Okay, Rocking the Boat...

Updated on January 24, 2008
D.K. asks from Broomfield, CO
6 answers

I am sorry, I have to speak up here. I love this site, I am fairly new and have learned so much. HOWEVER..that being said. Why is it that everyone thinks when someone asks a question they have the right to sell whatever product they are marketing as a means of answering said question? I mean I am not asking to try herbal supplements, WHICH I WOULD NEVER GIVE MY CHILDREN!!! Herbal supplements are not tested on children, can cause severe reactions in children, some causing liver and kidney damage if given too potent and heck, why the heck would I take that kind of advice from someone not in the medical field? I think it is great to find alternatives for wellness however, I think everyone should talk to their family Dr/Pediatrician FIRST!
I am sorry for my going off, just I have inbox full of responses that are more about selling a certain product then acting like someone truly wanted to help me.
We have the freedom of speech and we all have voices, suggesting herbal supplements is one thing and adding your families experience, selling your prodcut for personal gain when someone is in need is another. That and all these other products I see women on here pedaling. I think the answers are insincere and misguiding. If someone asks "hey anyone on here try this product or sells this product", that is great, but ladies, if you are reading a post with someone that needs a true "mom" answer, then that is so not the time to push your product or write a superficial sales tactic as a response....
JUST MY TWO CENTS.

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So What Happened?

Thanks to all that gave me support and backing up the fact that it is irresponsible to suggest getting herbs to children. Here is a link for all those that think it is so safe and please double check with your Pediatrician before offering up alternatives.
http://www.personalhealthzone.com/herbsafety.html
Granted we are now hearing OTC meds are bad, especially for under 2, which is probably very accurate. However now they are saying that OTC cough meds are not effective, which I find ridiculous seeing I have two kids that have gotten peaceful sleep at least for four to six hours with some of these OTC cold and cough meds. I ALWAYS make sure to dose my children by weight and not so much by age and follow directions on labels. I also run it by my Dr first.
I think we all get alarmed and want the very best for our children. I am not saying there is a right way or wrong way but more important not a forum for selling things or services either. I don't mind suggestions, just not needing a salesman. I got a post from someone that was completely off the mark on what I was asking about her selling Airbonne. It was not asked for. Or when I posted about a bad cough I got offline messages about people selling me herbal remedies and links to their selling websites. Bottom line I needed to go to the Dr as there are no herbs going to cure bronchitis. I don't mean to tick anyone off, just think this should be for moms needing "mom" experience, not preaching about herbs when there is no facts behind it all or trying to sell people services or products when it wasn't asked for. Thanks!

More Answers

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K.P.

answers from Denver on

I agree with D.! I don't think an advertisement for a product from someone selling that product is at all helpful for most requests for help or advice. There is the business review section side of this website for the purpose of promoting things.

And anyone should be very careful and consult a doctor before giving any type of supplement (herbal/dietary) to a child of any age. Supplements are not regulated in this country the way that over-the-counter or prescription drugs and foods are regulated. Just because it is on the grocery store shelf doesn't make it safe! There are many supplements that have powerful side effects and/or interfere with the metabolism of medications.

If you feel that a response that is 'selling' a product is inappropriate, you should click on the button at the bottom that says "report this as innapropriate". The Mamasource staff appreciates it and will respond accordingly!!!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.D.

answers from Denver on

Hi D.-

I agree with you about the sales messages I read some times. I don't like them. It's not really advice if you're only trying to sell your product. The only thing I wanted to add in contrast to what you said was about herbal remedies being not tested. Many aren't, particularly in the US, who focuses strongly on pharmaceuticals. However many herbal supplements are not only tested, but preferred to treat a variety of illnesses. I lived in Germany and both Germany and Switzerland use many herbs to treat children. They are often much safer and more effective. There are also herbal remedies from Asia that have been used safely and effectives for hundreds, thousands of years. When my daughter was teething, the Hyland's homeopathic remedy seemed much more effective than tylenol. Otherwise, I totally agree. Take care!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Denver on

Your not rocking the boat, good for you! I haven't had anyone trying to sell me anything, but that's because I only had two responses to my question. Nobody really cared to respond to me, but if your getting solicitations to buy stuff in response to your questions, then that's wrong. I guess if anyone wants to advertise their business, then fine, they can do that in their own posting, not in reply to someones question!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.G.

answers from Denver on

I ABSOLUTELY agree!!! Thank's for saying something.
H.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.T.

answers from Denver on

I completely agree with you about the advertising under the guise of "advice" and about supplements for children. Good for you for putting this out there.

I posted a response to a request and got someone sending me an e-mail advertising her products. I found it offensive, too.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.P.

answers from Denver on

Wow. I can understand your frustration. Herbals are not for everyone-especially not kids, though. Unregulated supplements can make one extremely sick. I feel for you! As one who does have a home-based biz, I would never presume to try selling it to someone unisolicited. I am also new to this site, and I hope that you can get the info you need. I did not see your original posting.

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