![]() If symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, or upset stomach, occur, reduce the dosage or stop taking the herbal supplement.īe alert for allergic reactions. Seek out the services of a trained and licensed herbalist or naturopathic doctor who has extensive training in this area. Never exceed the recommended dosage, and seek out information about who should not take the supplement. If you use herbal supplements, follow label instructions carefully and use the prescribed dosage only. Learn as much as you can about the herbs you are taking by consulting your doctor and contacting herbal supplement manufacturers for information. Talk to your doctor before taking herbal supplements.Įducate yourself. Herbal supplements can interact with conventional medicines or have strong effects. Do not self-diagnose. Precautions when choosing herbal supplements 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. Herbal supplements, unlike medicines, are not required to be standardized to ensure batch-to-batch consistency. John's wort might say, "enhances mood," but it cannot claim to treat a specific condition, such as depression. John's wort is a popular herbal supplement thought to be useful for treating depression in some cases. 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.įor example, St. However, herbal supplement labels can't refer to treating specific medical conditions. ![]() You can now see labels that explain how herbs can influence different actions in the body. Therefore, they are not subject to the same testing, manufacturing, and labeling standards and regulations as drugs. The FDA considers herbal supplements foods, not drugs. It is best to consult your doctor about any symptoms or conditions you have and to discuss the use of herbal supplements. Because they are not subject to close scrutiny by the FDA, or other governing agencies, the use of herbal supplements remains controversial. Today, the use of herbal supplements is common among American consumers. The practice of using herbal supplements dates back thousands of years. Swallowed as pills, powders, or tincturesĪpplied to the skin as gels, lotions, or creams Herbal supplements come in all forms: dried, chopped, powdered, capsule, or liquid, and can be used in various ways, including: Herbal supplements may contain entire plants or plant parts. Many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines are also made from plant products, but these products contain only purified ingredients and are regulated by the FDA. Products made from botanicals, or plants, that are used to treat diseases or to maintain health are called herbal products, botanical products, or phytomedicines. A product made from plants and used solely for internal use is called an herbal supplement.
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