In the history of medicine, herbs have long been considered the secret to healing and restoring health. However, not all herbs are completely safe for the body. In fact, some herbs can contain toxic compounds or cause side effects if used incorrectly. Let’s explore the potential toxicity of some herbs to better understand the potential toxicity of herbs and how to use them safely through this article.
Table of Contents
What are Herbs?
Herbs are aromatic plants, often used to flavor foods, used as ingredients in perfumes or herbal medicines. This can be understood as a group of plants that do not include vegetables, mainly providing macronutrients. The commonly used parts of herbs are leaves, flowers, fruits, roots, and seeds.
Herbs have played a very important role in traditional medicine in many cultures around the world. Some very familiar herbs include milk thistle with its ability to support liver function; dandelion root with the effect of protecting liver and kidney health; licorice helps protect the digestive system and liver function or ginseng helps increase resistance and energy… All of them are proof of the diversity and richness of herbs in supporting and protecting human health.
Common and easy to use Herbs
1. Basil
Thyme has long been known by folk for its antiseptic properties and is used in remedies for respiratory diseases. The compound Thymol in basil is an ingredient that many manufacturers include in mouthwashes.
2. Fennel
This is one of the popular herbs in many parts of the world, especially India. Fennel is not only a spice that provides iron to the body but also supports the weight loss process. A study was conducted on 88 overweight women and the results showed that those on a low-calorie diet who ate < 1 teaspoon of fennel/day lost more weight and body fat than those who did not eat fennel.
3. Garlic
Garlic is rich in allicin. Laboratory studies have shown that this compound can reduce the risk of heart disease. There are also studies showing that eating garlic regularly helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.
4. Ginger
Ginger is one of the herbs that is familiar in the kitchens of many Vietnamese families. This is a warm root that helps relieve stomach pain, soothe the digestive system, and relieve nausea. Laboratory research has shown that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can prevent cancer.
5. Rosemary
Among the herbs, rosemary has a very distinctive aroma. This is also a plant that contains many antioxidant compounds that help prevent cell damage. The aroma of this spice not only brings a feeling of relaxation to the mind but is also very good for health.
Research has shown that people who use rosemary have better results in memory tests and mental tasks than those who do not use it. One of the compounds in rosemary is 1.8-cineole, which has the ability to promote brain activity.
6. Turmeric
This is a spice that provides a rich source of curcumin – an antioxidant that effectively reduces inflammation. Curcumin compounds can reduce pain, regularly eating a small amount of turmeric can slow down or prevent the risk of Alzheimer’s disease because turmeric can prevent the formation of brain plaques that cause dementia.
7. Coriander
Coriander contains a lot of vitamins A and C. In addition, 1 tablespoon of coriander also provides enough vitamin K for the body every day. This is a good source of nutrients to help keep blood healthy.
8. Lemongrass
Lemongrass has a sour smell and aromatic taste, often used as a cooking spice, creating flavor for drinks. Lemongrass is also one of the herbs that is very easy to grow, does not require elaborate care. When using lemongrass, just cut off the top and a little bit of the root, peel off the outer layer and slice it into thin slices.
9. Chives
Chives are one of the herbs that can boost the immune system. Studies have shown that eating chives helps reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, stomach cancer and prostate cancer.
10. Mint
Mint is an aromatic herb that helps bring an attractive flavor to dishes such as: banh xeo, grilled pork vermicelli, boiled pork vermicelli, … and some drinks. Peppermint essential oil can be anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, improve the digestion of food, improve symptoms of irritable bowel such as bloating, stomach pain, flatulence, … Smelling the scent of mint can make you feel more refreshed, reduce stress, improve memory, increase alertness, …
How to use Herbs
Each medicinal herb will have one or more different ways of using it to maximize its effects and bring about the desired results. In fact, the ways of processing and preparing medicinal herbs into traditional medicine must follow the theories and methods of traditional medicine or folk experience, which can be very complicated, requiring many steps as well as high expertise of the medicine maker. However, depending on the purpose of use, you can also use medicinal herbs according to the processing methods in traditional medicine such as:
+ Steeping tea or boiling water to drink
+ Roasting (roasting), can be roasted until golden, roasted until black, roasted depending on the medicinal herb
+ Steaming or steaming (boiling in water)
+ Soaking in alcohol, soaking in honey, soaking in salt
+ Soaking in ginger, soaking in vinegar
Methods of processing and preparing medicinal herbs have also been developed over time to be both convenient to use and ensure their effectiveness. Commonly used forms today are tea bags, raw medicinal herbs, medicinal extracts (such as medicinal tinctures, medicinal wines, essential oils). In the case of herbal medicines, they will be prepared using advanced techniques and given the same form as modern medicines, including tablets, capsules, injections, oral solutions/suspensions, etc.
Some Herbs have potential toxicity
Although herbs have been and are bringing many health benefits, there are also many herbs that have potential toxicity when not used properly. For example:
– Aconitum – a traditional herb – if used in the wrong dosage can cause serious poisoning and even death.
– Rhubarb contains anthraquinones that can cause side effects such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and when used long term, can irritate the intestinal lining.
– Colchicum autumnale – used in the treatment of gout – but if used excessively can cause digestive disorders, heart failure and even death.
– Creosote, commonly known as “Chaparral” (Larrea tridentata -Zygophyllaceae). The leaves and twigs of this plant are often used to make tea or as a medicine in the hope of treating a variety of ailments, from venereal diseases to kidney and digestive problems. Pills often contain higher concentrations of the active ingredient, thus increasing the risk of poisoning from them.
– Comfrey tea (Symphytum officinale-Boraginaceae) and Colt’s foot tea (Tussilago farfara-Asteraceae) both contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, a compound that can damage the liver.
– Kava kava (Piper methysticum- Piperaceae) is also a known cause of liver poisoning, especially when combined with certain other drugs or when consumed with alcohol.
“Herbs are not only precious gifts from nature, but also the key to a healthy, sustainable life in harmony with the environment.”
Where to buy Herbs at a good price and high quality?
With the above outstanding effects, Herbs become an indispensable part of today’s life.To buy high quality Herbs you need to choose a reputable supplier. VietDelta is one of the most reputable Herbs suppliers.
VietDelta is committed to providing high quality products that meet international standards. A team of experienced, highly qualified, dedicated and enthusiastic experts are always ready to accompany. Help customers choose high quality Herbs particles that suit their needs.
If you want to learn more details, please contact VietDelta directly via hotline +84 028 3511 5601. Or visit the website https://vdelta.com.vn/ for advice and accurate quotes. Sincerely thank you!
