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A Warning About Herbs
Herbs should be treated like medicine.  Indeed, many prescription and over the counter drugs are derived from herbs or herb combinations.  Always remember that like any drug, herbs can trigger adverse reactions or have unpleasant side effects.  Although herbs can be as potent as any drug, the government has classified them as foods, not drugs, and therefore they are not subject to the same rigorous evaluation and monitoring that the Food and Drug Administration does for every medicine on the market.  This means that many herbal side effects have yet to be discovered.

Talk to your physician before mixing herbs with prescription and over the counter drugs.  Seemingly benign remedies may have unexpected side affects.  For instance, massage can worsen some circulatory disorders, some aromatherapy oils can be dangerous to children, and some herbs can cause dangerous reactions when taken with certain prescriptions or over the counter drugs. 

Don't assume an herb is safe merely because it's used on the skin and not ingested.  Topical remedies can cause allergic reactions and sometimes even pass through the skin to the blood stream.  Given these facts, don't use an herb without knowing its name or ingredients.  If you're squeamish about telling your doctor, read some good books on the subject.  Good books should give balanced coverage and mention possible side effects. 

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Alternative Professional Associations

American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (800) 521-2262  
Helps you find physicians who practice acupuncture in your area.  

National Commission on Certification of Acupuncturists  (202) 232-1404  
For practitioners who do not have a medical degree.

American Holistic Medical Association (919) 787-5181
For doctors and nurses who practice alternative specialties.

National Center For Homeopathy (703) 548-7790

American Massage Therapy Association (847) 864-0123

American Chiropractic Association (703) 276-8800


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