Natural wellness products are substances that occur naturally in the environment, most often from plant life, with science and research studies making claims as to whether these have a positive effect for use in human consumption.
Using these items is often preferred by many people over pharmaceuticals to enhance overall well-being or maintain a current status.
The thing to remember is that merely because a product is deemed natural is not a clear-cut indication that it’s safe for consumption.
Overview of Natural Remedy At The Health Store
Clinical research is ongoing for one such natural remedy, Cannabidiol (CBD), produced by reputable companies like Cheefbotanicals, with science leaning towards the efficacy of the products in many different wellness capacities. Still, only a few medications have passed through the approval phase with the FDA.
Anecdotally, there are overwhelming reports on the positive results people are receiving from using these products; it’s simply a matter of science catching up.
Regardless of whether natural remedies are made from plants, microorganisms, animals, or marine resources, there are a vast array of forms in the health stores, including drops, tablets, creams, capsules, ointments, and on.
When shopping for these items, users will notice they are designated as “alternative” or “complementary” in the shop. Some of these include:
- Probiotics
- Vitamins/minerals/supplements
- Ancient traditional remedies like East Indian or Chinese
- Homeopathic remedies
- Essential fatty acids/amino acids
- Herbal remedies
A natural wellness remedy needs to be safe enough to use over-the-counter since the FDA regulates prescription products as a drug.
These items are typically marketed for wellness purposes like assisting with symptoms associated with a particular condition or aiding in reducing possible risks associated with an illness, or even assisting in enhancing overall well-being.
What Are Some Risks To Using Natural Remedies
Most natural wellness remedies are relatively safe and have minimal side effects when used appropriately, including CBD, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are entirely risk-free.
It’s essential to look for quality products manufactured by companies that incorporate high standards with their business practices.
Learn what CBD oil is and if it’s safe at https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-cbd-oil-and-it-safe/. Some of the potential risks you need to make yourself aware of include:
- Problems in manufacturing with contaminants, incorrect ingredient quantity, and dosing issues
- Unproven claims marketed on the packaging and in promotional material lead consumers to buy the products with the hopes of a “cure” and delay adequate medical care with those hopes.
- Some items might not be adequately labeled or provide insufficient information for the consumer to make an educated decision. Instructions are unclear or wrong, plus there are no types of warnings for individuals who would be excluded from the remedies for a specific reason.
- It would be essential to consult with a physician to learn if a remedy interacts with specific drugs or has an underlying condition that the product might interfere with since there is no other way to get this indication.
- There can be side effects with natural remedies, including allergic reactions.
What Are Some Methods To Discern How To Take The Remedies Safely
In order to decrease the potential risks, there are steps you can take to be proactive. Some of these include:
- Before committing to a specific remedy, speak with your primary care doctor or perhaps consult with a pharmacist and also talk with the manufacturing representative of the product. That’s especially critical when dealing with elderly individuals, children, or women who might be pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Any products that a company with high business standards has produced will have appropriate lab testing, quality control, and divulge these results to their consumer audience.
- Remain skeptical of claims indicating the item is a cure-all or magical drug, anything that seems too good to be realistic. Make sure to do a thorough research of your own without merely relying on the company’s marketing schemes aside from consulting with a professional medical provider.
- Take all advice on the packaging labels after showing these to your primary physician and getting confirmation that the directions are safe as written.
- Immediately report any adverse reactions to the primary physician so the doctor can discern whether the dose needs to decrease or the remedy needs to be stopped.
It’s crucial to understand that scammers on the market will make outlandish claims about their products to sell them, especially with CBD.
These medical claims indicating their remedies to “cure” a condition or in some way perform magical health benefits should be reported to the appropriate agencies.
It is illegal to make false claims that could cause a person to potentially avoid a proper medical evaluation for a severe medical condition.
Most remedies mean to assist with symptoms along with a care plan from a medical provider. When consumers believe these natural remedies are all they need, it could actually cause serious repercussions. Click to learn what CBD is.
Final Thought
Before you commit to adding anything into a wellness program or as an aid to assist with symptoms of a health condition, the priority is to consult first with a primary care doctor.
Your physician has access to your medical history and can determine if the addition will benefit your specific circumstances or if there will be consequences due to medication interaction or another medical situation.
It’s also wise to speak with a familiar pharmacist to get the lowdown on everything about the remedy.
The professional can explain in terms that you understand so you’ll know if there is the potential for adverse reactions and precisely what the substance has the potential for doing.
Taking these steps is a proactive approach to ensuring overall safety with a new product.
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Chibueze Uchegbu is a certified medical physiologist with a great passion for healthy living.