Organic herbal supplements and herbal medicines
have been used for centuries in order to promote the general wellbeing
and improved the health.More and more people are now turning to
organics and natural supplements otherwise known as herbals. The rising
popularity of herbal supplements has created a new fad if not a new
health lifestyle. But before you join the bandwagon, here are some
things you need to know about this mean and green dietary supplementing
machine.
What is the difference between a drug and a herbal supplement?
Drugs - According to the definition set by food and drug
administrations in different countries, drugs are chemicals that can
prevent, prolong the life, treat other effects of a health condition,
improve the quality of life, and/or cure ailments and diseases, or
alter the function of any part or chemicals inside the body. These
drugs have approved therapeutic claims. For example, paracetamol is a
drug given to bring down the body temperature in fever. Ascorbic acid
is indicated for the treatment of scurvy. Iron supplements are given to
treat mild cases of anemia.
Herbal Supplements - Herbal supplements are not classified as drugs but
as dietary supplements. The main difference is that they do not have
approved therapeutic claims unlike in the case of drugs. Moreover,
dietary supplements could either contain vitamins, minerals, herbals,
or amino acids, all aimed to add to or supplement the diet of an
individual. They are not intended to be taken alone as a substitute to
any food or medicine.
Is there a growing concern with the use of herbal supplements?
Yes. With the rising popularity of using and consuming anything herbal
or organic is the proliferation of fake herbal supplements that
threaten to endanger lives. If that is the case, then why are herbal
supplements given drug administration approvals? One way of ensuring
the safety of the people is to have all candidate drugs, food, drinks,
and dietary supplements registered with the proper authority.
Otherwise, they would pose more risk with these things being sold in
the black market for a hefty sum. We could ensure the quality and
safety of herbal supplements if they get proper classification with the
food and drug administration. Moreover, people may be able to file the
proper complaints in the event a worsening of health condition is
proven to be linked to the use of a particular herbal supplement.
Is using herbal supplements worth the risk?
Yes. It cannot be discounted that many who have tried herbal
supplements experienced an improvement in their health.Whether this is
due to the herbals themselves or due to a placebo effect, as long as
they do not worsen the condition of an individual, then using them is
worth the risk. But of course, certain things must be considered before
taking those herbal supplements:
Your doctor knows best.
First and foremost, consult your doctor before you decide to take any
herbal supplements.Ask him/her if taking a particular herbal supplement
is safe given your health condition. People with heart, liver, or
kidney trouble or malfunction, are usually not advised to take these,
or at the minimum is to take these herbals in minimum amounts. All
substances pass through the liver and kidney to be processed and
filtered respectively. Kava, which is used to relieve people from
stress, has been pulled out from the Canadian, Singapore and German
markets because it contains substances that cause liver damage. Certain
herbals such as Ephedra used for losing weight, contains chemicals with
heart-inducing effects that can increase heart rate, which in turn can
exhaust the heart and cause heart attacks in several documented cases
by the American Medical Association.
Follow the directions for use.
Never take more herbal supplements than what is directed by a certified
medical doctor or as instructed on the bottle. Each individual reacts
differently to the components of herbal supplements. While it is
perfectly safe for one individual to take in a supplement of primrose
oil capsules, another person may be allergic to it. So, do not even
think about downing one bottle of
It has no approved curative effect.
No matter how the product pamphlet or the label of the bottle sounds
about how it has been found to be helpful in certain health conditions,
these herbal supplements are not therapeutic. So do not substitute
these for the medications prescribed by your doctor for the treatment
of certain diseases, or for the maintenance of blood pressure, lowering
of blood sugar and cholesterol, and fight off infections.
Article Source: http://
www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/the-safety-
of-herbal-supplements-472197.html About the Author
Paul Hata is active in various social and
community programs aimed at providing education,health and jobs to all
communities.Paul has over 10 years experience managing successful
multi-million advertising and publishing company.Paul can be reached atEarlyPlanet.com |
