Side Effects of Natural Remedies/Alternative Medicine

For those of you new to my blog, I have to preface this post by saying that I love alternative medicine. I am getting my MS in Acupuncture, and I will be getting an additional certificate in Chinese Medicine (which means Chinese herbalism). In addition, I think many other alternative therapies are wonderful, and after I graduate from my current program, I hope to continue to learn about many of them and to be able to integrate some of them into my practice. For more on why I love natural medicine, see my last post, Natural Medicine vs. Western Medicine.

That being said, the comments on my last post have made it clear that some people have a misunderstanding about how natural remedies work and believe that they don't have any side effects. This assumption has the potential to lead to some very serious consequences (and some less-serious but certainly unpleasant consequences), so I am going to attempt to clear that misconception up.

Let's start with a definition. According to MedicineNet.com, side effects are, "Problems that occur when treatment goes beyond the desired effect. Or problems that occur in addition to the desired therapeutic effect." Got that? Good.

Now for a very simplistic look at biology and medicine. The human body is a complicated, fascinating, and amazing machine. Take a peek in any anatomy and physiology text book, and it is likely to blow your mind. The body runs due to chemistry (such as neurotransmitters, and hormones), biology (such as the good bacteria that live in our guts), electricity (action potentials), and structure (the location of everything in the body). In order to do something as simple as blinking your eyes, there is a complicated chain reaction of events that must occur perfectly, or it won't work. The body needs to be in a state of homeostasis (which is quite complicated but can be very simplistically defined as balance) in order to keep those reactions going and to be healthy. The number of things going on in your body that are beyond your conscious control in any given moment is staggering. Like any complicated machine, things go wrong from time to time, which can be due to external factors (trauma, viruses, etc) or internal factors (genetic mutation, autoimmune disorders, etc). Usually, the body can take care of itself, but occasionally, it can't, and that results in disease, pain, and in extreme circumstances, death.

Medicine, whether western or alternative, is designed to help the body out and hopefully to fix what has gone wrong. In order to do that, it must cause a change in the chemistry, biology, electricity, or structure (or some combination of the four). Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to affect one aspect of the body without having an effect on many aspects of the body. Sometimes those effects are pleasant, sometimes they are benign and unnoticed, but sometimes they cause new problems, which is what side effects are. Some side effects are so bad, that they may be worse than the initial problem, but some are minor irritations that go away quickly.

To be perfectly frank, I can't think of a single remedy - alternative or western - that doesn't have the potential for side effects and unintended results (this is why malpractice insurance exists). Often, alternative therapies have fewer and less intense side effects than western medicine, but there is always the chance that something unwanted will happen.

Here are some examples (there are way too many kinds of alternative therapies for me to touch on all of them, so this is just a few):

Herbal remedies: Herbs, like western pharmaceuticals, affect the chemistry of the body. I said the following in a comment in my previous blog post: Licorice, for example, can cause high blood pressure. Marshmallow root can slow or block the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients, which can lead to conditions such as iron deficiency anemia. Even benign herbs like mint and ginger can cause acid reflux. If you use the wrong herb for a condition, you can make the condition worse. Some herbs, such as Digitalis purperia, are safe only for very specific and serious illnesses, and only in very small does, but are deadly when consumed in any other circumstance. Some herbs, like aconite, require special preparation in order to be safe for use. Some herbs are safe for most people but can cause a pregnant woman to miscarry. Some herbs can be addictive. Any herb can cause an allergic reaction, which can range from minor irritation to the potentially deadly anaphylactic shock.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture affects the chemistry and electricity of the body. I would like to say that my chosen profession doesn't have any side effects, but that would be a lie. When done by a trained professional, the potential side effects are minimal, but they're possible. The most common side effect is minor bruising. Other possible side effects include (but are not limited to) drowsiness, emotional upset (this is a strange one, but I've experienced it first hand), dizziness, and even fainting.

Homeopathy: My knowledge of homeopathy is limited, so I'm not going to attempt to explain what it does. Many people think that it's nothing more than a sugar pill. I have heard anecdotes of people who have had negative emotional reactions to homeopathic remedies (anxiety, irritability, and anger). But even if you're convinced that they're just sugar pills (the main ingredients are sucrose and lactose), the pills are made from ingredients that have an effect on the body. A friend of mine is allergic to cane sugar and had an allergic response to taking a homeopathic remedy.

