Home remedies aren’t always safe
Home remedies are great and can be effective for a variety of health conditions, but they’re not always safe. For example, OTC cough and cold medicines can cause serious side effects in young children. The FDA recommends that you don’t use them on kids under six. Home remedies are usually safe, inexpensive, and readily available in most households.
Some aren’t regulated
Herbs have been around for centuries and have become increasingly popular in the West, but many people still self-medicate for health reasons. In the 21st century, the medical establishment is working to integrate herbs into their practices. The concept of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is based on the safety and effectiveness of herbal supplements. However, because there are no FDA regulations on herbal supplements, doctors have many questions about their effectiveness and safety. Moreover, there are risks of malpractice lawsuits, which may make doctors reluctant to prescribe herbal supplements.
Some interact with prescription or over-the-counter
medications
Taking natural remedies may change the way prescription medications work in your body, which can be dangerous. This can cause adverse side effects such as bleeding or irregular heart rhythms, and may even cause the prescription medication to stop working altogether. Unfortunately, many people don’t disclose which natural remedies interact with prescription drugs, which makes keeping track of them difficult.
Before combining herbal products with prescription drugs, be sure to read the label carefully. Certain herbal products can interact with certain kinds of medicines, such as cyclosporine and cardiovascular drugs. Herbal products can also cause negative side effects, including a heightened risk of depression. You should avoid herbal medicines if you are taking prescription drugs to treat depression. A common herbal drug that interacts with prescription medications is St. John’s wort.
