Herbal medicines have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. Improvements in quality control and advances in clinical research have made them a popular form of alternative treatment these days. All herbal remedies are classified as botanicals, or phytochemicals, that are to be used for their therapeutic properties to maintain or improve health. Herbal remedies are not considered to be drugs, so they are not rigidly controlled by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult a doctor before choosing and using an herbal remedy.
Step 1
Consult your health care provider before starting treatment with an herbal medicine. Make an appointment with your doctor, naturopath or herbalist to discuss all the medications and other supplements you take. Some herbal remedies interact with supplements and medications. Your health care provider can best advise you of the need to take an herbal medicine and which one would be the most beneficial.
Step 2
Choose an herbal remedy from a reputable manufacturer, health food store or provider. The FDA considers herbal remedies to be dietary supplements, and although there are some regulations, they are not as strict as the regulations for drugs. The U.S. Pharmacopeia, or USP, has a voluntary testing program that ensures the product contains the ingredients listed on the label, does not contain harmful levels of contaminants and will release the ingredients into the body within a specific amount of time. The USP Verification Mark can be found on the product label.
Step 3
Do your homework. Look for scientific findings about the herbal remedy you are considering to be sure it is effective. This information can be found online at the Office of Dietary Supplements and National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine websites. Learn exactly what species of herb you want to take.
Step 4
Be cautious about using herbal supplements or medicines that are not manufactured in the United States. European countries typically regulate herbal remedies as strictly as medications, but other countries, such as China, Mexico and India, do not. Contact the manufacturer and don't be afraid to ask detailed questions about a specific product.
Step 5
Read the label so that you know exactly what herb you are getting. An herbal supplement must contain some part of the plant -- leaves, flowers, roots or seeds -- and may contain more than one herb. Be sure the plant species is the one you are looking for. The label will tell you the name and strength of the herb contained in the product and the recommended dosage. Do not exceed the recommended dosage unless advised to do so by your health care provider.
Step 6
Look at the expiration date. The expiration date should be clearly visible on the product label. Do not purchase or take herbal remedies that are past the expiration date as they may not have retained their original potency. Some herbal remedies are sensitive to light, heat or moisture, so be sure to find out how they should be stored at home.
Step 7
Find out what the side effects are. Herbal remedies are generally considered safe, but some, such as kava and comfrey, do have serious side effects. Discuss the possible side effects and interactions with your doctor, naturopath or herbalist.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Herbal Medicine
- FDA: Overview of Dietary Supplements
- U.S. Pharmacopeia: The USP Dietary Supplement Verification Program
- Mayo Clinic: Herbal Supplements: What to Know Before You Buy
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Botanical Dietary Supplements
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