A Basic Guide To Herbs

This guide is for anyone interested in natural remedies, including health care providers. As we enter the new millennium, more people are turning to alternative, complementary, integrative forms of treatment. Nature has shown us time and again, every action causes a reaction. You will find this guide lists the names of the herbs, their primary uses, potential side effects, interactions, and signs of overdose. As I found in my research, different sources listed different information on those issues. I have done my best to ferret out the most inclusive information available. The side effects, interactions and overdose sections may state "None reported". This only means that in my research these things were not reported. It would be reasonable to assume if there are side effects listed, an overdose would be an increase of those side effects. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency treatmentimmediately. The information presented here is a compilation of many sources and intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the treatment, cure, diagnosis or mitigation of a disease or condition. Persons with potentially serious medical conditions should seek professional care. Do not take any medications or herbals without first consulting with your physician. Any woman who plans to become pregnant, is pregnant or is breastfeeding must first talk with her doctor before taking any medication or natural remedy. Likewise, with children it is important to talk with their doctors before giving them over the counter or prescription any herbal, medications. People with hormonal deficiencies or chronic problems with their gastrointestinal tract should not take many of these remedies and need to talk with their physicians. Some herbal remedies will interfere with the body's ability to absorb and use other medicines. The effectiveness of many natural remedies is just now being researched by science. As with many prescription medications, the manner in which these remedies effect their actions is unknown. Obviously, the only way to make your healthcare truly a team effort is to discuss your entire health history and give your physician the most complete information you have, including all the medications, herbals and over the-counter remedies you take. The information contained within this guide is not to be considered a prescription therefore dosing information is not included. The purpose of this guide is simply to increase the readers' knowledge base so they may make intelligent, informed choices in their own care. For more detailed information, the reader may wish to examine the bibliography and continue with more research of their ownUse this guide in good health.