Be Wary of CYCLES: Six Harmful Herbs

It is general knowledge that herbal medicine is an ancient method of treatment that makes use of herbs, or substances taken from them. We also know that a lot of drugs used by doctors today are obtained from herbs. Herbalists, however, are known to use herbs for treatment in their natural and unrefined state because they consider that side effects are balanced in this way.

Herbalists firmly believe that for every bodily disease or disorder, a natural remedy is at hand. But for most people, herbal treatment is not, and will never be, a replacement for conventional medical treatment; it is at best complementary. Herbal remedies interact with other medications and can have side effects.

Some herbs may bring about remedy to a number of ailments; but some are extremely harmful. At least six of these herbs, known for their toxicity, cannot be safely recommended for use as treatment. The acronym, or initialism, CYCLES can help one in easily remembering these six dangerous herbs - comfrey, yohimbe, chaparral, lobelia, ephedra, and senna.

Comfrey can be extremely harmful to both the liver and the kidneys, whether taken as tea or applied topically over cuts or abrasions. Ingestion of this herb, in any form, may even prove to be fatal.

Yohimbe has an extract, called yohimbine, which is a component of certain drugs prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (impotence). But this herb, taken or used in its natural form, can cause stomach disorders or even such serious problems as anxiety, hypertension, and heart damage.

Chaparral, like comfrey, can be injurious to the kidneys and liver; this herb can cause hepatitis (inflammation of the liver).

Lobelia, when ingested, can retard breathing and can lower blood pressure to such a precarious level. No dose of any of the medicinal substances derived from this herb can be considered totally risk-free.

Ephedra has been identified in certain cases as having caused hypertension, stroke, and cardiac arrest. Some people who took large amounts of preparations made from this herb (for weight reduction) experienced abnormal heart beating.

Senna is an ingredient in some nonprescription laxatives. But using this herb in large amounts may result to nausea, severe abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.

Of late, shelves of health food stores and drugstores have been stacked with a variety of herbal remedies, reflecting an increasing demand for cheaper and more natural alternatives to conventional drugs. But even natural substances, such as these herbal remedies, can present risks and dangers to one's health and life. If you have to use them, do so with extreme care; but avoid using CYCLES. [Read the Original Article]