Are herbal supplements always safe because they are "natural"?

No, herbal supplements are not always safe simply because they are "natural" [2]. The word "natural" does not necessarily mean they are free from risks or side effects, just as some mushrooms growing in the wild are safe to eat while others are poisonous [2]. Herbal supplements can have powerful effects on the body and may interact with other medications you are taking, whether prescription or over-the-counter, or with other dietary supplements [1].

Understanding the Potential Risks of Herbal Supplements

The risks of herbal supplements vary based on the specific product, its ingredients, and its manufacturing process [2]. It is important to recognize that individuals respond differently to health products and practices, whether conventional or complementary [2]. Your response depends on multiple factors, including your health status, how you use the supplement, and your belief in it [2].

Although some herbal supplements may be beneficial, more research is needed to understand their effects in the human body, their safety, and their potential interactions with other drugs or natural products [3]. No product or practice that has not been proven safe and effective should be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment or as a reason to delay seeing a healthcare provider for any health concern [2]. In some cases, stopping conventional treatment or not starting it may have serious consequences [2].

Herbal Supplement Interactions with Medications

Interactions between herbal supplements and medications are key risks to be aware of. For example, some herbs may affect how certain medications work, increasing or decreasing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects [1]. It is essential to inform all healthcare providers you deal with, whether they are conventional or complementary medicine practitioners, about all types of treatments you use [1]. This includes any herbal or dietary supplements you take to ensure coordinated and safe care [2].

How to Use Herbal Supplements Safely

• Talk to your doctor: Before using any herbal supplement, discuss it with your doctor. It may have side effects or interact with other medications you are taking [1].
• Look for scientific information: Look for scientific studies conducted on the safety and effectiveness of the supplement you are interested in [2]. Research-based information is stronger and more reliable than advertisements or personal stories [2].
• Be wary of exaggerated claims: Beware of terms like "scientific breakthrough," "miracle cure," "secret ingredient," or "ancient remedy" [2]. If it sounds too good to be true, it often is [2].
• Choose high-quality products: For dietary supplements like herbal products, specific ingredients and the quality of the manufacturing process are important factors [2].
• Do not delay conventional medical care: Do not use herbal supplements as a substitute for proven conventional medical treatment or to delay seeing a healthcare provider for a health condition [2].

Next Steps and Warning Signs

If you are considering using an herbal supplement, the first and most important step is to talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you understand if the supplement is safe for your health condition and whether it will interact with any other medications you are taking [1]. If you experience any unexpected side effects or negative interactions after starting an herbal supplement, such as a skin rash, severe dizziness, shortness of breath, or worsening of an existing health condition, stop using it immediately and seek medical advice. For additional information on safely integrating complementary medicine with conventional care, you can visit Complementary and Integrative Medicine: Safe Integration with Conventional Care (Arabic).

Medical references

• Complementary and Integrative Medicine
• Are You Considering a Complementary Health Approach?
• Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name?