctor has to be consulted before using a home remediation

Home remedies have been used since the beginning of time to treat both common and serious diseases. The same remedies that were once the only curative that was found can now cause serious problems if not used correctly and wisely.

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Nowadays we take prescription medications that can have harmful reactions if they are mixed with some home remedies. For example, the popular herb, Ephedra, is used for weight loss and asthma, but can also cause liver damage if not used properly.

Many people today choose a holistic approach to maintain their health – to avoid the side effects of prescription drugs or to reduce medical costs. Some believe, however, that because they ingest natural herbs and use products that are found at home, they do not have to worry about dosage and use.

There are real dangers when using herbal and home remedies at random. Your doctor should be consulted if you have a serious condition, take medication or if you have doubts about the dose when taking herbs.

Herbal and home remedies are increasingly used to cure and prevent diseases. The sale of herbal supplements in health food stores has increased tenfold compared to a few years ago.

If you are considering using a herbal or home remedy to treat a disease or condition, remember that some treatments actually do more harm than good. Avoid the following herbs unless you consult your doctor and have a clear method to use them:

• Ephedra – may cause liver damage.
• Comfrey – Can cause liver damage.
• Pennyroyal – may increase blood pressure and cause miscarriage in pregnant women.
• Lobelia – Causes coma and possible death if used incorrectly.
• Senna – causes irregular heartbeat.

Only because a medicinal drug is ‘natural’ does not mean that it is safe to use. Keep in mind that a small amount of an herb can be fatal if abused. Read all labels and instructions for using the herb and consult your doctor if you have any questions.