I've been told once that my misinformation about training and supplements such as herbs are not only dangerous but could get someone killed. Now granted whomever said this is a full on gym rat and quite frankly hates anything I do and only tries to "help" me so it benefits his ego. With that said, are herbs really that dangerous? Are you in danger of using an herb after an extended period of time and are there any long term effects? Well for starters, just about anything can be considered dangerous. It's not a cop out its a fact.
Water is essential to life on earth but it also can kill you if you drink too much and get water poisoning. Even the cleanest water on the planet can still do that, should we stop drinking water? Herbs potentially can do the same thing. In the name of science, us humans sacrifice animals. A lot of herbs are being tested for what's called and LD50. What this stands for is Lethal Dose 50 as in what will kill off 50% of the test subjects. Now by writing this I mean the acute toxicity rather than the long term issues. “Dosis sola facit venenum” or “only the dose makes the poison” was said by Paracelsus who was considered the father of toxicology and other credited notions such as Physician, Astrologer & Alchemist.
It's the idea of understanding the difference between medicine and poison by the amount of the dosage. In the short term, this lies true and can be easily seen yet also lies true in the long term but we can't always see it. Out of the many reasons, one would being that the Western Medical Systems are one of the leading causes of death by iatrogenesis. Is there a reason why many don't trust doctors in the medical field? It's not always the medical errors but scary enough, it's the long-term side effects which don't always contribute to one thing. Other deaths have been swept under the rug as they say because a lot of people dare to question this stuff would be considered conspiracy theorists. We notice this in Pharmaceuticals as well.
Now the dose by medicine or poison is still considered true for herbs just by a lesser degree. Many of the herbs at Lost Empire are safe if you look at the research from a long term stand point. Herbs such as Reishi or Chaga are known to be very gentle on the body. Logan Christopher himself will take them just about everyday and even give them to his near 5 year old daughter. I've witnessed first hand how healthy that little girl is and it boggles my mind how energetic, smart and full of life she is. In the Daoist Philosophy, there are three distinctive classes of herbs. Superior herbs which is possible to take everyday and support enormous health. That's one of the main focuses at Lost Empire by using the motto of Do No Harm.
With superior there is also inferior herbs which are more medicinal in which they treat specific conditions. There is a class between the two such for example: Foxglove can be very useful in treating those in cases with heart failure or atrial arrhythmia but also has been known to be dangerous for those who don't have those conditions.
There are some herbs that are not intended for the long haul. Depends on who you talk to really. Horny Goat Weed for example is one of those herbs not intended for long term use. Certain herbs that are gentle like Shilajit which is one of the best anti-aging herbs around and has great properties and benefits, shouldn't be taken with those who suffer gout.
Make good decisions for yourself in how you apply the herbs and what they can benefit you. Are all herbs created equal? You've been reading what can be used everyday and what could be useful short term haven't you? For those playing the home game, no not all created equal and some herbs aren't meant for everyone due to certain conditions or how the organs take in certain herbs but for the most part in my own experiences, work very well and have done a great job in helping my performance, my mental clarity and energy levels. Hell for a period I was using Thor's Hammer on days of my Sprint Training days and I felt great.
We all take a risk at what we buy but I can assure you, I wouldn't put this up if I didn't believe in Lost Empire and what they do. There's tons of research and shows you what the ingredients are and the do's and don'ts of how to use them. Be safe, take quality herbs and live in Amazingly Awesome health.
