One pharmacist's advice on herbal products

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In collaboration with: Judith Choquette, Pharmacist

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There seems to be a herbal remedy for just about everything. And while they've been around for a while, that doesn't mean all herbal products are safe. Here's what one pharmacist wants you to know.

Today, you can find herbal products in your local pharmacy. But are these different from what you may find in a health food store or corner market? Depending on what you're buying, the answer is probably yes.

"A natural product is a product that is directly extracted by what nature provides, namely plants and animals," says Judith Choquette, a pharmacist and pharmacy consultant. "As herbal products became more and more popular with Canadians, Health Canada stepped in to help ensure we are informed about what we are buying."

Watch this slideshow and let Judith guide you through a few simple steps on choosing herbal products.

It's herbal. What can go wrong?

Anything that has an effect on your body can do harm to your body. Herbal products, like any medication, fall into that category. Sure, it may seem harmless to use something we can find in markets and even corner stores, but that's just not the case.

According to Judith, herbal products can:

  • Interfere with both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication you may be taking
  • Cause an allergic reaction
  • Make a condition even worse
                 
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Useful links

Use these links to find more information about herbal products and how your pharmacist or healthcare provider can help keep you safe:

This article may contain information related to nutrition, exercise and fitness and/or general information provided by select health care professionals. This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment (or advice) provided by a qualified professional. Speak to your healthcare professional before making any changes to your lifestyle or beginning or discontinuing any course of treatment.


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