Standard medicine, although effective, may not be ideal for some people in the world. Herbal remedies are essentially a way that people use plants to make medicine. Herbal medicines can be used to treat and prevent a variety of ailments. They can also be used to relieve certain symptoms, increase energy or mood, and improve weight loss. Although these remedies are effective for many, they are not regulated the way standard medicines are regulated and tested. In that case, how do you know that what you’re using is actually effective and reliable? Read on to learn the fundamentals of herbal medicine and find out how.

1. Herbal vs. Regular Medicine

In the commercial world, herbal medicine in St. Charles is considered a dietary supplement rather than a medicine. They are not treated like regular medicines by professionals in the medical field. They are not regulated as such either. This is because they usually don’t go through the rigorous testing phases that regular medicines do. They are not usually approved or prescribed the way traditional medicines are either.

2. Herbal Medicine and Safety

The most important thing among the fundamentals of herbal medicine is the fact that natural medicine does not always equate to safety. Many people believe that plants will always be safer and more effective simply because they are natural. However, some plants, when taken with other plants or medicines, can be a health risk to the consumer.

3. Using Herbal Remedies Safely

Being a smart consumer can prevent a variety of health risks associated with herbal remedies. It is important to avoid getting medical information from unreliable claims with no scientific evidence supporting them.

In addition to this, speak with your provider and get their professional opinion before using a particular herbal product. Learn about the risks as well as how they could impact treatment. Also, always look for certification to ensure that the product has been approved for safe consumption.

Finally, be wary of using medicines when pregnant, older than 65, or due to undergo a surgical procedure without speaking to a professional first.

To learn more about herbal medicine in St. Charles, contact Olive Branch Wellness Center.