Energetic healing: This includes things like Reiki, laying of hands, and magical healing, among others. These techniques are trying to tap into the body's energetic fields (which is part of the electricity of the body). Potential side effects of energetic healing include (but are not limited to) dizziness or vertigo, light-headedness, nausea, grogginess, fatigue, hyperactivity, emotional upset, headaches, tingling, pain, flushed face, warm or cold extremities, sweating, irritability, nightmares, depression, and mania.

Structural healing: This includes things like massage, and chiropractic, among others. Obviously, these are trying to address structural problems. Any time you change the structure of the body, you also cause chemical reactions to take place. Possible side effects include bruising, swelling, and nerve impingement among others. Massage can also spread an invading pathogen (bacteria or virus), making you feel worse if you're sick or getting sick.

Miscellaneous: There are a lot of other alternative therapies that people can do that are mostly safe but do have the potential for side effects. Epsom salt baths can increase blood pressure. According to a friend of mine who was a registered nurse with an Ear Nose and Throat specialist, Neti pots have been known to cause ear infections on occasion. Steam inhalations can cause burns if not done properly. The list goes on and on.

The point I am ultimately trying to make with all of this is that you need to stop and think before you treat yourself for medical conditions. Don't assume that because something is natural or alternative that it is completely safe. Do research. The internet is an amazing treasure trove of information. Ask health care providers and healers if there are any possible side effects before being treated, and tell them about all of the supplements and other healing methods you are currently using. When taking herbs, be aware that herbs can have negative reactions with each other and with pharmaceuticals. If you are taking any herbs but need to start a western medication, check with your doctor and herbalist to make sure they are safe when used together, or stop taking the herbs. Alternative medicine is wonderful when used correctly and safely, but it should not be used indiscriminately. Be safe, and be healthy.

Natural Medicine vs. Western Medicine

I am a huge fan of natural medicine. When I get sick or experience pain, I turn to herbs, acupuncture, diet changes, and other natural remedies long before I look to western medicine. When I get congested, I pull out the Neti pot, do steam inhalations, and/or take a tincture rather than pop a couple of Sudafed. Most of the time, it works amazingly well, and I'm able to go about my business.

Many people don't understand why I choose natural remedies instead of over-the-counter medicines and prescriptions. After all, many natural remedies haven't been proven to work through double blind research studies, and the FDA doesn't have the same strict regulations on herbs that it does on drugs (though to be clear, the FDA has extremely strict regulations on the production of herbs and herbal products. They require rigorous testing to make sure that the products that get to the shelves of stores are safe. They just don't verify the claims that are made on the packaging. If a product has been proven to be unsafe, the FDA will take it off the shelves. For a little more info, check out this page.) Natural remedies may require more work (a steam inhalation, for instance takes 10-15 minutes and access to a stove, a pot, and a towel - fine when you're at home, but challenging if you're at work).

For me, there are a few reasons:

My body is extremely sensitive, and if there is some obscure side effect of a drug, there's a good chance that I'll get it. With several different over the counter medications, I have had had very scary experiences, and in one case, an OTC was slowly putting my life in danger. Prescription medications have also given me horrific side effects. I have experienced far fewer side effects from natural remedies (that isn't to say there aren't any - just that my experiences have been better)

In some situations, I've tried western medicines, and they haven't done anything for me, but natural remedies have fixed my problems.

Many conditions that western medicine can only fix with dangerous or addictive medicines can be safely regulated with natural remedies - especially pain. Natural medicines can also correct some problems that western medicine can only correct with surgery.

I have spent a lot of time with plants. I like plants. Plants can provide us with most of what we need. Western medicine takes components of plants, isolates them, and increases them. In nature, plants have many components, all of which interact with each other. In many cases, one component will mitigate the negative effects of another, or one will magnify the effects of another (this is also true of herbal combinations). I have found that using the whole plant instead of specific constituents can provide gentler, more complete healing.

