When not to use herbal remedies
HERBAL remedies have proven themselves from time to time, but while they are effective, they are not a panacea for all kinds of diseases.
General, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon Dr Alfred Dawes told All Woman that while natural remedies will work in some instances, it’s important that people exercise caution as herbal medicines can affect the body in a positive and negative way, depending on the dosage, diseases you have, and the type of medication you’re on.
“Herbal medicines, like any type of drugs, are metabolised by the liver, or increase the activity of the natural detox systems on the liver. For example, if you’re on chemotherapy medication and take bush remedies, it is broken down faster or not broken down fast enough, so you have insufficient dosages or high doses which can lead to toxicity,” Dr Dawes said.
He added: “This can also damage the liver. A patient of mine who was on chemotherapy took a root of guinea hen weed, when it’s the stem or leaves that you should take. She ended up in the hospital with kidney failure because the concentration was too high.”
The notable surgeon explained that there is a plant hormone — phytoestrogen — that may have a positive effect on cancers that depend on hormones to grow such as endometrial and breast cancer.
“We prescribe medication to block the body’s hormones and starve the cancers of these hormones,” he said.
But he said with some medications, phytoestrogen may counteract the effect and lead to cancer growth.
However, he said some chemotherapy medications are made from bush remedies such as periwinkle, but you must be careful in how you self-administer and check with your physician first.
Dr Dawes also mentioned that if you have kidney damage, you should be careful of natural remedies.
“Especially if you are diabetic or hypertensive, this may tip you into renal failure,” he said.
He said you should not use natural remedies without the support of your doctor when you have:
1. Autoimmune diseases
2. No clear cut diagnosis
3. Liver disease
4. Renal failure or kidney disease
5. Cancer or you’re on chemotherapy.
“Regular medicines are still the best bet during serious or sudden illness or injury. Often, self-dosing of various herbs leads to serious risks among users. Incorrect identification of the required herb can even lead to poisoning,” Dr Dawes said.
