Natural Does Not Always Mean Safe

One of the most common conversations we have in clinic goes something like this:

"I don't like medications because of the side effects. I'd rather take something natural."

It is understandable why many people feel this way. Natural therapies, including herbs, and certain supplements, have played an important role in human health for thousands of years. Many modern medications were originally derived from plants, and some herbal therapies have evidence supporting their use in specific conditions. Natural approaches can be valuable tools for promoting health and wellbeing when used appropriately.

At the same time, the idea that "natural" automatically means "safe" is a common misconception. Like any treatment that has the power to affect the body, natural products can also have side effects, interactions, and risks.

The reality is more complicated.

Everything That Has an Effect Can Have a Side Effect

A useful principle in medicine is this:

If a substance is strong enough to produce a benefit, it is also capable of producing side effects.

This applies to prescription medications, over-the-counter products, herbal remedies, vitamins, minerals, and natural supplements.

Many of the medicines we use today were originally derived from plants. Aspirin was developed from compounds found in willow bark. Digoxin comes from foxglove. Morphine comes from the opium poppy.

The fact that something comes from nature does not automatically make it harmless.

Natural Products Can Cause Side Effects

Examples include:

St. John's Wort can interact with many prescription medications and reduce their effectiveness.

Ginkgo may increase bleeding risk in some individuals.

Kava has been linked to liver injury.

High doses of vitamin A can be toxic.

Excessive iron supplementation can be harmful when not medically indicated.

The use of natural health products are often underreported in medical visits and these products are responsible for a number of emergency department visits each year.

Natural Products Can Interact With Medications

One of the biggest concerns is not the supplement itself, but how it interacts with other treatments.

A supplement may:

Increase the effects of a medication

Decrease the effects of a medication

Increase the risk of bleeding

Affect blood pressure or blood sugar levels

Change how the liver processes medications

This is why it is important for your healthcare provider to know about all supplements, herbs, vitamins, and natural products you are taking.

"Natural" Is Not a Scientific Measure

Poison ivy is natural.

Tobacco is natural.

Certain mushrooms are natural.

Nature contains many substances that are beneficial and many that can be harmful.

The word "natural" tells us where something comes from. It does not tell us whether it is effective, safe, or appropriate for a particular person.

A Balanced Approach

The most important question is not:

"Is it natural?"

The more useful questions are:

Does it work?

Is it safe?

What are the risks?

What are the benefits?

Is there good scientific evidence supporting its use?

These questions should apply to medications, supplements, herbal products and other treatments.

Good healthcare is not about choosing between "natural" and "conventional" medicine.

It is about finding treatments that are supported by evidence, align with your values, and have a favorable balance of benefits and risks.

Sometimes that may be a medication.

Sometimes it may be a nutritional intervention, herb, or supplement.

The goal is not to be for or against any particular approach. The goal is to use the right tool for the right situation.