Wellness & Education

Does “Natural” Always Mean “Safe”?  

Surveys show that 77% of Americans use food supplements. Some people see them as a low-cost alternative to medications. Others prefer a product they can purchase without a prescription. One of the biggest reasons for their popularity is their perceived safety. Many people believe that all natural plant substances are safe.  

Natural Drugs and Poisons

While many herbs and food supplements have beneficial properties, it is not true that all of them are safe. For example, many drugs and poisons are derived from plants. 7 of the World’s Deadliest Plants | Britannica 

These include:

  • Curare- This is a poison that affects the nerves. Amazon tribes used to extract it from several jungle plants. It was used to form a paste for dart guns. Curare paste causes muscle paralysis. 
  • Ricin- Ricin is a poison found in castor beans. It can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and death.  
  • Atropine and Scopolomine- These are both extracts of deadly nightshade. These chemicals can cause paralysis of the involuntary muscles, including the heart.  

Plants that Interact with Prescription Medications

Other plant substances may interact with prescribed medications:  

  • St John’s Wort can reduce the effectiveness of certain cancer drugs.  
  • Goldenseal has been shown to decrease the effectiveness of metformin, a drug used to control diabetes.

Poisonous Mushrooms

Many Rush County mushroom hunters are aware the potential dangers of mushroom hunting. “Destroying angels”, for example, are the most poisonous mushrooms in North America. They cause vomiting and convulsions as well as liver and kidney failure and, eventually, death. Unfortunately, these white mushrooms look a lot like edible button mushrooms.  

Conclusion

All plants and herbs contain chemicals. Some of these chemicals are beneficial and some are harmful. The effect of a chemical is not necessarily changed by the fact that it happens to be found in a plant. When taking herbal supplements, always be sure to let your healthcare provider know what you’re taking. The supplements you take are as important as the prescription medications you are on. While many food supplements can be beneficial, “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe”.