In a paper published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences, a forensic pathologist warns self-medicators to be careful when they’re taking unregulated herbal remedies.

Digital Journal quotes professor Roger Byard of the University of Adelaide:

“There’s a false perception that herbal remedies are safer than manufactured medicines, when in fact many contain potentially lethal concentrations of arsenic, mercury and lead,” Professor Byard says.

“These substances may cause serious illnesses, exacerbate pre-existing health problems or result in death, particularly if taken in excess or injected rather than ingested.”

Herbal enthusiasts out there — which alt-cures do you swear by, and which do you warn others to swear off?

Pathologist warns herbal remedies can be lethal [Digital Journal]
(Thanks, David!)

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