What are herbal supplements?Herbal supplements are products derived from plants and/or their oils, roots, seeds, berries or flowers. Herbal supplements have been used for many centuries. They are believed to have healing properties. Show
What are the forms of herbal supplements?Herbal products come in many different forms and may be used internally or externally. The forms of herbal products include:
What are some common herbal supplements and their uses?There are many herbal supplements that have several different uses. The following are some of the most common: Aloe Vera: used topically for burns, psoriasis and osteoarthritis. Used in the oral form for digestive issues such as gastritis or constipation. Black cohosh: used to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and menopausal symptoms. Chamomile: used to treat sleeplessness, anxiety, upset stomach, gas and diarrhea. It is also used topically for skin conditions. Caution in people with ragweed allergy. Echinacea: used to fight cold and flu symptoms. Flaxseed: used to lower cholesterol. Good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Ginko: used to treat memory problems and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Can be used along with the antidepressant selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to enhance sex drive and sexual performance in people who have side effects with antidepressant medications. Caution in people taking blood thinners. Peppermint oil: used to treat digestion problems such as nausea, indigestion, stomach problems and bowel conditions. Soy: used to treat menopausal symptoms, memory problems and high cholesterol levels. Organic, whole soy food is preferable to soy supplements and processed soy foods like soy hot dogs. St. John’s Wort: used to treat depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. NOTE: This herb has many other drug and herb interactions. Consult your healthcare provider before starting this supplement. Tea tree oil: used topically to treat several conditions including, acne, athlete's foot, nail fungus, wounds, infections, lice, oral yeast infection (thrush), cold sores and dandruff. How popular are herbal supplements?Herbal supplements are widely used in the United States. A study by the Centers for Disease Control states that more than half of the people in the country take a daily herbal supplement. Are herbal supplements safe to use?The Dietary Supplement Health Education Act of October 1994 does not require manufacturers of herbal products to prove that their products are either safe or effective before they are put on the market. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for monitoring the safety of a product after it has become available to consumers. In many cases, people use herbal supplements with prescribed medicines. This can result in serious health problems due to drug interactions. Always talk to your healthcare provider before you begin using an herbal supplement. If you take aspirin, digoxin, diuretics, hypoglycemics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, spironolactone or warfarin, DO NOT use herbal supplements without first checking with your doctor.
High levels of vitamin K are also a problem, as vitamin K interferes with warfarin. Many foods are high in vitamin K, which may affect the way warfarin works. Leafy green vegetables have the highest content of vitamin K; other foods high in vitamin K include Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, asparagus, okra and frozen peas. It is important to keep your diet consistent. Avoiding foods that contain vitamin K is not necessary if you are taking warfarin, but talk to your healthcare provider to adjust your dose, based on how much vitamin K is in your diet, or if you plan to make major changes in your diet. Other supplements that may cause heart problems, whether or not a person is also taking heart medications:
MedWatchThe FDA's medical products reporting program tracks reports of serious adverse events of products. MedWatch can be contacted at 888.723.3366 (www.fda.gov/medwatch). You can also call the FDA consumer hotline at 1.888.INFO.FDA (1.888.463.6332). Are dietary supplements the same as herbal supplements?Herbal supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but not as strictly as prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. They fall under a category called dietary supplements.
What is considered an herbal supplement?What are herbal supplements? Products made from botanicals, or plants, that are used to treat diseases or to maintain health are called herbal products, botanical products, or phytomedicines. A product made from plants and used solely for internal use is called an herbal supplement.
Can herbs be used in a dietary supplement?This act states that a dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco) that: Is intended to supplement the diet. Contains one or more dietary ingredients (including vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, or other substances) or their constituents.
What's the difference between food supplement and dietary supplement?Generally, dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. Therefore, they are also referred to as food supplements. So, there is no significant difference between food supplement and dietary supplement.
|