Some myths about herbs

There are definitely a lot of negative myths floating around about medicinal herbs. Some generated out of ignorance, and some come from fear. But I think that the myths that speak about herbs in a positive light are just as bad. I'm going to go over just a few here so that the next time you hear gossip about herbs, you can speak up and put in a good (true) word about herbal medicine.

Myth #1: Eating local honey helps relieve allergies.

I like this myth, and I really wish it were true. This myth is completely believable, especially if you are a proponent of homeopathic medicine. The reasoning behind this myth is that local honey contains a lot of the pollens that give you those nasty allergies, and that by ingesting them, you are in a way desensitizing your body to them. Unfortunately, there are problems with this. First off, there is no way to tell if the pollen in the honey you consume is actually the one pollen you're allergic to. And in fact, it most likely isn't. In most cases, pollen allergies come from weeds, trees, and grasses in which the pollen is blown about by the wind. Bees tend to pick brightly colored flowers in which the pollen is held tightly to the flower and does not get airborn. This works out for the flower because it is ensuring that its pollen will reach another flower of its type rather than a blind "throw it in the wind and see what happens" approach.

Information was partially gathered from: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/does-honey-help-prevent-allergies#1

Myth #2: You can't take herbal medicine if you're taking prescription drugs because of negative herb-drug interactions.

First, I'll explain what I mean by herb-drug interactions. It is a term used when describing, usually in negative connotations, how an herb will affect the way a prescription drug works with your body. Either by saying it will cause extreme negative side effects, or cause your prescription drug not to work as effectively. Neither of these claims are true. Here's what is true: If you are taking prescription drugs and you wish to complement your treatment with herbal medicine, you should talk to your doctor or find a doctor who practices both Western and holistic medicine. In most cases, complementing your regime with herbal medicine will actually increase the positive benefits you are getting from the prescription drugs. The claims that any herb, no matter what it is, will hurt your body while on prescription drugs is bogus. There is no scientific evidence to back this up, and in fact, research has shown us just the opposite in most cases. Yes, I said most cases. St. John's Wort is notorious for causing negative effects in people who are also taking prescription drugs. This is definitely a rare exception. One last parting statement on this that I will repeat: If you are taking prescription drugs and you wish to complement your treatment with herbal medicine, you should talk to your doctor . Only your doctor will know the potential health benefits, or risks, associated with multiple medicines. Women who are pregnant or nursing should use additional caution.

Myth #3: Herbal medicine is not supported by science

This is simply no longer true. Every day there is more and more evidence confirming what has been known by many cultures for thousands of years. On the other hand, there is also evidence discrediting certain uses that have been purported. When you are confronted with a new herb you have not used, it is always best to do some research first. And when you do this, unfortunately you'll have to dig up your high school and college day memories on how to do proper research. Find credible sources, find multiple sources, and find primary sources. You can start with Wikipedia, because most of the time you can scroll to the bottom and find the sources they used for their claims. Make sure to get to the original post about certain research, and make sure it's authored by someone who knows what they're talking about. A newspaper or news site is not credible. In most cases, a journalist wouldn't really know the health benefits and risks of Echinacea, they are just reporting from different sources. So go to those and find out for yourself.

Bottom line in all these myths: Don't believe everything you hear. Even if you are a longtime believer in herbal medicine and you hear a positive statement about a certain herb, find out four yourself if it is true! There is nothing to be lost in gaining new knowledge.

https://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/does-honey-help-prevent-allergies#1