Most popular medicinal herbs are reasonably safe for most people most of the time when taken in recommended amounts. The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labels them as G.R.A.S. – Generally Regarded As Safe.
But remember herbs do contain pharmacologically active compounds that have drug effects on the body when taken in medicinal doses. They, therefore, can potentially cause harm – allergic reactions, side effects, possible fetal injury, interactions with other herbs and drugs, and death.
It cannot be overemphasized enough that overall, herbs are safer than drugs, but they are potent medicine, and anyone who uses them should do so cautiously and responsibly. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a master herbalist to use medicinal herbs safely. All you need is a little information and some common sense.
You should know the following ten safety guidelines by heart. Study them with intent and make them part and parcel of your approach to herbology.
As you study herbology in more depth you’ll soon find out that some of them can be considered as commandments; others merely as guidelines.
1. Before you take any herb, read up on it
Don’t just listen to friends and relatives. Do your own research. The information in this online course is a good starting point. Take any warnings seriously. When in doubt about the appropriateness of the herb for your condition, don’t use it. Limit your use to those herbs that are widely recommended in popular herb books.
2. Don’t take herb identity for granted
Only buy herbs and herb products that identify the herb by its Latin binomial name – that is, genus and species. For example, thyme’s binomial name is Thymus vulgaris. You’ll learn more about botanical names in another lesson.
3. Stick with the recommended dosage, and never exceed it
Some people assume that if a little herb is good, more must be better. Wrong. Herbal dosage recommendations are based on centuries of clinical experience and, often, scientific research.
If you are over age 65, start with a low dose. As we grow older, we become more sensitive to medicinal herbs and drug effects. In addition, older people often take other medications. You don’t want to risk adverse herb-drug interactions. Rather increase the dose gradually.
Side note: Dosages are discussed in detail in the Advanced Herbal Medicine Making Course.
4. Respect your individuality
We are all different. You may be allergic to one or more herbs or you may develop other unusual reactions. Stay alert for any adverse reactions such as abdominal upset, diarrhea, itching, rash, headache – anything out of the ordinary. If you notice any unusual symptoms that appear to be linked to the herb, stop taking it and discuss your reaction(s) with your health care provider.
Even if you are not allergic, you may still be unusually sensitive to one or more medicinal herbs. Doctors refer to this as an idiopathic reaction. Idiopathic means “for unknown reasons” – in other words just one of those things. Out of the blue, you may react badly to a herb that’s generally considered safe. It happens.
5. If you are pregnant or nursing, use herbs with caution
It is a persistent medical principle that one should refrain from using medicines during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.
Fortunately, the issues are less worrisome for the use of herbal remedies than they are for conventional drugs.
Nevertheless, herbalists still refrain from medicating where possible, and then they prefer herbs that are positively vetted as good. Again, do your research.
6. Don’t give herbal remedies to children under age 2
While some herbalists contend that herbal remedies are okay for children 6 months and older, we take a more conservative position. Use your discretion and apply the recommendations.
7. Think twice before jumping on a herbs bandwagon
Be cautious about unusual or new foreign remedies that have not stood the test of long-term use. Be extra careful when taking an old popular herb with a new “breakthrough” use. A good case in point is St. John’s wort which flew off the shelves of stores when it was shown to have an important new benefit as an antidepressant. What people did not know was the adverse interaction of St. John’s wort with drugs like protease inhibitors and cyclosporine.
8. Never on Sunday’s
Always challenge a treatment: if after several weeks it is thought that the herb is useful, or even if there are doubts, stop the herb for a period of time and see if it is still necessary. Take the herb for six days, then break a day. Or take it for four weeks and then break a week. Whichever time scale you decide on, you must challenge the treatment.
9. Use your common sense
Never persist with any herbal remedy after a moderate period of time (preferably no more than several weeks, a couple of months at the outside) if it is not clearly improving the condition concerned. Contrary to popular belief, most herbs do not take months to work their magic, it is the condition that sets the pace; if it is going to take months to correct professional advice would, in any case, be preferable.
10. Consult your health care provider
In most cases, you can safely treat any ailment for which you normally would have opted for over-the-counter remedies, without getting professional advice, with herbal remedies. But you have to draw the line somewhere. Our position is that you should in all cases consult your doctor and/or minister/pastor. Be especially careful of self-diagnosis. It may land you in the hospital and/or cost you your life or soul. See The Family Herbalist’s Herbal Therapeutic Index for conditions that can safely be treated at home.
Dig Deeper
The importance of using herbs safely cannot be emphasized enough. To increase your own ability to use herbs safely summarize the above in your own words. Then share your most important one below.
The most important is safety & commonsense. Think about how many people used herbs, to discover their medicinal properties, but used them incorrectly, for the wrong ailment or the wrong herbs in general and then lost their life or received permanent damage?
