4 things to know before taking herbal remedies

Herbal remedies may be natural, but that doesn't guarantee they're safe. Robin Miller, MD, shares tips to ensure you choose a safe herbal remedy and use it wisely.

Transcript

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Price doesn't indicate quality. For any particular herb, the prices can vary widely. What's inside doesn't always match the label.

00:09

The chemical composition of plants varies, so look for products with the USP verified logo.

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I'm Dr. Miller. Are you curious about herbal remedies? When it comes to choosing a safe one, here's what you should natural.

00:29

Natural or herbal doesn't mean safe. Many plants survive in nature by producing chemicals that taste bad or are poisonous to their predators.

00:38

Some can be poisonous to humans too depending on the dose. Always stay within the recommended dose ranges.

00:45

Price doesn't indicate quality. For any particular herb, the prices can vary widely. What's inside doesn't always match the label.

00:54

The chemical composition of plants varies. So look for products with the USP verified logo.

01:00

This means that the United States Pharmacopeia tested and confirmed that the product has the ingredients listed on the label in the amount

01:08

and potency listed. This doesn't mean the herb works, but it verifies the label's accuracy. And most important of all, check with your doctor

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before taking any herbal remedy. Some can interact with prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.

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For more ways to safeguard your health, watch all our smart tips right here. [AUDIO LOGO]