How herbs can help you heal

Although herbs are generally safe, one should be responsible and careful when using them. Some herbs can have dangerous interactions with conventional medications.

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Over-the-counter herbs are generally safe; if you are harvesting herbs from the wild, you have to know exactly what herb it is that you are collecting; make sure that you use the correct part of the plant; match the correct herb to the condition that you want to treat – for example lavender for sleeplessness; stick to well-known herbs, with minimal side effects; always tell your health-care professional what conventional medication or herbal remedy you're on; if you are on any prescribed medication, seek professional advice before using any herbal remedy; some herbs can trigger allergic reactions or may cause excessive bleeding during surgery, so check with a qualified herbalist before taking any herb.

Visit our A-Z of Herbs for more info.