How many of us have boiled some coriander or a piece of ginger and drunk it even for a minor cold or cough? Using such herbal remedies has become a part of our culture. But there are many things we need to be aware of about this method called "herbal treatment" or `` Phytotherapy '' in Western medicine. Because not everything that is "natural" is "safe". So, let's understand this exactly today.
What is this herbal treatment (Phytotherapy)?
Simply put, Phytotherapy is the use of plants, herbs, or substances derived from them to manage disease. These are also called `phytomedicines` or `herbal medicines`.
The important thing is that this is considered complementary medicine . That is, it is a treatment that you can receive in addition to the Western treatments that you would normally receive from a doctor. But it should never be used as a substitute for the main treatment.
Imagine, you are taking the medicine prescribed by your doctor for diabetes. In the meantime, you feel like using a certain herbal product. That's where this becomes a complementary therapy. But before doing so, you should definitely talk to your doctor.
In countries like America and Sri Lanka, these are sold as dietary supplements. This means that there has been no major scientific research into their efficacy , safety, or quality. However, in some European countries, these are strictly regulated and can only be purchased with a prescription from a doctor. Sri Lanka also has varying levels of regulation.
How do these affect the body?
Herbal remedies can affect our body's processes in many different ways. Researchers are still investigating this. Some have been found to affect brain chemicals, the immune system, and appetite.
Another way is to prevent damage to the cells in our body. Think of the cells in our body as little bricks. These bricks are damaged by certain diseases, such as cancer and dementia . Researchers believe that certain chemicals in these plants, called `phytochemicals` , can act as a shield that prevents this damage.
Some examples currently under research
Below are some herbal remedies that researchers are focusing on. But keep in mind that many of these are still in the research stage .
- Ginger: May help relieve symptoms of nausea and vomiting. However, research is still ongoing on how safe ginger is for morning sickness during pregnancy.
- Green tea: May help fight cancer cell growth or improve diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes.
- Probiotics: Although these are not plants, they are often grouped with herbal products. They may help relieve gastrointestinal symptoms associated with conditions such as ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Soy products: Can help reduce high cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Fish oils: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids , which may help prevent heart disease.
What are the possible risks of using herbal medicines?
Not everything that says "natural" is good. These can have serious risks. You should definitely be aware of this.
| Risk | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Some herbs can be toxic to the body if taken in the wrong dosage or in the wrong way. |
| Drug Interactions | It can interact with other medications you take (e.g., for blood pressure, diabetes) and cause dangerous side effects. Or it can reduce the effectiveness of those medications. |
| Contamination | Substandard products may contain heavy metals (such as lead and mercury) or dangerous bacteria. |
| Allergies | Allergies can range from skin rashes to severe, life-threatening allergies (anaphylaxis) . |
| Unclear Dosage | Since there is no clear label on the correct dosage or ingredients, it is possible to use too much or too little. |
Possible problems with medications (Drug Interactions)
This is the most important and important part to pay attention to . Herbal products have a high chance of reacting with the medications you are already taking. Therefore, it is extremely important that your doctor is aware of all the medications you are taking, whether they are over-the-counter, traditional medicine, or vitamins.
Herbal medicines can cause problems with the following medications:
- Antidepressants
- Aspirin and other pain relievers (NSAIDs)
- Birth control pills
- Blood pressure drugs
- Some medications for heart disease (Calcium channel blockers)
- Anti-cancer treatment `(Chemotherapy)`
- Immunosuppressants
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs ``(Statins)``
- Medicines given to prevent blood clotting, e.g. `Warfarin`
This list is not complete, so be sure to ask your doctor before using any herbal product.
When to see a doctor immediately
If you experience any of the following symptoms while using an herbal product, contact your doctor immediately .
- Chest pain
- Bloating (diarrhea)
- Dizziness
- To cast a spell
- Persistent headache
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Skin rash
If you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. If you suspect poisoning, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Take-Home Message
- Phytotherapy is a form of treatment using plants. But just because it's "natural" doesn't mean it's "safe."
- There is still insufficient scientific evidence about the efficacy and safety of many herbal products.
- Most importantly: Always talk to your doctor before using any herbal product.
- It is very important to give your doctor a complete list of all medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- If you experience any unusual symptoms while using an herbal product, do not hesitate to stop using it immediately and seek medical advice.
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