There are many herbal remedies and vitamins on the market. While there are specific conditions you can get from not having enough of certain vitamins, herbs are still considered “supplements.” Many people take both vitamins and herbs daily while exercising and eating right to have a healthier lifestyle. Before taking supplemental vitamins or herbs, please consult a doctor to make sure the regimen is right for you.
Flax Seed and Flax Seed Oil
Flax seed oil is a derivative of flax seed. Both are used in herbal remedies for different things. Flax seed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid and flax seed also has fiber and lignan compounds. Lignan has possible estrogen-like effects, according to Medline Plus. Clinical testing has had mixed results for flax seed’s use for breast cancer, diabetes or heart disease. Flax seed oil has had mixed results for its use as an ADHD treatment and for dry eye syndrome. There is an allergy risk and potential side effects include diarrhea, stomach discomfort, risk of bleeding and altered menstrual periods.
Echinacea
Echinacea is in products for skin ailments such as wounds and acne, but is more frequently found in over-the-counter cold remedies and immune-boosting products. Clinical testing has had mixed results, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, for its prevention and treatment of the cold and flu. Possible side effects include asthma, rashes, allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 makes healthy red blood cells, DNA and nerve cells. It is found in meat, dairy, shellfish, fish and through supplements. Clinical trials have shown it very effective in relieving pernicious anemia and both vitamin B-12 deficiency and megaloblastic anemia due to a B-12 deficiency, according to Medline Plus. Possible side effects are diarrhea, itching and rash. It should be used with caution in patients having angioplasty and in those with optic nerve atrophy.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D maintains calcium and phosophorus blood levels at a normal rate. You can get vitamin D from 10 minutes of sun exposure, or from eating fish, eggs, cod liver oil and fortified milk. It is effective for use as a treatment for those with hypophosphatemia, or low phosphate blood levels. Other vitamin D treatments include for hyperparathyroidism from low vitamin D, adult rickets, also known as osteomalacia, psoriasis and hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism, according to Medline Plus. Potential side effects can be vitamin D toxicity with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, tinnitus, vertigo, fatigue and weakness.
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