If I am preparing the remedies myself, I can be sure that the ingredients I am using meet my requirements for sustainability. Many herbal companies (though not all) are committed to protecting the environment and use only organic growing methods. I have been able to visit several farms and production plants and have a really good grasp on what companies I want to support. Western drugs are often produced by companies that are more interested in making a profit than making people better or protecting the planet.

Natural remedies can often be used as preventative care, whereas western medicine is almost exclusively used after a problem has arisen.

That all being said, there are times when western pharmaceuticals are the best choice. Very recently, I got very sick. I tried pretty much every natural remedy available - acupuncture, herbs, tinctures, epsom salt baths, something called the wet sock treatment, homeopathy - you name it, I tried it. I kept getting worse. When I started taking antibiotics, I started getting better right away (although, unsurprisingly, I did experience some nasty side effects). I hate how overused antibiotics are in our society, but when you need them, you need them. I will also admit that there have been times when I've had a headache or cramps that were so bad, I gave in and took Tylenol or Advil. (Although, since I have discovered cramp bark tincture and raspberry leaf tea, I haven't needed NSAIDs for cramps). I am lucky in that I don't have any diseases or chronic conditions that require that I take drugs regularly to stay alive. In those situations, I am all for pharmaceuticals. Some people also require daily medications for psychological conditions in order to function properly in society.

People who dismiss all western medications for all conditions piss me off as much as people who dismiss all natural remedies (and yes, they truly piss me off). We live in a time when we have the benefit of thousands of years of experience with natural remedies as well as modern technology and medicine. They each have their place. I am grateful for herbs, and I am grateful for antibiotics - when they're needed. I think vaccinations are awesome (hooray for never having to worry about smallpox or polio!). I think acupuncture is astonishing. Why limit ourselves to one narrow concept of health and healing?

****SAFETY NOTICE****

Please note that herbs have major effects on your body, as do pharmaceuticals. Be careful when taking herbs. Keep track of all that you are taking on a regular basis. If you ever have any questions, talk to a medical professional who has been educated in herbalism. There are some nasty drug/herb interactions, so if your health care provider puts you on medications, stop taking your herbs unless you've confirmed with them that it is safe to continue. Please don't put yourself at risk.

Candida Cleanse: Day 1

I've decided to try a candida cleanse. Candida is a yeast that grows naturally in the body. It becomes a problem when it gets out of balance with the rest of the body's natural flora (mainly bacteria). There are many symptoms associated with candidiasis, many of which I have. A list of some common symptoms can be found here. In case you're dying to know what my symptoms are, I have acne, fatigue, red eyes, intense sugar cravings, and digestive issues.

I am going about my cleanse by eliminating all sugar from my diet for 2 weeks. This includes fruit (which is going to be extremely challenging), honey, high fructose corn syrup (which I was already avoiding), and anything else that's labeled a sugar. My diet is going to consist of vegetables (including fruits that everyone confuses with vegetables, like peppers and avocados), whole gluten-free grains, proteins, and good fats. It's also important to avoid vinegar (with the exception of raw apple cider vinegar) because it can encourage candida growth. I won't be eating any processed foods at all, and I won't be going out to eat. In addition to this diet of doom, I'm taking herbal supplements that are geared towards killing candida. The supplement regimen consists of fiber and 2 different liquid extracts.

Apparently, I have intense sugar cravings to look forward to. I also will probably experience a whole slew of nasty symptoms associated with the death of the candida. I can't wait (for those of you who couldn't tell, that was sarcasm).

After the initial 2 weeks, I'm going to slowly reintroduce certain foods, but ideally, I'd like to keep my sugar intake to a minimum. When I eliminated sugar from my diet a couple of years back, I felt amazing, and I'd like to feel that way again.

I'm going to try to keep track of how things are going here. If I come up with any delicious recipes that work with this cleanse, I'll be sure to share.

So far today, it has been pretty uneventful. I've taken my fiber, eaten some raw almonds, and taken the liquid extracts. I'm about to start preparing my lunch - a salad made of organic baby greens, avocado, and raw zucchini, with a dressing made of raw apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Tonight, I'll probably make something with quinoa.

