Are Natural Stimulants Safe?

When you hear the word “natural” when referring to a medical product you tend to think that it means that it is safe and better for you. You figure that if something is a natural product it is typically much safer than a medication that would be prescribed for you, less side effects. This is not always the case with a natural stimulant. You must always exercise caution when using these products as much as you would with any type of medication. There are many natural products that are widely available to the general population and some people think that if a product is sold over the counter and labeled as natural is can’t be dangerous, when in the fact the opposite it true. Natural stimulants are available in many forms they can be taken to increase your energy level, used to suppress your appetite or improve your focus mentally.

Most commonly used natural stimulants:

• Caffeine
• Tobacco
• Cocaine

While these are the most commonly used natural stimulants there are several others are derived from plant roots, foods and herbs such as ginkgo, iodine and ginseng.

Are there dangers with natural stimulants?

As with any drug, natural or synthetic, it is always important to remember that you never know how your body will react. Additionally, if you do take the natural stimulant you should always follow the directions if you do take them. If you take more than the recommended dosage they may cause you harm. Natural doesn’t always mean that they are good for you or safe. You can become addicted to a natural stimulant just as you would with any other drug, it is still a drug, natural or not. There are many dangers that can be associated with the use of a natural stimulant such as cocaine or caffeine. Both of those natural drugs have the potential to increase your heart rate and you could find yourself having a cardiac event or worse.

According to a study done by the Center for Disease Control in a two-year time span there were adverse effects reported on 500 patients die to an overdose of a natural stimulant. Those numbers continue to climb today. Natural stimulants also have the potential to be addictive and this can lead to an overdose with repeated or prolonged use.

So are natural stimulants safe? If they are used in moderation and carefully, they can be. If they are abused or they are used for long periods of time they can present the same or similar side effects as other drugs. It is important to remember that sometimes using a product that is natural can present the same dangers; there are no guarantees that taking a natural stimulant is better for you and your overall health.