Herbal medicine
Herbal medicine
What are herbal supplements?
Products made from botanicals or plants that are used to treat disease or maintain health are called herbal products, botanicals, or phytomedicines. A product made from plants and used for internal use only is called an herbal supplement.
Many prescription and over-the-counter medicines are also made from plant products, but these products contain only purified ingredients and are regulated by the FDA. Herbal supplements may contain whole plants or parts of plants.
Herbal supplements come in all forms—dried, chopped, powdered, capsules, or liquid—and can be used in a number of ways, including:
- Taken as pills, powders, or tinctures
- Prepared as tea
- Applied to the skin as gels, lotions or creams
- Added to bath water.
The practice of using herbal supplements dates back thousands of years. Today, the use of herbal supplements is common among American consumers. However, they are not for everyone. Because they are not subject to close scrutiny by the FDA or other government agencies, the use of herbal supplements remains controversial. It is best to consult your doctor about any symptoms or conditions you have and discuss the use of herbal supplements.
The FDA and Herbal Supplements
The FDA considers herbal supplements to be foods, not drugs. Therefore, they are not subject to the same testing, manufacturing, and labeling rules and regulations as drugs.
Now you can see labels that explain how herbs can influence different actions in the body. However, herbal supplement labels cannot refer to the treatment of specific medical conditions. This is because herbal supplements are not subject to clinical trials or the same manufacturing standards as prescription drugs or traditional over-the-counter medicines.
For example, St. John's wort is a popular herbal supplement that is believed to be helpful in treating depression in some cases. The label for a product on St. John's wort might say "mood-enhancing," but it cannot claim to treat a specific condition, such as depression.
Herbal supplements, unlike medications, do not need to be standardized to ensure batch-to-batch consistency. Some manufacturers may use the word standardized on a supplement's label, but it doesn't necessarily mean the same thing from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Precautions when choosing herbal supplements
Herbal supplements can interact with conventional medications or have strong effects. Don't self-diagnose. Talk to your doctor before taking herbal supplements.
Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about the herbs you are taking by consulting your doctor and contacting herbal supplement manufacturers for information.
If you use herbal supplements, follow label instructions carefully and use only the prescribed dosage. Never exceed the recommended dosage and seek information on who should not take the supplement.
Work with a professional. Seek the services of a trained and licensed herbalist or naturopathic doctor who has extensive training in this area.
Watch out for side effects. If symptoms occur, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, or upset stomach, reduce the dose or stop taking the herbal supplement.
Be alert for allergic reactions. A severe allergic reaction can cause difficulty breathing. If such a problem occurs, call 911 or the emergency number in your area for help.
Research the company whose herbs you are taking. Not all herbal supplements are created equal, and it is best to choose a brand from a reputable manufacturer. ask yourself:
Is the manufacturer involved in the research of its own herbal products or is it simply relying on the research efforts of others?
Does the product make claims that are outlandish or difficult to prove?
Does the product label provide information on the standardized formula, side effects, ingredients, directions, and precautions?
Is the information on the label clear and easy to read?
Is there a toll-free number, address, or website address listed so consumers can find more information about the product?
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