“Herbal,” “all natural,” and “natural” are labels that make most of us feel like whatever product they are associated with can do us no harm. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, and some completely natural supplements can be potent enough to cause serious harm or even death. Many people shun prescription drugs in favor of remedies that are more aligned with nature, and while many of those natural remedies are effective, and may be less dangerous than pharmaceuticals, we cannot afford to assume that all of them are harmless, and can be used without any restrictions. Be aware of supplements like the following that can be hazardous to your health, and always check with a doctor or other qualified medical practitioner before you use any medication, whether it is natural or not.
1. Aconite
Advertised by some as a remedy for a number of uses including for pain and inflammation of the joints, gout and wound care, this herbal treatment is made using the root of the aconite plant. The safety of this natural remedy is questionable at best, and it has been linked to problems such as nausea, vomiting, hearth rhythm problems, respiratory failure, low blood pressure and even death. Aconite is notable due to the fact that it is the most common cause of serious herbal poisoning in Hong Kong.
