Herbal remedies have become increasingly popular among college students as a way to naturally manage their health and wellness. While herbal remedies can provide many benefits, they also come with inherent risks that must be taken into account. Herbal remedies offer an alternative to traditional Western medicine, but the lack of regulation means that it is important for consumers to understand what they are taking and how it may interact with other medications or treatments. Furthermore, some herbs can cause adverse reactions when combined with certain substances or if taken in too high of doses. As such, college students should take caution when using herbal remedies and consider consulting a doctor before taking any kind of natural remedy. We want to discuss some popular herbs among college students that could be dangerous to your health. Please be aware of these if you are tempted to try them.
No Herbal Remedy/Dietary Supplement Is Approved By The FDA
First, we want to share what should be obvious to anyone who is thinking about partaking in herbal “remedies” for their health and well-being. The FDA does not approve these dietary products. Having a product approved by the FDA is an assurance of safety and quality. Fugh-Berman says, “Most herbs we use in the U.S. are pretty benign, but some could be dangerous…” Here are a few that could fall under these dangers.
St. Johns Wort
St. Johns wort is an herbal supplement that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety. While it can provide many benefits, there are also potential risks associated with taking St. Johns wort which should not be overlooked. Studies have shown that when taken in high doses, St. Johns wort can cause serious side effects such as increased sensitivity to sunlight and difficulty sleeping. Additionally, it may interact with certain medications or supplements and increase the risk of bleeding if taken in combination with other blood thinners like aspirin or ibuprofen. Finally, some research suggests that long-term use of St. Johns wort can lead to liver damage or liver failure, so caution must be exercised when using this herb over extended periods of time. Therefore, college students considering the use of St John’s Wort should speak with their doctor first before starting any new treatment plan involving this herb in order to ensure its safe usage and avoid any potential health risks associated with its use.
Comfrey
Comfrey tea is a popular herbal remedy among college students, as it’s believed to have many health benefits such as aiding in digestion and providing relief from sore muscles. However, comfrey tea has been linked to causing severe liver damage when taken in high doses or used over an extended period of time. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can be toxic if consumed for long periods of time, leading to potential liver failure or other serious complications. Additionally, those who are pregnant should avoid drinking comfrey tea due to the risk of birth defects associated with the herb’s use during pregnancy. Therefore, while comfrey tea may offer some short-term relief from certain ailments, it is important that college students understand the risks before consuming this herbal remedy and consult their doctor before taking any natural remedies or dietary supplements.
Kratom
Kratom is a tree indigenous to Southeastern Asia where the leaves are harvested, dried, and ground into a fine powder. Kratom tea is becoming more and more popular in America. College students are learning more about the stimulating benefits of this tea as well. Kratom has been said to help ease discomfort, boost mental clarity, and stimulate your overall wellness balance. However, there are major risks with this tea. Most students purchase kratom from gas stations or smoke shops. This is highly dangerous as it has not been lab-tested for purity. Kratom harvesting is a filthy process and by not being able to prove purity can result in heavy metal poisoning, salmonella, and other health risks. Some students are excited about this plant because they can now buy kratom online. Trusted sources must be used if you will be going forward with this tea-based plant.
Final Thought
While many herbs and wellness supplements are good for your health, some pose as a risk. Even though they could be beneficial, as in learning more about Kratom extracts, a stronger version of regular powder, it’s important to understand how you should go about doing your homework on these items before they come into your hand. For the most part, herbal wellness is safe and effective, but one should always be responsible.
