Are herbal products always safe?

Are herbal products always safe?

In the recent days, we have seen an outburst of herbal products in market. Cosmetics, medicines, and even eatables are coming up with a tag of “herbal” or “natural”. In other words, herbal has become synonymous to pure or unharmful. Specifically in cosmetics, ladies show a great interest in using herbal products as they are considered skin friendly. But whether these products are always safe or not, let’s find out:-

In favor

1. Herbal remedies were used in the ancient period when people did not have modern medicine facilities. And they used to be the panacea for any illness. So, their utility and safety can be trusted.

2. Herbal products are made up of natural herbs and shrubs which are very useful and have no side effects.

3. Many herbal medicines are more effective than the rest of the antibiotics and leave no ill effect on health.

4. Herbal products like that of “Patanjali” by Baba Ramdev have gained huge popularity and have also been appreciated by the customers who have used them.

Against

1. Herbal products also have side effects and many complaints have been reported regarding its use.

2. Herbal product industry is taking advantage of the blind trust that people pose on its product. That is why now the reliability of the products is in question.

3. There are many shrubs which can’t be used unless prescribed particularly, but people use such products which pose a threat of side-effects.

4. Many herbal cosmetic products now days are no different than the rest of the lot. Only a tag of herbal product is attached but content is the same.

5. Many recent studies have shown that herbal products are coming up in the market which has added chemicals and other prohibited material in it. Such products are very harmful.

Conclusion

People show trust in herbal products because they are fed up of the regular chemical products which have more cons than pros. But the safety and utility of herbal products is in question now days. Also because this industry does not have as many check points as with other industry. So, it is important to maintain proper check and balance and make sure that the quality of herbal products is not tampered.

The weaker food and security laws in India make it difficult for the consumers to sue the producers of false herbal products which are sold readily in the market.