A common myth is that natural drugs are not dangerous because they do not consist of any synthetic ingredients or harmful additives. Although some “natural” drugs such as marijuana have been said to be safe, natural drugs can be just as dangerous as any other drug. Understanding the dangerous effects of nature’s medicine could meaning saving your own life or preventing serious health consequences.
For example, tobacco is grown on a plant whose leaves have been dried, broken down, and smoked for thousands of years. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted that cigarette smoking causes approximately 480,000 deaths each year in the United States. Cigarette smoking has also been shown to increase the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, and more. Some may question this, as one may think, “Cigarettes have added chemicals, and natural tobacco is different.” This is false – the U.S. Food and Drug Administration claims that, “the tobacco plant itself contains chemicals right from the start, including highly addictive nicotine.” Natural chemicals that are dangerous include nicotine, cadmium, and lead.
Marijuana has been another contested subject, as many have argued that it has not caused nearly as much danger as other legal substances, such as alcohol. Our brains continue to develop until the late 20s, and smoking marijuana in adolescence increases the risk of becoming psychotic and/or developing schizophrenia. Individuals who already experience psychiatric symptoms before beginning marijuana use. Marijuana users have also been shown to be at an increased risk for developing depression, anxiety, and memory deficits. Psychological dependence is also a risk, with many people exerting symptoms of this as they view smoking marijuana as the only way to “have fun”.
The same goes for herbal remedies – although many are natural, they can cause health issues. CBS News reported aconite, an herbal supplement used for inflammation and joint pain, as a dangerous medicine that can cause nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders. Bitter orange, chaparral, colloidal silver, coltsfoot, comfrey, country mallow, germanium, greater celandine, kava, lobelia, Yohimbe, and belladonna are several herbal medications that can be extremely dangerous – even deadly. Always speak with a physician before taking any natural herbs or medications and seek immediate medical assistance if dangerous side effects occur.
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