ASK THE DOC Can I be sure herbal medicines are safe?
Is it safe to take herbal medicines ? Herbal medicines are sold in many pharmacies.
Herbal medicine involves the use of plant parts such as leaf, root, bark, seed or flowers or sometimes the whole plant.
Generally, the medicines are gentle in action and side-effects are rare but that does not mean they are safe in all circumstances.
Cautions are often stated on labels and there are documented reports of interactions with other drugs, eg antidepressants, HIV treatments and oral contraceptives.
The British Herbal Medicine Association are useful for advice on interactions and side-effects.
Always tell anyone who prescribes medicine for you if you are thinking of taking a herbal remedy or have started one recently.
You can also speak with your pharmacist or look up www.nhsinform. scot for all the information you will need. I’m a man in my 30s and get bothered by ear wax. How do you get rid of it? Earwax is produced inside your ears to keep them clean and free of germs.
It usually passes out of the ears harmlessly.
However, sometimes too much can build up and block the ears.
A build-up of earwax is a common problem that can often be treated using eardrops bought from a pharmacy.
There are several different types of eardrops you can use, including drops containing sodium bicarbonate, olive oil or almond oil.
However, eardrops are not suitable for everyone and can irritate the skin of some people.
Speak to your pharmacist about the most suitable product for you and make sure you read the leaflet that comes with it.
If pharmacy treatment does not work contact your GP surgery as soon as you can.
They will advise about what needs to happen next.
For further advice see www.nhsinform. scot. What is the difference between vitamins and minerals? Vitamins and minerals differ in basic ways.
Vitamins are organic and can be broken down by heat, air or acid.
Minerals are inorganic and hold on to their chemical structure.
That means the minerals in soil and water easily find their way into your body through the plants, fish, animals and fluids you consume.
Unlike minerals, vitamins are easily destroyed by heat, light, long storage, cooking and other food preparation processes.
The best way to get the minerals your body needs is by eating a wide variety of foods.
For further information ask your local pharmacist or log on to www.nhsinform. scot.