This is a subject that comes up a lot when talking to people about supplements in general and herbal remedies in particular. Some people believe they know what they’re doing…and don’t. Others have the intelligence to ask for help. Believe me, unless you’ve had training, the latter is the best course.
Beware On-Line: Whether it’s the spam in your inbox or the ads on the search bar, the internet is loaded with people selling supplements. According to them, you can regrow hair, improve your sex life, drop twenty pounds in two weeks, and look like the Hulk.
What they don’t tell you is that some of the products don’t work, some of them are dangerous and a few of them are illegal. There are some sites I trust when ordering herbs, but in general I don’t buy on-line; especially not from someone sending me spam. Especially spam sent to the wrong gender.
Find Educated Employees: Some stores that specialize in supplements educate their employees about them. Others don’t. Look for a store with knowledgeable employees. They can help you steer clear from products that won’t help you and to find those that might.
Your Doctor: Don’t leave the doctor out of the loop when it comes to supplements, whether they are some you’re already using or ones you are considering. There are many medical conditions that can be worsened if the wrong supplement is used. As an example, if there are any immune function issues, Echinacea is exactly the wrong supplement to take.
Your Pharmacist: Your doctor may be knowledgeable about drug/herb interactions, but usually not all of them. On the other hand, your pharmacist is well informed…and has a list of the medications you are on. The pharmacist can help you avoid drug/herb interactions that could kill you.
Qualified Herbal Practitioner: Most of us are trained about drug interactions and the side effects of herbs. We also know which supplements are generally safe and which can cause you a lot of trouble, especially if not taken properly. In fact, you may find some of us working in stores that sell supplements…
Choosing the right supplement is important. If you don’t know what to pick, you could do lasting harm to your body. It’s a good idea to consult the people listed to make sure that what you get is something that will be beneficial.