Each of our bodies is different and will react differently with certain herbs. So, depending on your body, the illness you’re fighting, your age and pre-existing conditions, we have to be careful. Nevertheless, medicinal herbs can be a viable alternative to typical western medicine.

1. You must start with food herbs

Food herbs like garlic, ginger, mushrooms, nettles, dandelion greens, etc. are safe to consume.

Culinary herbs like oregano, turmeric, thyme, and cayenne are low- risk food herbs.

2. If you have history of allergy then takes precautions

A person who handles these plants can develop itchy skin reaction.

I will recommend you to try one herb at a time.

You can start with smaller doses and then take the full dose.

Stop herb if you develop rash, itchy eyes, sneezing or upset stomach.

3. Herb and Drug Interactions

Drinking black tea or coffee after taking sedatives can cause undesirable effects.

Herb- drug interaction can cause low blood pressure.

Herb St. John’s must not be administered with pharmaceutical anti-depressants.

You must avoid taking anti-coagulant herb and drug together.

4. You must know when to take the advice of doctor

Sick infants in your family must be taken immediately to the doctor.

Discuss with your doctor if you are taking any herb or medicine.

5. Take extra caution when giving herbs to children

Younger babies of six months must not be given any herb internally.

For older children, the doses must be calculated by weight.

Herbs must not be consumed without the advice of the doctor.

6.  I will recommend you to use gentle herbs during pregnancy and nursing

You must not take any herb if pregnant.

7.  Imported herbs

Some herbal medicines are imported from Asia and the Middle East. They are adulterated with heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins.

8. Use essential oils wisely

Don’t apply it on your mucous membranes like rectum, mouth, eye, ear, and nose.

Don’t take essential oil from the mouth.

Don’t apply essential oils on children less than five years.

9. Read books and guides

10. Avoid herbs in older people, diabetic patients

People with medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, the respiratory problem must not be given herbal medicines.

Patients taking cancer treatment or with kidney ailments must avoid herbs.

11. Steps in case of poisoning with herb

Try to induce vomiting with charcoal, antidote or gastric lavage. The symptoms of poisoning are vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, dizziness, and rapid pulse.

Do you have any other advice to follow when using medicinal herbs?

Article Source: Prepper's Will