What You Need to Know…

Healing Herbs: Echinacea

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Let me precede this post with the fact that I am a huge believer in herbs and natural remedies. I studied them for years though I am NOT a practitioner. The information I provide here is not intended as medical advice in any way. It’s provided for your interest in alternative health therapies available.

I’ve used herbs, vitamins, enzymes, healthy foods, etc., personally for nearly two decades. Obviously, I’m sold on the benefits!

Let’s talk about some specific things you should know before you buy herbs for your health.

Although widely touted as a healthy alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals, herbal treatments must be used with caution and by someone who knows what they’re doing. You want to be knowledgeable about what you put into (or on) your body before you ingest a dangerous amount of an herb you’re not familiar with.

Many companies sell herbs off the Internet without any verifiable way to back up their claims or even that you’re receiving the kind of herb you’re investing in. You want to only buy from a reputable company that delivers herbs you can trust.

Make sure you’re working toward preventative health, and not simply treatments or cures for diseases or ailments you encounter from time to time. Herbal medicine works best when you try to maintain a balance within your body, not when you seek out help solely to fix an immediate problem.

Whenever you buy herbs, you want to know what the plant does and how much you can safely consume of it. If you’re on any other medications, you’ll want to check with your physician first to determine if you’ll have any unsafe interaction between the natural and synthetic medications.

Many herbal distributors will put directions for use on the packages, but some do not. Make sure you have valid information before you ingest or apply any herb without understanding its effects and dosage. You can usually find ample amounts of information about an herb’s abilities online, so be sure you order the right herb for the right ailment.

Whenever you start taking an herb for the first time, you’ll want to use precaution and start with smaller doses until you make sure you’re not going to have an allergic reaction, just as you could any synthetic medication. Start with a test sample and then if all goes well, increase it to the recommended dose.

Some people hope to avoid going to a doctor and instead treat all of their ailments – from the insignificant to the serious – using herbal remedies. Not smart! It’s always best to consult your doctor before you begin using herbal treatments whether alone or in conjunction with other medications he or she prescribes.

That said, please enjoy the content of this site that focuses exclusively on herbs and natural remedies.

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