Effects of herbal medicine

Drug abuse is the routine use of a drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods neither approved nor supervised by medical professionals. Some of the drugs most often associated with this term include alcohol, cocaine, or heroin. Drug abuse often leads to drug addiction, a chronic brain condition that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the addicted person and his associates. People often erroneously believe that only conventional drugs can be abused, not herbal medicine. People who take herbal medicine often say it is safe because it is natural. But some experts assert that because herbal medicines, can be purchased without prescription, most people who use them do not consider them to be risky.
    Some herbal medicines may be potentially toxic or cause adverse reactions either on their own or in combination with other conventional drugs. Among the herbs that can be toxic are borage, calamus, comfrey, chaparral, ephedral, and licorice. These herbs, if abused, may cause heart problems, sodium and water retention, and cancer causing toxins. Some herbal medicines have been found to contain potentially lethal concentration of arsenic, mercury and lead. These substances may cause serious illnesses, worsen existing health problems or results in death especially if they are taken in excess or injected rather than ingested. Moreover, some herbal medical practitioners often mix herbal preparation with conventional drugs, presumably to make them more effective. Some herbs can potentially interfere dangerously with the actions of pharmaceutical medications. In fact some herbs become toxic when taken in large quantities. Although many herbal remedies have been proven to be effective for some health problems, before you take any herbal medication, find information about it from pharmacist or doctor.