Participating in my recent studies into herbalism, holistic medicine and homeopathy, I'm growing increasingly concerned with the amount of "herbal remedies" thrown about here and there in Pagan and Wiccan forums, without a single clue as to what the recommendations do, or if they're even safe to take.
People will willy-nilly throw out "tea" recommendations from various herbs, tinctures, poultices etc. probably spouting from another forum without taking into consideration HOW MUCH one should take or not take, and if this certain herb may or may not cause serious problems for the one taking them.
I recently saw one individual recommend Kava tea to someone without divulging how much that person should take, NOR warning the individual the fact that Kava can cause SERIOUS and SEVERE liver problems (to the point that transplants are needed). This is ignorant advice. Unless someone is trained, has studied, and is accredited (if not licensed) as an herbalist, or cites their suggestions from suitable sources that take into consideration the possible side effects of herbs, one should NOT be recommending herbal remedies to others who are also ignorant.
As well, what's good for one person isn't necessarily good for another. Dosage for one person is not necessarily right for another either. While one person may be able to drink one cup of peppermint tea for stomach upset, another may become ill from interactions with that peppermint. Just because peppermint is sold in the bulk food store, doesn't mean it's safe to take. Herbs are NOT regulated the same way as conventional medicines, which can make things more dangerous for those who do not know how to take them, and having someone who has no study in herbalism recommend something to someone, that person can make that other person very sick if they are not careful.
I can't reiterate this enough:
IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT AN HERB...***DO NOT INGEST IT***
Take conventional medicine until you are 100% sure about what it is you are taking (as they are FAR more regulated than herbal medicines, just because it's "all natural" doesn't necessarily mean it's safe for you). You wouldn't take a prescription from a doctor you both were unfamiliar with, so why take an herb you are just as unfamiliar with.
Please...if you don't understand fully why one should take this tea for this reason, or this tincture for that reason, please do not recommend it to anyone. It's the safe thing to do.
Ma’iingan
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