We hear a lot of talk these days about going natural or using natural or alternative methods of treating certain conditions and ailments. While there is a plethora of natural remedies that work wonders, there are also some that should be avoided.
Many of these so-called remedies are actually old folk remedies that can cause you more harm than good. It's important to be aware of them and to know the difference between a true home remedy and a dangerous substance. Just because something is "natural" does not mean that it is ok to take it or to take as much as you want.
Here are some natural remedies that can harm you:
Bee pollen-Bee pollen is growing rapidly as a popular treatment for many things, including allergies. Some people believe that consuming pollen from the specific plants that you are allergic to will help you develop an immunity to these plants but this has never been proven scientifically. Also, doctors advise against taking bee pollen if you have a history of hay fever because serious and severe allergic reaction may occur.
Eyebright-This flowering plant has been used for many generations to help with certain eye conditions and irritations, such as those caused by allergies. However, the effectiveness of such treatment for allergies or in the eyes has never been properly tested and studied. There is also a high risk of infection from putting any substance in your eyes not specifically created for that purpose.
Chamomile-Here is another natural remedy that may not always be good for allergy sufferers. Chamomile is known as a "cure-all" for many things but when used with people with allergies, there can be serious reactions. This is because chamomile has allergens in it, such as pollen. People with hay fever and other similar allergies should avoid chamomile and any version or extract of it.
Ephedra- Ephedra and ephedrine have long been used as a nasal decongestant but they can cause serious side effects such as dizziness and high blood pressure. This can be a problem for anyone but it can be increasingly annoying and dangerous to allergy sufferers who may already have similar symptoms from the allergies themselves.
Now that you know about these natural remedies that can harm you, you know how to avoid them in the future if someone tells you that they can cure what ails you. Remember that while natural remedies are often preferred to prescription medications, that does not mean that you can freely take anything "natural" that you want.
Post a Comment