Health Supplements & Herbal Remedies

Once found mostly in health food stores, herbal remedies and other supplements have gone mainstream. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine statistics derived from interviews with over 23,000 adults, approximately 1 in 5 Americans use dietary supplements and herbs. Back pain, congestion and neck pain are among the conditions most often treated with complementary medicine.

Principles of Healing with Health Supplements and Herbal Remedies

Several principles guide the use of integrative products like health supplements and herbal remedies. The first is prevention. While supplements and herbs are sometimes used for disease, they are most effective when proactively used to prevent health problems before they start. Natural healing is another principle. Supplements and herbs are intended to work with the body to marshal its inherent ability to heal itself. The third principle is inherent in the word "supplement." These products should supplement and not substitute for a nutritious diet, a healthy lifestyle and treatment by a qualified medical practitioner.

Top Selling Herbal Remedies

The top selling herbal supplements for 2009 were cranberry, soy and saw palmetto, according to the American Botanical Council. Cranberry was historically used by native Americans for urinary conditions, and it is still used to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections today. Soy is popular for menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. Saw palmetto is often used for prostate health. More research is needed on these herbs before they can be widely recommended.

Top Selling Nutritional Supplements

According to "Nutrition Business Journal," the top selling supplements for 2009 were multivitamins, sports powders and B vitamins. Vitamins by definition are essential nutrients that cannot be made in the body. They have to be obtained through the diet. Though a balanced nutritious diet is best, multivitamins can provide these nutrients for those who cannot or will not eat healthy vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean meats. Sports powders are popular among athletes who hope to build muscle and increase strength, and B vitamins are often used for stress. Consult a qualified health care practitioner about which nutritional supplements are best for you.

When to Avoid Supplements and Herbs

Supplements and herbs are not for everybody and they are not for all conditions. Do not use supplements as a replacement for medical treatment, especially for serious conditions. Their rate of onset and their action is often slower and less dramatic than pharmaceutical drugs. Do not use them when breastfeeding or pregnant, since their active ingredients may be absorbed into your baby's bloodstream. According to the "Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine," supplements should generally not be used by those under 18 or over 65, since older adults and children metabolize medications differently.