Facts About Herbal Supplements

Q. Why should I use herbal products?

Herbs and herbal products provide real health benefits while maintaining a remarkable safety profile. In fact, the World Health Organization has estimated that 80% of the world's population continues to use traditional therapies, a major part of which are derived from plants, as their primary health care tools. These products are found in the form of teas, tablets, capsules, liquid extracts, and others. We now have ready access to products that bring the herbal traditions from all over the world in a variety of convenient forms.

Q. Are herbal supplement products safe?

Federal law requires that every food product, including herbal supplements, is free of "adulteration" and is not "misbranded." This legal language translates into a requirement that all foods and supplements have a reasonable expectation of safety when offered for sale and when used as directed.

There are so few credible reports of unexpected side effects due to herbal products that most experts consider problems with herbal products to be of only minor concern. Norman Farnsworth, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine, is generally considered to be one of the most respected experts on the scientific research of botanical medicines. In a 1993 article written on the subject of herbal safety, Dr. Farnsworth concluded, "...side effects or toxic reactions associated with herbal medicines in any form are rare. In fact, of all classes of substances reported to cause toxicities of sufficient magnitude to be reported in the United States, plants are the least problematic."

Responsible and informed use by consumers is essential to insure that herbal products maintain their established safety profile. Accurate product labeling must provide consumers with all information that is material to the use of the product.

Q. What is nutraceuticals?

Combining the terms for nutrition and pharmaceutical, the term "nutraceuticals" refers to foods or supplements that provide health and medical benefits.

Q. Should I tell my Doctor that I'm using herbs?

Of course! And because your doctor is, ideally, your primary partner in managing your health, you should insist that your doctor receive that information respectfully. In telling your doctor of your decision to use an herbal product, however, don't be surprised to find that your knowledge of herbs is more advanced.

Q. What about interactions with prescription drugs?

The introduction of synthetic and highly purified drugs is an extremely modern development. As researchers observe the interactions that drugs have with common foods and herbs, surprises continue to surface. For example, about 10 years ago it was found that drinking grapefruit juice increases the serum drug concentration when patients take certain drugs. This effect, which can last for up to hours after consumption, is now thought to inhibit specific enzymatic activities responsible for breaking down the drugs. Similarly, both avocado and leafy vegetables that are high in vitamin K can diminish the effectiveness of blood-thinning drugs. These concerns are not widely known by the public. However, clients with specific medical concerns should consult their private physician before consuming both herbal supplements and prescribed medications.

Q. How effective are Chinese herbs?

Chinese medicinal herbs have been used for thousands of years, much the same as the Europeans relied on Western herbal medicines before modern medicine was born from it. Medicinal herbs have been an important source of natural product drugs and the root of modern pharmacology.

Q. How long do I need to take the herbs?

Many herbal formulas or extracts act to adjust or restore the normal physiological conditions of the body. This is not easily achievable in a few days. Depending on the indications, the herbal supplements must often be taken for an extended period of time before their full benefit is experienced.

* Herbal Products FAQ