Herbal supplements belong to a branch of medicine called complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that although CAM works alongside traditional medicine, it differs in two main areas: its holistic approach and prevention-based focus. Some of the most popular forms of CAM therapy include prayer, meditation, chiropractic care and the use of herbal supplements.
Identification
An herbal supplement is part of a larger group of plants called botanicals. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, botanical plants have certain medicinal or therapeutic properties that practitioners make use of to maintain or improve your health. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers herbal supplements a food and does not regulate testing or production, labeling requirements instituted in January 2000 do apply. Labeling requirements include the name of the supplement, the name and address of the manufacturer/distributor, a complete ingredient list and dosage information.
Administration
The NIHODS identifies four common ways to administer herbal supplements. The first is as a hot or cold tea, also called an infusion. The second is as a hot or cold decoction, much like a tea but requiring longer preparation time. The third is a tincture, or a botanical soaked in alcohol and water and sold in varying strengths. The final form is as an extract, either in liquid form, or dried and put in pills or capsules.
Types
Although there is a long list of herbal supplements to choose from, according to the University of Chicago Medical Center, 12 herbal supplements are among the most common. These include black cohosh, echinacea, evening primrose, feverfew, garlic, gingko biloba, ginseng, goldenseal, green tea, hawthorn, saw palmetto and St. John's wort.
Effects
Most herbal supplements treat more than one symptom or condition. For example, evening primrose can treat symptoms of arthritis, premenstrual syndrome and cardiovascular disease, as well as hyperactivity in children. Echinacea and goldenseal support your immune system and help prevent illness such as a cold or the flu. Green tea is useful to treat fatigue, hardening of the arteries and some cancers, as well as helping to lower cholesterol, prevent tooth decay and aid in weight loss.
Considerations
The Mayo Clinic recommends going beyond the product label when considering an herbal supplement. Evaluate the validity of manufacturer claims by speaking with your pharmacist, contacting the manufacturer and looking for scientific research to substantiate claims of effectiveness. In addition, check to make sure the supplement is not under an FDA advisory or recall.
Warning
Do not use an herbal supplement without first consulting with your doctor. According to the Mayo Clinic, your doctor may discourage the use of herbal supplements if you are taking prescription or over-the counter medication, especially aspirin or blood pressure medicine or if you are pregnant or nursing a baby. If you take herbal supplements and require surgery, tell your doctor and stop taking them immediately, as herbal supplements can affect anesthesia and cause profuse bleeding or high blood pressure. Finally, do not give herbal supplements to children under the age of 18 and do not take them if you are over the age of 65.
Member Comments