Posts: 359
Threads: 14
Joined: Oct 2011
Bryony,
Yes, Hun, I read your post. I somewhat agree as well as disagree. There are many innovations coming from European sources, such as housing and energy production methods that you may overlook simply because you are too close to them. It's very easy to conclude we're of a more risky nature here because the media almost everywhere tend to gather their story sources from outside their own local areas. After all, it's a bigger draw to show people how things are elsewhere than it is in ones' own backyard. Sort of a "the grass is greener" thing?
Truth be told, there are risk takers globally, but in many cases, people operate in secrecy, be it politically, financially, or in personal attempts to change ones' body configuration. Fortunately, should one of us here have a risk backfire on us, at least a whole class of people or an entire population won't get screwed. Most of the human race takes risks daily, it comes down to making calculated and manageable choices. Unfortunately, those words don't seem to be in politicians or bankers dictionaries. As a side note, smoking is not the biggest risk I take, you should see me mix it up on the highways!! My wife will attest to that. It's a good thing they don't put an extra brake pedal on the passenger side!
I won't take issue with PM, both that it is the most widely used herb on this forum, and that it does appear to be quite safe. But, can we state that as an empirical fact? Or, does it mean that no-one yet has come upon a combination of PM with some other meds or herbs that will cause a problem. While PM has a long history of use (40-50 years), can we say the same for the other herbs used by some? I've seen back pain, kidney pain, as well as headaches mentioned here by some. Are we, by self-medicating, or DIY, causing these problems? Or, are these symptoms of a condition that is un-related, and could require actual medical attention? I don't know, but it seems to me that as risk-takers, it amounts to something we're all willing to accept as part of what we're doing. AHA, see? I'm not alone in this risk-taking sense. am I? The fact that most, if not all, doctors over here are now requiring a list of herbs one is taking, as well as other meds, is an indication that they have finally realized that herbs can have negative reactions with prescriptions. In some cases, herbs may also strengthen or weaken the effects of prescribed med. I take blood pressure meds, and after researching some of the herbs mentioned here, have found that some would lower my blood pressure to dangerous levels. However, by the simple fact of acquiring that info, I was easily able to decide not to take them. That's part of what we do here, share info. Which, while agreeing that this forum is not the place to expect such information on synthetics, is what Brittni was trying to do, IMO. My initial reply was just to be critical of some of the critical responses she received. As I didn't feel she was trying to be offensive, someone should have politely told here this was not the best place to ask these questions. And, the only reply that actually bothered me, was the one that basically said "take them and die." That wasn't warranted, IMO.
Concerning the possibility of PM helping prevent cancer. Great! Recent reports are that coffee reduces risk of skin cancer. Does that mean we should double down on caffeine? Or PM? OK, that was just me trying to be cute. Sorry.
Is anything we take truly safe? And at any dosage? Sunshine is healthy, in moderation. Overdone, it's as dangerous as many other silly things we do, or eat, or drink.
Like you, I was concerned, but it was more about the tone that appeared on this thread, and was simply trying to restore some civility. I believe now that, while not really hi-jacking this thread, I've made it quite convoluted. Odd how that seems to happen! Once again Take care all!! Patti
I also take breaks from the forums from time to time. It helps me to stay balanced.
