alternative medicine side effects
It is not true that all natural remedies are safe. Alternative medicine side
effects are rare but do occur. Whether a remedy, natural or chemical, is safe for you or
not may ultimately have to be determined by the patient. No one can easily predict the
individual reaction. Undoubtedly most severe reactions are usually the result of
chemicals. However, any product, chemical or natural, can trigger an allergic reaction or
cause other health problems including death. Over-the-counter medicine and 'harmless'
oils, lotions, creams and common food items are no exception. Peanut allergies have let to
death and the natural disinfectant Tea Tree Oil may cause Contact
Dermatitis.
alternative medicine side effects in chiropractic manipulations:
Just a few years ago, a chiropractic manipulation of the neck caused the death of
a female patient. As reported in the Star Phoenix (Saskatoon, Canada), the woman had a
condition resulting in 'brittle vessels'. Since then most chiropractitioners are using a
safer tool for these types of manipulations.
1. Kava Kava
More recently in Germany, liver damage has been reported from use of Kava Kava.
As a result the Consumer Reports, May 2004 listed Kava Kava to liver damage and death.
Kava has been used for some hundreds or thousands of years in the Hawaiian area and no
similar results were reported in other countries. A second opinion can be found in Patrick
Holford's 'Optimum Nutrition for the Mind', 2003: When taken in its original form, the
root contains both kavalactones and gluthathione. When only the extract with pure
kavalactones is used, the extract will will add to the burden of the enzyme liver
detoxification system, especially when alcohol or prescription drugs are added.
Herbalists only recommend using the root in its natural state. 2. Aristolochic
acid
Aristolochi acid is known to cause cancer, kidney failure and death. It is banned
in 10 countries according to Time, 'A to Z Health Guide', 2005.
3. Comfrey, Chaparral, Germander
These herbs have been used without problems for many years by herbalists but are
now linked to irreversible liver damage.
4. Ephedra
Once again the original form of the herb as Desert tea in the States or Ma huang
in China has been used for hundreds or thousands of years. Ephedra is now banned in the
States because it has been linked to 155 deaths. Misuse of natural remedies does not help.
For example, Digitalis an extract of the herb Foxglove is used in the treatment of heart
disease but an overdose or misuse may also lead to death. The same can be said about
coffee, sugar and a fast variety of natural remedies and food items.
You can download your free evaluation copy of Herbs at:
www.herbal-software.com
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for our health but an overdose can be toxic leading to
headaches, nausea, liver problems and even birth defects.
2. Tryptophan
Tryptophan is not toxic but because of a contaminated batch from Japan it is
banned to be sold in various countries including the States and Canada.
3. Vitamin B3
One form of B3 is known to cause flushing, nausea, headaches and diarrhea (also
anxiety if the person is unaware of the problem).
4. Copper
Copper is essential for our health but an overdose can toxic. Reports of men with
high blood levels of copper indicate a higher risk of heart attacks (Ariane Fugh-Berman,
MD, 'Alternative Medicine: What Works', 1996:71).
5. Iron
Essential for our health. Mostly needed by women, iron overload may cause a
problem in men leading to organic problems. People suffering from hemochromatosis may also
be at risk when taking iron supplements.
You can download your free evaluation copy of Side-Effects at:
www.alternative-medicine-software.com/drugs_side_effects.htm
Zentrum Publishing's web pages inform on a
wide variety of subjects
concerning the wellbeing of body and mind.
E-mail: contact@homeopathy-software.net
Web page content Copyright © 2008 ZentrumPublishing Disclaimer
Zentrum Publishing