Grabbing the echinacea, he says, It s just to boost your immune system. The herbal industry expects to reach six-billion dollars annually during the next couple of years, and many of the new customers are kids. Ian knows that moderation is key with supplements and recommends that people using herbs do their research before taking them. Experts also said that overuse of herbs could be the beginning of an addictive cycle.
Many people think that if it s an herb then it s safe.
Experts recommend educating yourself regarding your intentions, proper dosage, possible side-effects, and any drug or herb with which it may react especially when it comes to children. Becoming supplement savvy takes more than label reading. The American Herbal Products Association Botanical Safety Handbook provides safety guidelines for more than 600 herbs. Details regarding herbs and their respective remedies can be found in The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Parents should beware that, as with any medication, guidelines for children will likely be different than those for adults.