Bad Herbs

[Guest guest]

Something I just found:

>

> What everyone should know before trying herbs :

>

> 1] Some herbal remedies may afford some benefit to the liver in specific

> instances

>

> - however, these specific circumstances have not as yet been clearly

> established or defined by generally accepted and approved medical standards

>

> 2] Herbs are not regulated by the FDA

>

> - they are exempt from FDA investigation and restrictions

>

> - proof of safety and possible side effect data is not required prior to

> being made available to the consumer

>

> 3] Labeling of bottles is totally unregulated

>

> - The exact ingredients, amount and potency of ingredients, and the presence

> of other herbs or substances are not required to appear on labels

>

> - adulteration by other substances, such as steroids, atropine, lead, and

> caffeine, has been reported

>

> 4] Some herbs actually may cause liver disease

>

> The following is a list of herbs that you should absolutely avoid if you have

> liver disease. Ingestion of these herbs have been reported to cause liver

> related complications ranging from acute hepatitis and jaundice to cirrhosis

> and death from liver failure :

>

>

> 1. COMFREY [bush tea]

> 2. GERMANDER

> 3. CHAPARRAL

> 4. JIN BU HUAN

> 5. NUTMEG

> 6. PENNYROYAL OIL

> 7. MISTLETOE

> 8. TANSY RAGWORT

> 9. SENNA

> 10. SASSAFRAS

> 11. VALERIAN

>

> 5] One should carefully evaluate all claims made about an herbal remedy prior

> to ingesting it

>

> - are claims based on human or animal studies ?

>

> - are you reading a confirmed,respected research study, or simply an

> advertisement ?

>

> 6] Find a liver specialist who is clearly knowledgeable about the pros and

> cons of herbal supplements

>

> - Inform him/her as to the herbal preparation you are taking or planning to

> take so that potential side effects, drug interactions and results can be more

> safely and appropriately evaluated and monitored

> --

>

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