Use of herbs is on the rise, but, what are the key mistakes and even dangerous mistakes
people make when starting their herbal journey?
Find out 4 key mistakes on this video
let's go
humans have been using herbs to strengthen and balance their life for thousands of years,
Ancient healers in pretty much every culture used herbs to aid wellbeing. For example, one of
the oldest mummies discovered who died around 5000 years old was found with two medicinal
mushrooms. So this shows that humans have been using herbs, mushrooms and natures healing aids for millennia
Now things have gone 360 and more people currently are getting into herbs, and with anything powerful, knowledge is power.
Although herbal medicine, when applied correctly, is an extremely safe and well-tolerated approach
to improving health and wellbeing, not all herbs are safe for all people and equally,
one dose doesn't fit all.
I’m going to do a whole video on dose and how to mix herbs correctly, so if you want to see that video, make sure you comment below
and hit the subscribe button
I know some people can see herbs as threatening, but it’s
interesting, many people will be comfortable buying sage, turmeric, thyme, mint or chamomile,
and these herbs are powerful but what makes us comfortable with them is only cause we're comfortable with them
but herbs such as ginkgo, cat's claw or milk thistle people may find more threatening,
as many people just have not heard of them before.
But remember, herbs have been used for thousands of years, as long as you have an idea of contraindications,
potential side effects and drug herb interactions and if you have any potential
allergies or intolerances ,you can use herbs with confidence.
So let’s get into the mistakes
The first mistake is not buying from good herb sources
One of the reasons that people may get negative reactions to herbs, sometimes some dishonest
companies add bulking herbs to the advertised herb, either on purpose or by accident, thus
meaning you may be consuming things you didn't know. Ensure if you're buying loose leaf herbs
or tea, to either make sure it’s 100% the herb your paying for. Lookout for where it
says 100% and reputable companies test this. If you're buying a herbal blend, ensure you
understand the herbs that are in it. The added herbs could be safe but could also reduce
the benefits derived, so that's definitely something to think about.
I tend to have a spreadsheet with suppliers and links that i’d use and buy from personally,
this can be found in the description. With anything you put in your body, it’s best
not to cut corners, see it as an investment, check reviews, and if it’s based in europe,
japan, or australia, they follow strict rules on picking and preparing the herbs, so you
don't have to worry.
The second key mistake people make when starting their herb journey is not thinking of herb-drug
interactions
In short if you are taking herbs, even everyday herbs such as ginger, basil or tumeric and
you currently take medication for an ailment it’s best to let your doctor know as drug-herb
interactions can get serious.
I try to focus this channel on optimising daily wellness, that is, making your day to
day life better and more efficient. But if you’re going through illness, healing is
personal, and you should defo ensure that the herbs you're taking does not adversely
interact with your medication you are taking.
The reason why this is a mistake is because a herbs can change the way you respond to
the medicine your taking
The difference between herbs and medicines, is medicines tend to have specific doses and
timings, which are precalculated, where as herbal medicine, does not standardised. The
reason for standardized conventional medicine is to create a period of therapeutic activity
in the body and if a herb alters this, that could make the medicine either less effective
or actually enhance the medication. For example, herbs high in tannins may lead to a reduction
of the amount of medication absorbed through the digestive system.
So if you’re currently on medication, you may want to be careful and book a consultation.
Although i'm a certified herbalist, i currently focus on optimising wellness, bodybuilding
and getting most of day to day life, to actually understand drug-herb consultations, you need
to consult speak to a medical herbalist that focuses on healing, or at least, see some
of the resources I have in the description.
Another thing, if you have kidney issues, blood related issues, diabetes issues, you
need to be extra mindful
The third mistake people make when starting their herb journey is using too much too soon.
With research and understanding Side effects are rare. But, with herbs, some people just
dive in using too much too soon.
This might not be a problem if you have not got any allergies, intolerances or hypersensitivities.
And if you’re focusing on herbs with that are tonics or nutritives.
But with some people don't know their sensitivities and with some herbs, some people may have
side effects.
Don’t get me wrong, you can have good side effects, for example, you may be using a herb
to boost energy but also notice you’re having better sleep and your hair is growing faster.
As you know herbs are holistic, so you can see multiple benefits
But some people may also have negative side effects, for example, some people may find
that adaptogens may be too stimulating, or they may find they feel jittery, wired or
some people report headaches.
This is why, for some, it’s good to introduce herbs one by one and at low doses, this is
how you can monitor how the body reacts. If you do try creating a blend and have issues.
Then you need to use the elimination method, use the herb one by one and see which herb
you have the issue with and either eliminate or reduce the dose.
Sometimes the issues form from having too high a dose. Especially if you’re using
extracts and tinctures.
Incremental increases are better than starting high, starting low and going from there.
I’ll give you guys a random example of how overloading the body becomes noticeable. For
the first 4 years of me going plant based i had no sugar, no dried fruits,nothing processed
that really spikes the blood sugar levels. Then one day, i discovered dates, i devoured
the whole pack as I couldn't believe how nice they were and they were natural. believe you
me, that’s the only time i've ever been sugar high, i literally felt high and light
headed. But, if i had a few dates, and then a few more and then more, i wouldn't have
had that feeling.
Also, if you have plant allergies, for example some people are allergic to a whole family
of plants. The most common allergy is to the apiaceae family, this includes celery, carrots
etc and herbs in this family include dill, parsley.
The last mistake is not using an holistic approach
Some people use herbs to try boost their energy levels but they haven't taken the first step
in the holistic approach which is diet and lifestyle. They may not have ensured they
are getting their magnesium, iron, vitamin d or b12, they may not be sleeping enough,
or they may have other issues they may not yet deal with.
There isn’t any magic pills that allow us to bypass the basics, yes they may receive
some benefits but herbs are way more effective if you are doing the basics
A quick bonus mistake and hitting the like button for this extra is not taking a herb
regularly enough to see if it makes a difference, it’s unlikely you will see changes or benefits
in less than ⅔ days, a week to a month is a good time.
There are other mistakes too so smash the like button and comment below if you want
a part 2
Thanks for watching, it’s paul otote, certified herbalist, nutritionist, subscribe for more,
health, herbs, muscle hustle.
Before you go, click my face to get my herb guide and be sure to check out these 2 videos
right here and right here/
See you guys on the next one