We must be so grateful to those before us, and use their wisdom, and our own commonsense to respect and appreciate what herbs CAN do for us, but also understand the limitations.
Herbology is a science and as with all sciences, research, research, research. Taking the time to learn and understand before attempting to “fix” an ailment will prevent inadvertently harming others. Do not use a remedy you are not familiar with and never ever use an herb that has not been fully vetted. Older and very young people are very susceptible to herbs and drugs. Never give to a child under 2 and always start with low doses for elderly.
Be responsible, not just for yourself but others. Do the research, take the time and learn accordingly.
Expand your frame of reference and continuously research so that when you need to apply common sense you have a wealth of information for your brain to call on.
Understand your own motivations for using herbs as alternative medicine. Knowledge is critical, and above everything else, passion does not always represent reason, your interaction with patients, herbs and ailments need to support the benefits of herbs and do the art of using it, credit.
In summary, don’t be stupid about herbs, just use the research available and don’t take risks with your or your family’s health.
Do research,use caution and always consult with your doctor before taking any herbal medications
As with any remedy caution must be used. Consult your dr before taking remedies if you suffer from allergies, are pregnant etc. See how you feel after using it for a while and then not. Has it made a difference. If the problem persists and you don’t have relief then change your treatment.
Should use your head. Went using any herb or drug
Check check and check
I agree with most comments that individuality is key and research too. The more extreme the case the more likely to double or triple check. (extreme being: more factors mixed or young/old).
I think the most important thing is to use your common sense and to remember that no one is the same. What might work for me won’t work for you for instance.
Respect the herb, the dosage and stick to it – more is not always best.
Always read up on the herb you want to use and when you buy make sure it’s the right one. Same goes for mushrooms for instance, I am an avid mushroom forager and it’s so so important to make sure what you have is the right thing – you can die just because some edible ones resemble the poisonous ones and it’s so easy to make a mistake, so, be very sure you have the right herb!
Be mindful of the herb’s interactions with other medicines and don’t just try a herb just because “it’s the new miracle cure” for this or that – do your research first!!
Be careful of self diagnosis and if you are not sure, rather consult your doctor – rather be safe than sorry. 🙂
Research is very important. I also appreciate it when I can have a conversation with someone who has tried out the herb.
Everything in moderation is good.
I also think its really important to listen to your higher self with anything you take, your body can tell you whether its safe for you or not.
More times than not forcing my self to try something that i had a strong feeling not to, I have found that it actually made me sick.
Trial and error, I try to listen know, your body knows best.
Key to everything is knowledge, educate the heck out of yourself, and listen.
Use common sense!
Knowledge. research, and resources.
Know yourself.
Read from many sources.
Ask those you trust with your own well-being.
The two main things that all of these rules have in common is the idea that you must come into using herbal medicine with knowledge of the herbs you are using, and you must pay attention to how they affect each person INDIVIDUALLY. Never assume that something is working until you have tested this theory. Research the herbs you want to use and make sure you understand how they interact with specific conditions (pregnancy) and things like medications.
Knowledge and care are imperative to being effective and safe when utilizing medicinal herbs.
Take it easy.
With that said, take it easy on yourself, your ability and your processes. Be thorough with your identification process, your research process and be cautious. I find that over stressing every scenario allows us to make those situations more probable. Take your time to make sure all your checks are done and that you are 100% comfortable and confident.
Research the herbs you want to use. Be mindful of the age and condition of the person you want to help. Always make sure you get a professional diagnose before treating any ailment. Always use the guide doses for the remedies and challenge the herb by having breaks between treatments.
1. A solid, informed, detailed intake of a client is mandatory. Seek and find the correct constitution, ask the right questions about medicines, past injuries, trauma (emotional, physical), contraindications can be avoided with the right information.
2. Start with the lowest doses, ALWAYS, not just in the elderly. If a client isn’t aware they are allergic to the Asteraceae family, don’t start them on 30 drops of chamomile or calendula tincture for stomach upset.
3. Use safe herbs only and start with building nutrition before starting a more specific protocol. Build the nerves, the pathways; nourish before treating.
4. Always follow up with your client, or how will you know how they are feeling? Or if their constitution is changing in a positive manner, staying neutral, or getting worse?
5. Never exceed your knowledge limit. Use community resources and higher educated folks to use as referrals. Never take a guess at something, make sure you have an idea in the protocol that will give a sense of a timeline for seeing improvement. Most transformations to take time as the body on the inside is very complicated and cells and tissues take time to rebuild.
6. IF the client is taking the suggested remedies as indented you should have good feedback minimum every three weeks while assessment continues. It never should end with one visit, one suggested remedy, and then not followed up with progress.
7. It is irresponsible to do that to someone seeking help; often herbology is the last place they could think of for finding healing and a safe space to not be judged. If you are not there to be present with them in their healing journey, then your faith isn’t present either.
