for people with a history of alcohol abuse or for those who take drugs that can inter-
act with alcohol.Be Wary of Ultra-Combination Products
If the product has more than six ingredients, it probably contains a small amount of
each. The fact that herbs are combined does not make the product necessarily better.
If you need ginkgo to boost your memory, it is better to get it full strength than to
get a product diluted with ginseng, garlic, and other herbs.Take the Right Dose
Do not take higher doses than the label recommends. Exceeding the recommended
dose can lead to toxicity. Most herbal remedies are not to be given to children under
the age of one unless directed by an experienced practitioner. Children ages 1 to 6
are typically given one-third the adult dose while children ages 6 to 12 receive one-
half the adult dose. People over 65 years may need to reduce the dosage also.Watch for Side Effects
If you have any unusual symptoms, such as allergies, rashes, heart palpitations, or
headaches, stop taking the herb immediately and see a health care practitioner.Give It Time to Work
Evaluate how the product makes you feel. After 30 days, ask yourself whether the
product has made a difference in your health. If you are not sure, stop taking the
herb to gauge the difference.Safety First
Inform your primary health care practitioner about the herbal remedies you are tak-
ing. Remember that herbal remedies can be risky. Chaparral, sold as teas and pills
to fight cancer and “purify blood,” has been linked to serious liver damage. Dieter’s
teas, containing such ingredients as senna, aloe, rhubarb root, buckthorn, cascara,
and castor oil, act as laxatives that, when consumed in excessive amounts, can dis-
rupt potassium levels and contribute to cardiac arrhythmias. Ephedra, also called
ma huang, is an herb used most often for asthma. It is a cardiac and nervous system
stimulant containing ephedrine, which can cause anxiety, psychotic episodes, hyper-
tension, stroke, tachycardia, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. Mixing ephedra with
caffeine or other substances, as the OTC energy-boosting products do, can increase96 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TOALTERNATIVE MEDICINE