Is “Natural” Always Healthy?

摘要

Currently the word “natural” is being used to imply health, safety and wellness. Due to exploitation of this concept and insufficient knowledge, the public has been vulnerable to experimentation and quackery. Herbal highs, folk remedies and self‐medication are increasing in popularity. Many of these substances produce psychoactive or physiologic effects which are potentially toxic to the user. Herbal preparations in the form of cigarettes, teas and seeds may contain “natural” chemicals capable of producing adverse reactions. Cyanide poisoning from the ingestion of Laetrile and cyanide‐containing fruit kernels has become a ma