Posted by dj on August 16, 2000, at 5:55:37
In reply to Re: St. John's Wort vs Zoloft » dj, posted by Cam W. on August 15, 2000, at 21:53:11
As always, your comments are well-considered and thoughtful. Should you come up with any further references to any dangers posed by ginseng I'd appreciate it if you would post them as I am currently using a brand that combines with ashwganda which is supposed to be the Indian equivalent. Any notable insights you have on it would be of interest.
> Long term studies recommend that ginseng be used no longer than 8 months. I can't remember the exact reason, but I think it had something to >do with liver problems (I could be wrong).
> I do not have a problem with herbal products in general. It is just that many people equate natural with safe and this is dangerous. Anything one takes to alleviate or prevent a medical condition must be considered a drug (even water, when used to flush out the cold virus) and all >drugs (even water) have risks.
I certainly agree with you on that.
>
> One last comment. Yes, many herbs do have a medicinal effect, but look at the price one pays for them. Most herb companies do not do much, if any, testing of their product, yet herbs are as expensive (sometimes more) than tested and effective allopathic medication. Where does this cost saving on the part of herbal companies end up? In the pockets of the owners and shareholders of herbal companies. And you thought that >multinational drug companies were the only >crooks.No disagreement there, either. However, if a herbal company is credible, does test their product and it is useful and more subtle in its effects than ADs and can be purchased at a reasonable price (by discount through chains)then I believe it is worth considering. Regardless, either route is a hassle in too many ways, too often and the rewards often go disproportionatly to the shareholders rather than clientele.
Sante!
dj
poster:dj
thread:43007
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000811/msgs/43050.html