Using herbal remedies instead of doctor-prescribed medications is becoming more and more popular. Many people consult their local health food store or about how to treat potentially serious sicknesses or conditions, attempting to cure ailments naturally without the help of their family doctor.

While there are many benefits to herbal remedies, it is dangerous to assume that natural means safe. Many herbal remedies are extremely safe and have few or no side effects. BUT, herbs are strong medicine! Thats why they can be so effective. Always consult your doctor before you begin taking any herbal medications.

Additionally, when it comes to herbal remedies, you cannot believe everything you hear. Studies have shown, for example, that the commonly held belief that Echinacea will cure a cold is wrong. In laboratory tests, patients who took Echinacea took LONGER to recover from colds than those who didnt.

And if you are pregnant, you must be VERY careful of which herbs you take. Goldenseal and Pennyroyal must be avoided during pregnancy, as should many other herbs. Always talk to your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, because there are many herbal remedies that can cause serious side effects and possible damage to the baby.

Herbal Remedies are very effective because they are so powerful. It is ironic that people who believe so strongly that herbs will work to cure them also think that there is no risk involved in taking them. ANY drug has risks associate with it. Always talk to your doctor before taking any herbal remedy.