Because Herbal Medicines are often self administered at home, it is often assumed that herbal medicines are safe to take without a specific dosage. It is important to take into consideration, the different ranges of herbal medicines. Herbal Medicines or botanicals range from mild to potent.

First let us discuss mild herbal Medicines. Herbal Medicines are considered mild when the botanical has a subtle effect of the body after consumption. An example of a mild herbal medicine is peppermint. Peppermint is used to treat problems with digestion. Due to it subtle effects, the consumption of peppermint is safe for self-administration. (National institute for Health).

There are certain botanicals that are considered to be mild because they do not have any effects on the body after one dosage. For instance, we have the botanical Valerian. Valerian is used to treat insomnia. Valerian doesn’t have any effect on the body after one usage. Its effects can be seen after 14 days of  consumption. As a result, it is considered to be a mild herbal medicine.

Then we have potent herbal medicines. Botanicals are considered potent when they have a quick and profound effects on the body. An example of a potent herbal medicine is Kratom from the coffee family. Kratom is a strong pain killer which causes a feeling of euphoria and relaxation. Kratom is also used to reduce addictions to opium derived pharmaceuticals.