1. Consider the Form
There are countless botanicals on the market today created to treat an array of conditions, both physical and mental. According to the National Institutes of Health, botanicals are plants that are used for their medicinal or therapeutic properties, flavors or scents. Herbal products made from botanicals are considered to be dietary supplements.
One way that an herbal product can be taken is in extract form. An extract is made when the substance is soaked in a certain kind of liquid that eliminates certain chemicals. The liquid leftover is then used on its own or made into a capsule or tablet. Another way that herbal products can be taken is via a tea or an infusion form. In this manner, the herbs are soaked in boiling water for a set amount of time and then consumed either hot or cold.
Herbal products can also be in a tablet or powder form. It is always important to follow the guidance of a health care practitioner who has thorough training in prescribing herbal products to treat illnesses and other conditions.
2. Consider the Source
With an increase in the online selling of herbal products promising cures and longevity, the federal government has been forced to intervene and take action against companies that were deceiving consumers and distributing false products.
In order to safeguard your health and pocketbook against such occurrences, do your research on the manufacturing company before you purchase an herbal product. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clearinghouse provides complete information on alternative and complementary health practices. The Office of Dietary Supplements, which is a department of the National Institutes of Health, educates and informs the public on the facts and research on dietary supplements.
3. Consider the Dosage
Herbal products have varying potency based upon the kind of form they take. For instance, you may include 1 tbs. of a certain herb to make into a therapeutic tea but you may only need a few drops of the same herb in its extracted form. The National Institutes of Health strongly encourages you to follow the manufacturer's suggested directions for using a botanical and to not exceed the recommended dose without the supervision of your health care professional.
Since herbal products are considered dietary supplements they are therefore not standardized. Under this classification, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) treats herbal products as food. They do not have to go undergo the battery of safety tests and evaluations required of pharmaceutical and other medications. Also keep in mind that just because a product is natural, it does not necessarily mean that it is safe.
4. Consider Your Medicine Cabinet
Many herbal products can have dangerous side effects when they are taken in conjunction with other medicines. Some herbal medicines prolong bleeding time and interact with anesthetic agents. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all the kinds of medicines you are taking. Certain herbs like kava and comfrey have been implicated in causing serious liver damage.
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