Folk Medicine - Safety Concerns

Safety Concerns

Although over 100 countries have regulations on folk medicines there are still some risks associated with the use of them, especially when they are used without supervision. It is often assumed that because the medicines are herbal or natural, that they are completely safe. One type of folk medicine commonly used along with Ayurvedic medicine is Rasa Shastra and practice involves the use of heavy metals in herbal remedies. When taken without supervision there is a risk of overdosing resulting in mineral toxicity in the body. Many of these herbal medicines are available through online resources and do not require a prescription and run the risk of overdosing. As well there is the possibility of the herbal medicines interfering with prescription medicines that patients may be taking under their doctors orders. It is also true that fraud and unscrupulousness of self declared healers may be a substantial risk factor in resorting to folk medicine remedies, especially in an unregulated environment.