Herbal supplements are products made from plants that are used to treat and control certain diseases and health problems. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications are also made from plants, containing only purified ingredients. Products made with botanical or plant ingredients that are used to treat diseases or maintain health are called herbal products, botanicals, or phytomedicines. An herbal supplement is a product made from plants and used for internal use only.
An herb is a plant or part of a plant that is used for its scent, flavor, or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicines are a type of dietary supplement. They are sold in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts and fresh or dried plants. People use herbal medicines to try to maintain or improve their health.
Herbal substances come from plants and many are used in both dietary supplements and medicines. For example, sage, ginseng, and garlic can be found in both dietary supplements and herbal remedies. It's important to remember that herbal supplements are not subject to FDA regulation and, therefore, have not been tested in an FDA-approved clinical trial to demonstrate their effectiveness in treating or managing medical conditions. If you are taking aspirin, digoxin, diuretics, hypoglycemic drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, spironolactone, or warfarin, DO NOT use herbal supplements without first consulting your doctor.
If symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, headache, or stomach discomfort occur, reduce the dose or stop taking the herbal supplement. If using herbal supplements, follow the instructions on the label carefully and use only the prescribed dose. The Dietary Supplements Health Education Act of October 1994 does not require manufacturers of herbal products to demonstrate that their products are safe or effective before putting them on the market. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control states that more than half of people in the country take an herbal supplement daily.
Herbal supplements, unlike medications, don't have to be standardized to ensure consistency from batch to batch. Get everything you can about the herbs you're taking by consulting your doctor and contacting herbal supplement manufacturers for information. Because they are not subject to close scrutiny by the FDA or other government agencies, the use of herbal supplements remains controversial. It's best to consult your doctor about any symptoms or conditions you have and discuss the use of herbal supplements.
That's because herbal supplements aren't subject to clinical trials or to the same manufacturing standards as traditional prescription or over-the-counter medications. All herbal supplements aren't manufactured the same way, and it's best to choose a brand from a reputable manufacturer. St. John's Wort is a popular herbal supplement that is believed to be useful for treating depression in some cases.
However, it is important to note that St John's Wort can interact with other medications and should be taken with caution under medical supervision. Herbal supplements can provide many benefits when taken correctly and safely. However, it is important to remember that they are not regulated by the FDA like traditional medications and should be taken with caution under medical supervision. It is also important to research any potential interactions between herbs and other medications before taking them together.
By following these guidelines and consulting with your doctor before taking any herbal supplement, you can ensure that you get the most out of your natural remedies without putting your health at risk.