Magic Ginger

I'm spending my summer learning all about Chinese herbs. A lot of them truly require that someone who knows what they're doing tell you what you should take and at what dosage. A few of them, however, are remarkably effective and easy to get a hold of.

So far, I'm most impressed with ginger. Most people know that ginger is good for an upset stomach. I recently learned that the most effective way of taking ginger is to make fresh ginger tea - slice up some ginger and pour boiling water over it. It's incredibly simple, and it's way less expensive than ginger ale or ginger snaps. Plus, it doesn't have anything else in it that could aggrivate your stomach, and it's pretty tasty. It's good for any type of nausea, including food poisoning and morning sickness.

What I didn't know about ginger is that if you feel like you're about to get a cold - tired, achy, congested, etc - you can drink a cup of ginger tea, and there's a good chance the cold will be stopped in its tracks. Unfortunately, it only works at the very beginning stages of the sickness, so once you feel truly sick, it's too late for ginger to be effective. I've already had a chance to try this remedy out, and it worked like a dream.

My professor told us that she has at least a pound of ginger in her kitchen at all times. I just keep a small amount in my freezer - frozen ginger is much easier to grate for cooking than room temperature ginger. If I recall correctly, the piece I currently have cost less than fifty cents.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

I'm not a fan of pills. I think that they have their place, but people have a tendency to over-rely on them without thinking about the consequences of over use are. It's well-known that acetaminophen, for example, is absolutely brutal on the liver. For quite a while, I've been only using medicine when I absolutely needed it (e.g. pain that was so bad I could barely function). Last week in class, my professor had us do an energy exercise using western medicines, and it was staggering. We held a pill (any allopathic pill) in our hands, and felt its energy. I tried it with Tylenol, and it was staggering. Its energy was heavy, damp, and gross. I felt sluggish, and after about a minute of focusing on it, I started to feel sick to my stomach. My classmates had equally unpleasant experiences with the various pills they were working with. The other students who were doing the exercise with analgesics (aspirin, advil, and tylenol), felt the same things I did. We then did the same exercise using a medicinal herb, and it couldn't have been more different. The energy of the herb, astragalus, was clean, warming, and cleansing

Needless to say, after that, I haven't been too excited about taking medicine at all, and I'm on the lookout for alternative cures. My new favorite is raspberry leaf tea. It takes care of menstrual cramps like nothing I've ever tried before. It's not the most delicious tea ever - it tastes a little like artichoke, but its healing properties more than make up for the unexciting flavor.

How to Fight a Cold Naturally

For a week and a half now, I've been dealing with a URI (upper respiratory infection, or in lay terms, a cold). The particular virus I have is a lingering one, and the cough could potentially last for weeks. Oy. So I've been doing my very best to deal with my symptoms. The more I learn about health and pathology, the more I realize that unless they become life threatining, the awful symptoms are the best way for our bodies to fight diseases. As unpleasant and irritating as they are, phlegm and mucous have their place, as do fevers. So what's a girl to do when she feels disgusting and wants relief but still wants to let her body do what it needs to do?

I don't have a great answer, but I have managed to get through this cold with minimal OTC medications. For the first time in my life, I managed without decongestant or analgesics. I found that using a neti pot twice a day with a solution of salt water kept my nasal passages unblocked, and sinus pressure to a minimum, which is nothing short of a miracle - especially since I'm prone to sinus infections. Unfortunately, my cough wasn't as easy to take care of. It had been waking me up every night, so I tried both an over the counter cough medicine (a drastic measure, as far as I'm concerned), which has worked very well for me in the past, and an herbal cough remedy perscribed to me by a naturopath. Neither of them seemed to have any effect, and I still wasn't sleeping through the night. The one thing I found that helped the most was a steam inhalation with a blend of eucaliptis, peppermint, and juniper essential oils (which also happens to be wonderful for the skin), and I'll be using that remedy any time I get sick in the future - it helps with the sinuses as well as the lungs. In addition, I took an herbal formula meant to boost the immune system, which may or may not have helped, but I'm pretty sure it didn't hurt. I'm still not feeling perfect, but I'm pretty happy with the results of my natural remedies.