The use of herbs is dependent on age; health cindition and the herb’s general use. Research is important.
It is always important to research the herb and know your self. Be cautious and stick to guided doses. Don’t take herbs if you are pregnant or under 2yrs of age. Be wise and consult a health doctor are all very important steps to take.
I think the pregnancy one is so important because I don’t think many people know this!
Before using a herb it is important to do research on it first. To not use a herb product if the Latin binomial name is not stated. Stick to the recommended dosage. Take extra care with the dosage for children, pregnant or breastfeeding as well as people over 65. Be on the look out for sensitivity or allergies to a herb(s). Keep the time scale in mind with a break day or week in between. Consult your health care provider if in doubt.
My most important guideline would be to stay alert for any reactions out of the ordinary when starting to use a new herb.
When using herbs, thorough research are important and to stick to the recommended dosage. Be cautious, especially when it comes to pregnant women, children & the elderly. When you followed all the guidelines & principles and don’t get the necessary results, consult your health care provider.
Research, research and research. All 10 according to me very important but research at the top.
Before any use of herbs we have to follow certain certain precautions, including: Researching the herb, always ensuring the the herb has been correctly identified, never using more of the herb than recommended, taking into account issues like pregnancy, beginning hastily in your usage of herbs, keeping in mind that no under-2’s should be mediated, use your common sense and consulting your doctor.
I think that consulting your doctor is of primary importance when beginning this process, especially if you are on any prescription medication.
Herbs are medicines for all purposes for this reason it is good to know your diagnosis from a doctor to determine your health situation and know the cause.
like any medicine it should be interrupted to notice the benefit, in order not to become independent and to avoid any damage to your body.
It is right to be well informed about the product you are using, if you do not have enough information about the product and where it comes from it would be better not to use it .herbs are medicines for all purposes for this reason it is good to know your diagnosis from a doctor to determine your health situation and know the cause.
like any medicine it should be interrupted to notice the benefit, in order not to become independent and to avoid any damage to your body.
It is right to be well informed about the product you are using, if you do not have enough information about the product and where it comes from it would be better not to use it .
There is much value in the guideline to ensure the safety of herb usage. Personally, guidelines #1, #3 and #4 are at the forefront of my protocols. Reading up on the herb/herbs you are taking not only empowers you on your journey of health and wellness but it allows you to connect with the herb. It is also important to read up on the synergistic effect of herbs taken simultaneously. Sticking to the recommended dose is of the utmost of importance. I always start with a low dose and work my way up if it is a potent herb. And last but definitely not least, respecting your individuality. There are so many variables at play which must be considered. What works for one may not work for another for various reasons like absorption or sensitivities.
As mentioned, we are all individuals. What works for me, will definitely not work for another.
For me the most important is Research.
To know the herbs and their healing qualities.
BIGGEST takeaway. Safety first. Do your own research!
We are all unique, what works for me may not work for another 🙂
Be wise and error on the side of safety. I have noticed that there are many herbs that say don’t take while pregnant or breastfeeding.
In my opinions nr 1 is the most important.
Read up all aspects of the herb and then the rest of the 9 points will fall into place with the knowledge received with your investigation on the herb
Hi
All 10 guidelines/rules make good sense. It is critical to research the safety of herbs before you take them. My doctor is generally understanding.
Use herbal remedies very responsible. When you are not sure about a herb look it up do research or ask for professional help.
It is difficult to say which of the safety guidelines is more important, they are all equally important.
Do research on any herbal remedy before using it.
Identify herbs by their botanical and Latin names.
Do not exceed the prescript dosage. Take inconsideration when people use other medicine and their age, start with lower dosages.
Do not give herbal remedies to children under the age of two and pregnant women.
If an allergic reaction is detected consult a medical professional.
Be careful of new and foreign herbal remedies, do research first.
Do not use herbal remedies for extended periods of time if the condition does not improve seek professional advice.
I think number 7 is most important in today’s society. Everyone has a get fixed quick scheme so I tend not to trust it. When there is four products on the shelf that fix the same issue and they all have the label, “Voted #1 best” for that particular issue, then I don’t want to try any of them!
Before I looked at other comments, I summarized all 10 as common sense. See all herbs as if you have a log in your eye; pretending that it is the first time you are coming in contact with that herb. Not all herbs are created equal, even if it’s the same herb. Use caution and proceed as if you were using something unknown, but know all about it before doing so. Pray before, take notes during & Praise after.
Start low and go slow, also do proper research as everyone might have different reactions to the same herb.
Always proceed with caution, rather check twice and act once in order to avoid adverse effects or disaster. Knowledge, common sense and respect are keys to success.
