Herb Supplements: Education is Key

View PDF | Print View
by: bsullivan
Total views: 19
Word Count: 589
Date: Tue, 17 May 2011 Time: 12:15 PM
0 comments

There is a growing population of people who are turning to teas made from herbs and other plants because they think these products are natural and harmless to cure various disorders or to achieve optimal health and well being.

Since herbs are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it's up to the user to educate him or herself on the pros and cons. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their safety and effectiveness prior to being marketed. However, if the FDA determines that an ingredient in an herbal supplement is harmful, it can remove it from the market.

The FDA permits herbal supplement manufacturers to include certain structure/function claims on the product's label. For example, the claim, "Maintains a healthy circulatory system" to describe how the supplement may affect the body is within guidelines. However, unless given prior FDA approval, herbal supplement manufacturers may not indicate on a label that a supplement can prevent, diagnose, treat, improve or cure a specific disease.

Results of some clinical studies do indicate that some herbs can provide measurable physical benefits such as reducing inflammation, improving urine flow and increasing alertness.

Popular Herbal Supplements

Below is a list of 10 common herbal supplements and associated risks and uses. This table is from "Essential Concepts for Healthy Living," Fourth Edition.



St. John's Wort Relieves depression: Can reduce milt to moderate depression symptoms; no value for major depression Can interfere with birth control pills and other prescribed medicines, increase sensitivity to light and cause stomach upset

Saw Palmetto: Improves urine flow May reduce symptoms of prostate enlargement that are not caused by cancer May interfere with PSA test to detect prostate cancer

Feverfew: Relieves headaches, fever and arthritis pain Contains a chemical that may prevent migraines or reduce their severity May cause dangerous interaction with aspirin or Coumadin (prescribed drug)

Echinacea: Prevents colds and influenza Does not prevent cols or reduce their severity May cause allergic response and be a liver toxin

Ginko Biloba Enhances memory and sense of well being; prevents dementia May mildly improve mental performance, but is ineffective for treatment of Alzheimer's Disease May interfere with normal blood clotting, cause intestinal upset, and increase blood pressure

Ginseng: Enhances sexual, mental and exercise performance; increases energy; relieves stress and depression Has no mood enhancing effects. Asian ginsengs may improve immune system functioning and reduce fatigue. Lack of scientific findings to support benefits in humans. Can cause "jitters," insomnia, hypertension, and diarrhea and can be addictive; can be contaminated with pesticides and the toxic material mineral lead.

Yohimbe: Enhances muscle development and sexual performance Dilate blood vessels but has no beneficial effects on muscle growth or sex drive in humans Can produce abnormal behavior, high blood pressure and heart attacks.

Ma huang (ephedra): Enhances weight loss and muscle growth Increase heart rate and blood pressure, contains stimulant ephedrine Has been linked to headaches, heart attacks, strokes and deaths.

Guarana: Boosts energy and enhances weight loss Acts as stimulant drug May cause nausea, anxiety, and irregular heartbeat.

Kava: Relieves anxiety and induces sleep Acts as depressant drug May cause serious liver damage; do not use when driving

Asheville, NC Chiropractor Shares Thoughts

Dr. David Nygaard of Atlas Family Chiropractic in Asheville, NC says that, "Most people who use alternative medicinal therapies choose them to complement rather than replace conventional treatments."
Like using any alternative therapy, such as chiropractic care, discuss options with your healthcare provider. Determine risks and side effects. Education is key.

For more information please visit:
http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net

About the Author

Bryan Sullivan is the Executive Vice President of Write Away, Inc. - Editorial and content firm based in Weaverville, NC. He was Editor of Grilled Magazine. He also often writes for regional & national publications about local history, farming, culture and food. He graduated with a degree in communications from Alfred University in New York State and then went on to attend culinary school in NYC where he graduated in the top percent of his class. He proceeded to work in high-end restaurants in New York City, Martha's Vineyard, MA and Naples, FL. Bryan currently lives in Asheville, NC with Liisa his wife and their Black Lab, Annie.

For more information please visit:
http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net