Herbal medicine

An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicines are one type of  dietary supplement . They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts, and fresh or dried plants. People use herbal medicines to try to maintain or improve their health.

Many people believe that products labeled "natural" are always safe and good for them. This is not necessarily true. Herbal medicines do not have to go through the testing that drugs do. Some herbs, such as comfrey and ephedra, can cause serious harm. Some herbs can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

If you are thinking about using an herbal medicine, first get information on it from reliable sources. Make sure to tell your health care provider about any herbal medicines you are taking.

The practice of using herbal supplements dates back thousands of years. Today, the use of herbal supplements is common among American consumers. However, they are not for everyone. Because they are not subject to close scrutiny by the FDA, or other governing agencies, the use of herbal supplements remains controversial. It is best to consult your doctor about any symptoms or conditions you have and to discuss the use of herbal supplements.

The FDA and herbal supplements

The FDA considers herbal supplements foods, not drugs. Therefore, they are not subject to the same testing, manufacturing, and labeling standards and regulations as drugs.

You can now see labels that explain how herbs can influence different actions in the body. However, herbal supplement labels can't refer to treating specific medical conditions. This is because herbal supplements are not subject to clinical trials or to the same manufacturing standards as prescription or traditional over-the-counter drugs.

For example, St. John's wort is a popular herbal supplement thought to be useful for treating depression in some cases. A product label on St. John's wort might say, "enhances mood," but it cannot claim to treat a specific condition, such as depression.

Herbal supplements, unlike medicines, are not required to be standardized to ensure batch-to-batch consistency. Some manufacturers may use the word standardized on a supplement label, but it does not necessarily mean the same thing from one manufacturer to the next.

Precaution when choosing herbal supplements

Herbal supplements can interact with conventional medicines or have strong effects. Do not self-diagnose. Talk to your doctor before taking herbal supplements.

• Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about the herbs you are taking by consulting your doctor and contacting herbal supplement manufacturers for information.
• If you use herbal supplements, follow label instructions carefully and use the prescribed dosage only. Never exceed the recommended dosage, and seek out information about who should not take the supplement.
• Work with a professional. Seek out the services of a trained and licensed herbalist or naturopathic doctor who has extensive training in this area.
• Watch for side effects. If symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, or upset stomach, occur, reduce the dosage or stop taking the herbal supplement.
• Be alert for allergic reactions. A severe allergic reaction can cause trouble breathing. If such a problem occurs, call 911 or the emergency number in your area for help. 
• Research the company whose herbs you are taking. All herbal supplements are not created equal, and it is best to choose a reputable manufacturer's brand. Ask yourself:
• Is the manufacturer involved in researching its own herbal products or simply relying on the research efforts of others?
• Does the product make outlandish or hard-to-prove claims? 
• Does the product label give information about the standardized formula, side effects, ingredients, directions, and precautions? 
• Is label information clear and easy to read? 
• Is there a toll-free telephone number, an address, or a website address listed so consumers can find out more information about the product? 

What are some of the most common herbal supplements ?

The following list of common herbal supplements is for informational purposes only. Talk to your doctor to discuss specific your medical conditions or symptoms. Do not self-diagnose, and talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.

Herbal Supplement	Common Uses
Black cohosh	This shrub-like plant of eastern North America derives its name from the Native American word for "rough" (referring to its root structure). It is generally used for menopausal conditions, painful menstruation, uterine spasms, and vaginitis.
Echinacea	Often used to strengthen the body's immune system, echinacea is also considered a prevention against colds and flu. This U.S. native plant is also called the purple coneflower.
Evening primrose	Oil from this night-blooming, bright yellow flowering plant may be helpful in reducing symptoms of arthritis and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Feverfew	The pain-relieving properties of feverfew have been used for migraine headaches, as well as for menstrual cramps.
Garlic	Garlic is generally used for cardiovascular conditions, including high cholesterol and triglyceride levels associated with the risk of atherosclerosis.
Gingko biloba	This herb is used for many conditions associated with aging, including poor circulation and memory loss.
Ginseng	Used as a general tonic to increase overall body tone, ginseng is considered helpful in elevating energy levels and improving resistance to stress.
Goldenseal	This herb, native to America, is popular for its healing properties and antiseptic, or germ-stopping, qualities. Often used for colds and flu, it is also popular for soothing the nose lining when it is inflamed or sore.
Green tea	This herb is used to combat fatigue, prevent arteriosclerosis and certain cancers, lower cholesterol, and aid in weight loss.
Hawthorn	Hawthorn is popularly used for several heart-related conditions and is supportive in the treatment of angina, atherosclerosis, heart failure, and high blood pressure.
Saw palmetto	Saw palmetto may be used for enlarged prostate, a common condition in men over age 50.
St. John's wort	Wild-growing with yellow flowers, this herb has been used for centuries in the treatment of mental disorders. Today, it is a popular recommendation for mild to moderate depression.

It is important to remember that herbal supplements are not subject to regulation by the FDA and, therefore, have not been tested in an FDA-approved clinical trial to prove their effectiveness in the treatment or management of medical conditions. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and discuss herbal supplements before use.

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