Herbal Treatments For Health

How do Herbal Supplements Work?

Products made from plants that are used to treat diseases or maintain health are referred to as herbal products, botanical products, or phytomedicines. An herbal supplement is a product made from plants and used only internally.

Plant products are also used to make many prescription and over-the-counter medications; however, the FDA regulates these products because they only contain purified ingredients. Plant parts or whole plants may be included in herbal supplements. All kinds of herbal supplements are available: dried, chopped, powdered, in a capsule, or liquid, and it can be used in a variety of ways, including the following:-

1.	Ingested as Tinctures, Powders, or Pills
2.	Made into Tea
3.	as Gels, Lotions, or Creams Applied to the Skin
4.	Included in Bath Water

Supplements made of herbs have been used for thousands of years. Today, herbal supplements are used frequently by consumers in the United States. However, not everyone is suitable for them. The use of herbal supplements remains contentious due to the fact that they are not subject to close scrutiny by the FDA or other regulatory agencies. If you have any symptoms or conditions, you should talk to your doctor about using herbal supplements.

The FDA and Supplements Made of Herbs

The FDA doesn't think of herbal supplements as drugs. As a result, they are not subject to the same regulations regarding testing, manufacturing, and labeling as drugs.

Labels that explain how herbs can affect various body functions are now available. However, specific medical conditions cannot be mentioned on herbal supplement labels. This is due to the fact that herbal supplements are not subject to the same manufacturing standards or clinical trials as prescription or traditional over-the-counter medications.

St. John's wort, for instance, is a well-liked herbal supplement thought to be helpful in the treatment of depression in some instances. St. John's wort's product label may state that it "enhances mood," but it cannot claim to treat depression.

Unlike pharmaceuticals, herbal supplements do not need to be standardized to maintain consistency from batch to batch. On the label of a supplement, some manufacturers may use the term "standardized," but this does not necessarily mean the same thing for each manufacturer.

When Selecting Herbal Supplements, Take Care

Herbal supplements may cause serious side effects or interact negatively with conventional medicines. Avoid self-diagnosis. Consult your doctor before taking supplements made of herbs.

1.	Learn for yourself. Consult your doctor and herbal supplement manufacturers for information to learn as much as you can about the herbs you are taking.
2.	If you take herbal supplements, be sure to follow the directions on the label and only take the recommended amount. Never take more than the recommended amount, and find out who shouldn't take the supplement.
3.	Partner with an expert. Utilize the expertise of a licensed herbalist or naturopathic physician with extensive training in this field.
4.	Keep an eye out for side effects. Reduce the dosage or stop taking the herbal supplement if you experience symptoms like nausea, dizziness, headache, or an upset stomach.
5.	Keep an eye out for any allergic reactions. Breathing difficulties can result from severe allergic reactions.
6.	Conduct research on the business whose herbs you are taking. It is best to select a reputable brand from a reputable manufacturer because herbal supplements are not all created equal. Think about it.
7.	Is the manufacturer conducting its own research on herbal products or relying solely on the efforts of others?
8.	Are the product's claims outrageous or difficult to verify?
9.	Is there information on the product label regarding the standard formula, side effects, ingredients, directions, and safety precautions?
10.	Is the information on the label easy to understand?

 

What Kinds of Herbal Supplements Are Most Commonly Used?

This list of common herbal supplements is only for your information. Discuss specific symptoms or medical conditions with your doctor. Avoid self-diagnosis and consult your physician before taking herbal supplements.

Supplement with Herbs	Typical Uses
Cohosh of black	The Native American word for "rough" is the origin of the name of this shrub-like plant found in eastern North America. It is typically prescribed for vaginitis, painful menstruation, menopausal conditions, and uterine spasms.
Echinacea	Echinacea is used to boost the body's immune system and is also thought to prevent colds and flu. The purple coneflower is another name for this American native plant.
Night primrose	Oil from this plant with bright yellow flowers that bloom at night may help alleviate arthritis and PMS symptoms.
Feverfew	Feverfew's ability to alleviate pain has been used to treat migraine headaches and menstrual cramps.
Garlic	Most of the time, cardiovascular conditions like high cholesterol and triglyceride levels that increase the risk of atherosclerosis can be treated with garlic.
Biloba Gingko	Numerous aging-related conditions, such as poor circulation and memory loss, are treated with this herb.
Ginseng	Ginseng is thought to improve stress resistance and boost energy levels when used as a general tonic to improve overall body tone.
Goldenseal	The antiseptic, or ability to ward off germs, properties of this American native herb are well-known. It is popular not only for treating colds and flu, but also for relieving pain and inflammation in the nose lining.
Green tea	Reduce cholesterol, assist in weight loss, combat fatigue, and prevent certain cancers and arteriosclerosis with this herb.
Hawthorn	Hawthorn is widely used to treat a number of heart-related conditions, including atherosclerosis, heart failure, high blood pressure, and angina.
Palmetto Sawdust	Saw palmetto can be used to treat enlarged prostate, a condition that typically affects men over 50.
Wheat of John	This herb, which grows wild and has yellow flowers, has been used to treat mental disorders for centuries. It is currently a common treatment for mild to moderate depression.

 

It is essential to keep in mind that herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA and have not been tested in a clinical trial that has been approved by the FDA to demonstrate their efficacy in the treatment or management of medical conditions. Before using herbal supplements, discuss your symptoms with your doctor.