Herbal or natural vitamin supplements have a long history of treating a variety of medical conditions. According to Herbalportal.com, a herbal information site, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 4 billion people use herbal remedies as part of their health care treatment.
History
Also known as botanicals, herbal supplements have been used for thousands of years, according to the Mayo Clinic. They are used to prevent illness or disease as well as treat the symptom of illness or disease. They are also used to control weight, boost energy, increase longevity and increase emotional and mental well-being. Herbal and vitamin supplements don't undergo strict Food and Drug Administration review so you should always talk with your doctor before taking supplements.
Types
The use of herbs for healing, otherwise known as herbalism, dates to prehistoric humans, according to Herbportal.com. Herbalism today consists of three types of herbalism: Chinese herbalism, based on traditional oriental medicine; Ayurvedic herbalism, from India; and Western herbalism, originally from Greece and Rome.
Herbal supplements are a type of dietary supplement -- it is intended to supplement some part of your diet. They are taken orally in pill, capsule, tablet, powder, concentrate soft gels, gel caps or liquid form.
Safety Tips
MayoClinic.com offers some safety tips to reduce your risk of adverse health effects when taking herbal supplements. Follow the instructions listed on the herbal supplement package. Do not take more than recommended or for periods longer than recommended by the manufacturer. Take only one supplement at a time and record how it is working for you. This way, you can decide if it does work or if it is responsible for any side effects you might be having. For supplements manufactured outside of the United States, use caution. Products manufactured in China, India and Mexico have been found to contain toxic ingredients. Avoid any products that have had a questionable past or reports of side effects. Check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's website and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine's website to see whether your herbal supplement has been reviewed.
Side Effects
Herbal or natural supplements have side effects just like prescription medications do. FamilyDoctor.org reports that side effects from herbal supplements vary and include diarrhea, stomach pain, skin rashes, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, uneven heart beats, seizures, heart attacks, fatigue or dizziness.
Warnings
Herbal, or natural supplements, are not as closely regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as pharmaceutical medications are. A general assumption may be that because a supplement is called natural, that it is safe to use. Herbal supplements still have the potential to cause side effects, as well as interacting with other herbs and pharmaceutical drugs. They might also worsen pre-existing medical conditions. MayoClinic.com suggests that you should not take herbal supplements before consulting your doctor if you are taking other prescription medications, are pregnant or breast-feeding, are about to have surgery or if you are younger than 18 years or older than 65 years.
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