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Herbs with medicines, pregnancy, children, pets and look-alike plants.

Safety First

Herbal Tea While Breastfeeding: What Is Known

Many new parents reach for a cup of herbal tea, but very little is known about most herbs during breastfeeding. Here is what the evidence says about three common ones, and how to check any tea before you drink it.

Safety First

Herbs Safe for Cats and Dogs in the Garden

Some kitchen herbs are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs, while others that feel just as harmless can make pets ill. Here is how to tell them apart and plant a pot you do not have to worry about.

Safety First

Poison Hemlock Look-Alikes: Parsley, Carrot and More

Poison hemlock belongs to the carrot family, and its lacy young leaves can be mistaken for parsley. Here is how to recognize it and the simple rules that keep wild herbs off your plate.

Safety First

Chamomile Allergy: Who Is at Risk and What to Watch For

Chamomile tea is one of the world's favorite bedtime drinks, and for most people it is well tolerated. But it belongs to the daisy family, and for some people that means a real risk of allergy.

Safety First

Herbs to Stop Before Surgery, and Why

Herbal supplements can affect bleeding, sedation and other medicines, which matters a lot around an operation. Here is why your surgical team needs to know about every herb you take, and what to do in the weeks before.

Safety First

How Much Herbal Tea Per Day Is Too Much?

Most everyday herbal teas are gentle, but there is no single safe number of cups for every herb. Here is how to work out a sensible amount for the teas you actually drink.

Safety First

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Tea: What EFSA Says

Some herbal teas can carry traces of natural plant toxins picked up in the field. European food safety experts say the main concern is for people who drink a lot of the same tea for years, and the fix is simple: variety.

Safety First

Mold in Tea and Dried Herbs: How to Spot It

Dried herbs and tea are meant to be bone dry, which keeps mold away. When damp gets in, mold can grow, and boiling water will not make it safe. Here is what to look for and what to do.

Safety First

How to Read an Herbal Supplement Label

A supplement label tells you more than the brand name, but it also leaves a lot unsaid. Here is how to read one, which words mean less than they seem, and what to check before you swallow anything.

Safety First

Herbal Tea and High Blood Pressure: Herbs to Watch

Most herbal teas are fine with high blood pressure, but a few herbs can push it up or interfere with your medicine. Here is which ones to watch, and why no tea can replace your treatment.

Safety First

Pennyroyal Safety: Why This Mint Needs Great Care

Pennyroyal is a small, sweet-smelling member of the mint family with a long folk history. Its oil and tea have caused serious poisonings, so here is what you need to know and what to do in an emergency.

Safety First

St. John's Wort Interactions: Medicines to Check

St. John's wort is one of the best-known herbal remedies, and one of the most likely to interfere with medicines. Here is which medicines are affected, why, and what to do before you take it.

Safety First

Foraging Safety: Rules for Picking Wild Herbs

Wild herbs can be a joy to gather, but the biggest danger is eating the wrong plant. These simple rules keep foraging safe, and tell you what to do if something goes wrong.