Myths and Truths
About Alternative Medicines

Myths and Truths About Alternative Medicines

There are two sides of the coin when it comes to medications.

There are the pharmaceutical medicines, manufactured by drug companies and then there are alternative medications like herbal remedies and natural supplements.

There are often myths circulating when it comes to something new, or something different that can lure people away from trying any alternative options other than what is typically acceptable in society.

Alternative medications are one of those relatively new things that have myths attached to their use. Luckily not everyone believes the myths circulating.

According to a study in 2005 by the Institute of Medicine at the National Academy of Sciences, approximately 15 million adults have taken herbal remedies or high-dose vitamins.

One myth circulating about alternative medications is that they are exclusive from traditional medications.

Most modern doctors are learning that alternative medications work well alongside the traditional routes of treating patients with conventional medications.

Adding alternative medications that complement the regime they usually prescribe.

One false myth is that "natural" is always safe. That simply isn't true.

When ever you are considering taking a herbal remedy or natural supplement along with prescription medication, you should speak with your doctor as some things are not meant to be taken together and may cause adverse reactions.

Prescription pharmaceutical products must meet high standards of consistency and herbal remedies and supplements are not always monitored and consumers need to be able to trust the companies that manufacture them.

In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does regulate herbal and other dietary supplements but as foods, not as drugs.

This means that they do not have to meet the same high standards as drugs do for proof of safety, effectiveness or quality.

Labeling on alternative medications such as herbal remedies may not be complete or accurate as some contain contaminates such as metals, drugs, or germs.

Natural and herbal compounds also vary in strength. The consumer needs to be wary about what they are taking and how much they are taking.

Prescription Medicine The route is determined by the absorption need, the best way to give relief, and the type of medication. Many cancer medications can only be given intravenously, and others are installed in the bladder or intra peritoneal instillation. Drugs and Medicine

 

Kava is a remedy taken for anxiety, which can in rare cases cause liver failure. Ginseng, ginkgo biloba and garlic supplements all can make you bleed more freely, just as aspirin does and patients who are looking at having surgical procedure in the near future should not take anything that will make them bleed freely.

Just as you would ask questions when your doctor prescribes a new medication for you; so, you should seek information about any herbal remedy, vitamin or mineral supplement you are contemplating taking.

It is always wise, to not treat you. If you have any medical concern, see a medical doctor.

Marijuana Drugs You should know what the medication is supposed to do? You should know when to take the medication and how to take it? You should be aware of what some of the side effects may be while taking the medications and what to do if you experience a side effect? You should know what if any activities should be avoided while taking the medication, and you should know how the drug may make you feel (sleepy, irritable, thirsty, etc. Drugs and Medicine

Receive a diagnosis first, and then seek advice about adding alternative medications such as herbal remedies and supplements to your treatment plan.

This way, your doctor will know if there are any adverse affects that may occur as a result of combining alternative medications with pharmaceutical ones.

Certain herbal remedies can interact with anesthesia such as St. John's wort, which is taken for depression.

Many herbal supplements are not good to take if you are nursing a baby or are pregnant.

To be safe, follow these tips when taking herbal remedies or supplements:

Speak with your healthcare provider about your desire to use an herbal product, before you start taking it.

Especially important is to not start taking one for a serious medical condition before seeking a medical opinion about the condition and the use of herbal remedies to treat it.

You can speak with a licensed pharmacist about herbal remedies; they are knowledgeable about them and can give added advice to what your doctor gives you.

Buy supplements that are approved by the American Botanical Council's Commission E, which is an expert committee that evaluates the safety and efficiency of herbal products.

Make sure that the company you purchase herbals from is a reputable herbal company. Watch out for magazine, brochure, TV and radio ads for herbals: use reputable sources only for information and product.