Now let me be very clear here and get the legal part out of the way.  I am not a doctor and none of the information that is provided should be considered medical advice.  Any of the information provided is not a substitution for medical advice.  You should always consult a physician for medical diagnosis and treatment of your specific health concerns and issues.   Advances in medicine may cause this information to become outdated, invalid or subject to debate. Professional opinions and interpretations of the scientific literature may vary. Pagan Lesson Plans terms of use and general warranty disclaimer apply to all services provided. If you are in need of immediate medical attention, contact your physician, poison control center or emergency medical professional. If you need to speak with a pharmacist for non-emergency matters, contact your local pharmacist.

The content found here is for informational purposes only, and is in no way intended as medical advice, as a substitute for medical counseling, or as a treatment/cure for any disease or health condition and nor should it be construed as such. Always work with a qualified health professional before making any changes to your diet, prescription drug use, lifestyle, or exercise activities. This information is provided as-is, and the reader/viewer assumes all risks from the use, non-use, or misuse of this information.

Pay attention to any symptoms of toxicity.  If you develop an upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and or headache with in an hour or two of taking any herb, stop taking it.  When in doubt, call your local Poison Control Center, 911 or your pharmacist or physician.  Many hospitals also have a ask a professional line.

and some Warnings
Before you take any herb, research it.  Take any warnings seriously.  If you are are in doubt, throw it out or don’t use it.

Do not take the identity of herbs for granted.  Look for products that identify herbs by their Latina binomial names.  Look for genus and species and never assume.

When you are using commercially prepared products (you know from the store) follow the label directions.

Pay attention to any symptoms of toxicity.  If you develop an upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and or headache with in an hour or two of taking any herb, stop taking it.  When in doubt, call your local Poison Control Center, 911 or your pharmacist or physician.  Many hospitals also have a ask a professional line.

In any medical consultation, tell the doctor (or other professional) what herbs you are taking and why.  Full disclosure helps to prevent potentially harmful herb-drug interactions.  

Respect your body.  You might be allergic to one or more herbs, and or you might develop unusual reactions.  When you use herbs or herbal remedies be aware of potential adverse reactions.  Some of those could be upset stomach, diarrhea, headache, itching, rash or anything out of the ordinary.  (KNOW though the product, for example when you take Niacin you can get a flush - perfectly safe and part of toxin removal)  If you do notice something unusual stop taking the herb and consult a professional to discuss your reaction and concerns.  

Even if you are not allergic, it is possible that out of the blue, you may react badly to an herb that is generally considered safe.  It happens, the same way a bee sting may not be a problem and then a few years later cause a serious reaction.  Pay attention to your body.  If you do notice a problem stop taking it and consult your physician or other medical professional.  

Sensitivities to herbs tend to be more common among those that have allergies such as hay-fever, hives or illnesses that are linked to allergies (eczema and asthma included), or to those people that have suffered a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).  While it is highly unlikely that medical herbs will cause such a serious reaction, it is possible.  If you ever develop trouble breathing (regardless of herb use) call 911 immediately.  Paramedics should be sent, you should act quickly.

Be careful with herbs if you are already taking pharmaceuticals for any chronic condition.  In general it is a mistake to duplicate drug effects with herbs.  for example if you are taking an antidepressant, don’t take St. John’s wort (an herbal anti-depressant).  If you are taking an anticoagulant such as aspirin, don’t take garlic.  If your are taking a tranquilizer or anti-anxiety medication, don’t take kava (an herbal tranquilizer).  If you are scheduled for surgery stop taking anticoagulant herbs at least two weeks before the surgery.  Anticoagulant herbs include evening primrose oil, garlic, ginger, turmeric and willow.  

Be VERY careful when taking a newly popular herb or an old herb with a new use.  Back in the 90’s for example St. John’s wort was promoted as the new anti-depressant.  As millions began to use it, new side effects began to show up.  An example of that was the interference with protease inhibitors, a powerful AIDS medication.  But until so many people started to take it, when it became so popular there were too few people taking both, so the problem went unnoticed.  

Always be careful when using herb oils or aromatic oils.  The “essential” oils of aromatic herbs are highly concentrated and even very small amounts may cause you serious harm.  For example as little as a teaspoon of penny-royal oil can even cause death.  Many herb oils are available commercially  and if you take any internally only take a drop or two at a time.  ALWAYS keep out of the reach of children.  

With a few exceptions - apple, cinnamon, chamomile, cranberry, dill water, ginger are some examples that are exceptions to this rule - don’t give medicinal herbs to children under the age of 2.  When you are giving them to kids dilute them to the child’s weight.  The standard dosage that recipes have are for a 150 pound adult.  Therefore, a 50 pound child would only get about ⅓ of a standard dose.  

Older people tend to be more sensitive to herbs because aging increases sensitivity to both medications and herbs.  Also organs like the liver and kidneys may not be working at peak abilities.  If you are over the age of 60, pay close attention to how herbs affect you.  You might start by taking a low dose and then increasing the dose later, if appropriate.  In addition older people often take other medications and can develop problematic herb-drug interactions.  Remember to tell your physician about any herbs you are taking and if you are noticing any  symptoms (to the herbs or the medications) consult your physician or pharmacist.  Remember too that while it is safe to stop taking the herbs, many medications are not safe to just abruptly stop taking; always consult a professional first.  

With some exceptions pregnant and nursing women should not take herbal medicinal preparations.  While an herb may cause no danger or harm to an adult it may actually harm the unborn and newborns.  Pregnant and nursing women should only use herbs with the consent and supervision of their obstetrician or midwife.  Pregnant and nursing women however may drink popular herbal teas which are much less potent then medicinal preparations.  

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