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Are All Herbal Supplements Safe
There have been many studies done on the therapeutic and healing properties
of herbs, herbal treatments and herbal nutrition supplements. Many
modern pharmaceuticals contain, or were
originally derived from, natural
botanicals and/or herbs. But just because something says it is natural,
it does not mean that it is safe. Herbal and dietary supplements are
regulated as foods, not as drugs, which means that the standard is
not as rigid or restrictive as it is for pharmaceuticals, and they
are not pre-approved for their safety or effectiveness.
The Federal Government also regulates the advertising of herbal and
supplements through the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and in 2004
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated guidelines for labeling
accuracy, as well as restrictions on products containing contaminants
such as pesticides and heavy metals. The National Center for Complementary
and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the FDA have free publications,
information and databases that you can reference for detailed information
about current research and safety guidelines.
The FDA has issued warnings about some supplements because of risk
associated with either prescription dug interactions or contamination.
If you are considering using herbal supplements,
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it is best to consult
your primary care physician or medical care health professional before
you begin taking any kind of herbal supplement, or seek out the guidance
of an herbalist, or a trained homeopathic professional. Listed below
is a guide of drugs that have been known to interact adversely with
supplements and those that carry an FDA caution related to consumer
safety. This would help you get safe herbal supplements.
Supplements
and Drugs Can Interact Adversely With
St. John's Wort
which is used to treat depression, has been known to increase the
effects of prescription drugs used to treat depression and interact
adversely with drugs used to treat HIV, cancer, birth control, and
drugs that prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs.
Ginkgo Biloba
that is used to increase brain blood flow to prevent dementia, improve
memory and is an antioxidant that has been known to have adverse reactions
when taken with anticoagulant or anti-platelet drugs. It may increase
bleeding and it interacts adversely with many psychotropic drugs and
those that affect blood sugar levels.
Ginseng
is commonly used to fight fatigue and weakness but has been known
to increase the stimulant effects of caffeine. It also adversely reacts
to drugs that lower blood sugar levels and drugs used to treat diabetes
Supplements That Have Carried FDA Cautions about Safety
Ephedra
Kava Kava
L- tryptophan
GHB(gamma hydroxybutyric acid)
GLB(gamma butyrolactone)
BD (1,4-butanediol)
Some "dieter's teas"
Sildenafil or Tadalafil, which is often, used in ‘natural’
versions of sexual performance or enhancement drugs.
With the sales and popularity of herbal dietary supplements steadily
on the rise, adding a herbal nutrition supplement to your wellness
routine may be a good decision for your overall health and well being.
But before you make any decisions, be sure that you arm yourself with
the facts and consult a medical care health professional before you
begin taking any kind of herbal dietary supplement.
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