Taking a herbal supplement

[Naveed Yaseen]

Any product labeled ‘herbal’ doesn’t automatically make it safe. So, it’s important to carefully evaluate any herbal supplement.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions:

Today’s Health Tips

* Don’t look straight to herbal remedies if you get sick. See your doctor, find out what’s wrong, and get the physician’s advice on treatment.

* Skip herbal remedies altogether if you are pregnant or are trying to conceive.

* Never give herbal supplements to an infant.

* Never take more of an herbal remedy than its manufacturer recommends.

* Read labels, and only use products that specifically list which herbs (and amounts) are included.

* Always tell your doctor about any herbal products that you are taking.

* If you have any plant, flower or pollen allergies, pay attention to what’s in the herbal supplements you’re considering.

* Understand that there are no guarantees with herbal products, and that manufacturer or seller claims may not necessarily be accurate.

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