A Natural Herbal Remedy
Natural Herbal Remedy
Have you noticed that the term "natural herbal remedy" or something like it is turning up everywhere, on products of all sorts and types? There seems to be a natural herbal remedy for everything nowadays. Here's the problem: the U.S. Food and Drug Administration carefully regulates anything that is a "drug." The FDA does not regulate things categorized as "herbs." Because there's no regulation, there is always a risk that a natural herbal remedy could be dangerous.
Don't think that just because something claims to be "natural" it's better than a product that isn't natural. Also, think long and hard before going along with the idea that natural remedies are always safe. Natural does not always mean good. There are plenty of "natural" things in this world that can make you very sick. As a matter of fact, some of the most deadly toxins and poisons known to man are 100 percent natural, coming from herbs and plants. You could say that these toxins are natural herbal remedies for living, which is often times exactly what they are.
Most plants, as a self-defense mechanism, have some amount of naturally-occurring toxin in them to kill or otherwise deter animals that want to eat them. The toxins in what we call edible plants just happen to be ineffective against us, or have been artificially selected against over the years to the point where they are all but gone today. Forests and jungles don't require sprays and insecticides because 'natural' plants and herbs have their own poisons!
Don't think that anything that carries the label 'natural herbal remedy' is wonderful and safe. On the other hand, while some of the most harmful substances we know about are natural, some of the most helpful ones are natural as well. It's important to be careful when looking for a natural herbal remedy and stick to things that have been tested thoroughly.
Don't discount a pharmaceutical drug just because it isn't 'natural' and doesn't come from an herb. Science is a wonderful thing. Without science and pharmaceuticals, we'd still be dying of measles and polio and many other common ailments. Don't be afraid to consult both a physician and a natural medicine specialist if you have concerns about your health.