Herbal Medicine

What are herbal supplements?

Herbal supplements are products made from plants for use in treating illness, managing symptoms, and promoting wellness.

Many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are also made from plant derivatives, but these products contain purified ingredients and are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In contrast, herbal supplements may contain entire plants or plant parts. Also, the FDA considers them food rather than drugs, therefore, they are not subject to the same regulations as drugs.

Herbal supplements come in many forms: dried, chopped, powdered, capsule, or liquid, and can be used in various ways, including:

• swallowed as pills
• brewed as tea
• applied to the skin as gels
• added to bath water

The practice of using herbal supplements dates back thousands of years. Today, there is a resurgence in the use of herbal supplements among American consumers. Because herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA, their use remains controversial. It is best to consult your physician before using any herbal supplements.

The FDA and herbal supplements:

Herbal supplements are considered foods, not drugs, by the FDA and, therefore, are not subject to the same testing, manufacturing, and labeling standards as drugs.

Until 1994, the FDA disallowed manufacturers to make any health claims for their herbal products. In late 1994, Congress passed the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act (DSHEA) which allowed manufacturers to make "healthful" claims about their products, although it prohibited claims regarding specific medical conditions.

In January 2000, the FDA updated the laws governing the labeling of herbal supplements, so now consumers can see labels that explain how herbs can influence different actions in the body. However, herbal supplement labels still cannot say anything about treating specific medical conditions, because herbal supplements are not subject to clinical trials or to the same manufacturing standards as prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

For example, St. John''s wort is a popular herbal supplement thought to be useful for treating mild depression. A product label on St. John''s wort might read "enhances mood," but it cannot read "treats depression" becasue it has not been subjected to the extensive clinical testing of drugs as required by the FDA.

Precautions when choosing herbal supplements:

Do not self-diagnose. Consult your physician before taking herbal supplements.

• Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about the herbs you are taking by consulting your physician and contacting herbal supplement manufacturers for information.
  
  
• If you use herbal supplements, follow label instructions carefully and take the prescribed dosage only. Never exceed the recommended dosage, and always seek out information about contraindications.
  
  
• Watch for side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, or upset stomach. If such symptoms occur, reduce the dosage or stop taking the herbal supplement.
  
  
• Be alert for allergic reactions. A severe allergic reaction can cause difficulty 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 web 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. Consult your physician to discuss specific medical conditions or symptoms that you might be experiencing. Do not self-diagnose, and consult your physician before taking any herbal supplements.

It is important to remember that herbal supplements are not subject to regulation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and, therefore, may not have been clinically tested to prove their effectiveness in the treatment or management of medical conditions. Consult your physician about symptoms you are experiencing and discuss herbal supplements before beginning use.