Always do in depth research into the herb/s you intend to use and be cautious when using them as we are all different and might react to a herb that has no effect on the next person. Beware of interactions with other herbs and/or drugs and take age, pregnancy/nursing, illness in consideration.
The most important one of all fofor me is to read up and do your research. Just because something might work for one person. Doesn’t mean it will be the same for another person. Side affects and dosage must always be known. It is always best to known everything there is about something that you will be putting into your body
Really know your herbs and use cautiously. Do not use continuously or with doctor prescribed pharmaceutical drugs.
RESEARCH covers quite a few of the 10 Herbal Commandments
research the herb, the binomial name of the plant, the side effects, the dosage, the interactions, the disease you are targeting…
RESEARCH yourself: your issues, your reactions, your path to health (if making progress)
RESEARCH is key.
if in doubt, check it out
if still in doubt, leave it out and go see the doc
Do your research,everyone is different and most importantly take note or journal during treatment and off treatment.
Do the research, be responsible, be realistic, and be respectful
Start slow and proceed with caution. Listen to what your body tells you.
Herbs are GRAS however, we should have great respect for them as potent medicine. We need to take care in researching for ourself and being sure they are correctly identified using Latin binomial. We should always stick to the recommended dosage. It’s recommended for a reason. In the respect we have for the herbs we must realize that all herbs do not work for all people. Pregnant and nursing women should take extreme caution and only use of absolutely necessary. This is also the case for children under 2, use is not recommended. Be wary of any new uses for an herb. We should always challenge the herb and be sure it’s wrking for us. Use common sense. If it doesn’t work for you, don’t take it. And as always, consult a health care provider.
Respect the plant and use cautiously with young children and pregnant women. Research possible side effects.
Herbs should be used cautiously especially with young children and pregnant women, research possible side effects and make sure to challenge the treatment after a few weeks.
The Bible says that my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge – Hosea 4:6.
It is important to always READ UP… because through that, one will be in a better position to take the next step. Using the spirit of discernment, one will be able to identify what the herbs entails. As the saying goes that ‘too much of everything is not good’’. It’s always good to use herbs in moderation and also learn to understand one’s body and its needs. What works for another person might not necessarily work for Momley.
It is also important to be cautious of what one takes and be mindful of what is appropriate for which age group. One also needs to be cautious of the new products on the market. As one says-the devil you know is better than the one not known.
Lastly, take a break and allow Mother Nature to take over. Be wise and when in doubt, consult your doctor or second opinion.
Respect your individuality is a very important one. This one makes all the other rules listed necessary. We all respond quite differently to individual plants. There isn’t a “this plant cures everyone” answer.
Herbs are generally safe to use than drugs but because they have a level of potency as medicine, caution, proper information and common sense must be applied for their usage and they must be used responsibly.
Ask lots of questions.. make sure and then make double sure before taking or suggesting a herbal remedy. Read Read Read… Read pro’s and cons.. even read the articles that vilify the herb… Try to understand the full working of the Herb.
The proper use of herbal medicine in very important. When we are dealing with healing ourselves or others it is important that we don’t harm. I agree that herbs are safer to use than conventional medicine, but we are all different and our body’s react differently, according to age, state of health and our genetic makeup. So the most important safety guide to me is number one, before you take any herb read up on it.
Everyone is different in their chemical makeup. Just as with traditional medications what is save for one person may not be safe for another. The same is true for foods. We must also be very careful with mixing herbs with traditional medications as well as with other herbs due to the potential for adverse effects. It is important to be very careful when using herbal medicine for children and the elderly. In short, study the herbs and their effects. Know what herbs can and cannot be mixed with other herbs and traditional medications, and ask questions about medications that are being taken, as well as, allergies.
The importance of using herbs safely cannot be emphasized enough. To increase your own ability to use herbs safely summarize the above in your own words. Then share your most important one below.
People are all different in their chemical makeup. Sometimes it may take a little longer for a herb to work on one person than it would take for another, and sometimes the person taking the herb may have an allergic reaction which would also be due to the chemical makeup of that individual body. This can happen with herbs just as it happens with foods. Food or herbs that are fine for one person may be unsafe for another to ingest. We also need to be careful when taking herbs with traditional medications and when mixing one herb with another. It is important to be educated and to know what you are doing when practicing herbology.
I think a few basic factors come into play. Firstly, have respect for the plant world. Secondly, knowledge is important. Research as much as you can and also talk regularly to like-minded people. Knowledge also comes through experience eventually. Thirdly, I think it is important to also be intuitive and to recognise the different bodies and personalities (of humans, plants and animals) for their uniqueness. And remember balance in all things.
Every plant has a spirit or an energy connected to it. Every plant should be treated with respect.
Basically, the 10 rules can be boiled down into one rule- Use common sense. Research, use caution, if it’s not working, stop taking it.
Yes, I agree with Melissa Danysh!