Natural herbal services in Toronto
                     Herbal Medicines
Herbal medicines, also known as botanicals, are 
dietary supplements made from plants or plant 
extracts. They have been used for centuries in 
traditional medicine to promote health and 
wellness. Here are some key points
about herbal medicines:
Benefits:
 Can be used to prevent or treat various health 
conditions, such as colds, digestive issues, and 
skin problems
 May have fewer side effects compared to 
conventional medications
 Can be used in conjunction with conventional 
medications
(under medical supervision)
Popular Herbal Medicines:
 Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
 Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
 Garlic (Allium sativum)
 Ginkgo biloba
 St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Precautions:
 Consult a healthcare professional before using 
herbal medicines, especially if you have a 
medical condition or take medications
 Ensure proper identification and preparation of 
herbal remedies to avoid contamination or 
adulteration
 Be aware of potential interactions with 
conventional
medications or other herbal supplements
Herbal supplements come in all forms. They may 
be dried, chopped, powdered, or in capsule or 
liquid form. They can
be used in many ways, 
including:
 Swallowed as pills, powders, or 
concentrated liquid extracts (tinctures)
 Brewed as tea
 Used on the skin as gels, lotions, or creams
 Added to bath water
The practice of using herbal supplements 
dates back thousands of years. Today, herbal 
supplement use is common in the Canada.
But they are not for everyone. They are not subject to close 
scrutiny by the Health Canada. For this reason, herbal 
supplements are still controversial. Talk with your healthcare 
provider about any symptoms or conditions you have. Discuss the 
use of herbal supplements.
Herbal supplements can interact with conventional medicines. 
Some may have strong effects. Don't self-diagnose or self-
prescribe. \
Talk with your healthcare provider before taking herbal 
supplements.
 Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about the 
herbs you are taking. Talk with your provider and contact 
herbal supplement manufacturers for information. 
Pharmacists can be easy to access, reliable sources of 
information on the effects of herbal supplements. They can 
also provide helpful information about any interactions 
between medicines and herbal supplements.
 Follow label instructions carefully. If you use herbal 
supplements, use the prescribed dosage only. Never take 
more than the advised
dosage. Look for information about who should not take the
supplement. Find out if there are any health conditions, 
certain medicine interactions, or other factors when the 
supplement should not be used.
 Work with a professional. Look for the services of a trained 
and
licensed herbalist or licensed naturopathic healthcare 
provider who has a lot of training in this area.
 Watch for side effects. If you have symptoms, such as 
nausea,
dizziness, rash, headache, or upset stomach, reduce the 
dosage or stop taking the supplement. Get medical care if 
symptoms don't decrease. Or if they get worse.
 Watch for allergic reactions. A severe allergic reaction can 
cause
trouble breathing. If such a problem happens, call 
911 or the emergency number in your area for help.
Taking herbal supplements may increase or decrease the 
effectiveness of other drugs you are taking or may increase the 
risk of negative side effects. For example, St John’s Wort mostly 
decreases the effectiveness of other medicines but increases the 
effects of antidepressants.
Purchase herbal medicine products from a reputable supplier
Herbal medicines made in Canada are subject to regulations. 
Consult with your pharmacist about the safety and effectiveness 
of the herbal medicine or supplements you are thinking of 
buying. If you are considering taking herbal medicine, it is 
recommended that you:
 Never stop taking prescribed medications without 
consulting your doctor.
 Always tell your doctor if you are planning to start a 
course of herbal
medicine for your condition.
 Seek advice from your qualified health practitioner, your 
doctor or your pharmacist about the herbal medicine’s 
safety, quality and effectiveness.
 Always purchase products from a reputable source. Be 
cautious about buying herbal medicines or supplements 
manufactured overseas.
 Take all herbal medicines strictly as prescribed and 
consult your
health practitioner immediately if you experience any 
side effect.