Herbal supplements
Herbs are the source of modern medicines: quinine was made from the bark of the cinchona tree, foxglove from digitalis, and aspirin from willow bark, and even today, about 25% of all medicines are made directly from plants.
Herbs have been used as therapeutic agents for hundreds of years. Because herbs are complex in nature, each made up of dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of individual compounds, identifying their active ingredients is no easy task.
Herbs are classified as dietary or nutritional supplements, and because manufacturers cannot claim that their products will cure any disease or relieve any symptoms, herbal labels do not list any specific health benefits.
Side effects
In general, herbs are not as effective as drugs. Herbs have few side effects, but this does not mean that you can take them freely and without worry. Many people mistakenly believe that because herbs are natural, they are harmless. Problems can arise if taken in high doses for a long period of time, and some can cause allergic reactions and other symptoms. Herbs can be very effective, but they must be used responsibly.
Quality and Potency
The quality of herbal remedies depends on many factors: growing season, climate, soil conditions, whether it was grown organically or with pesticides, when it was harvested, storage conditions, and how long it was stored all affect the quality, meaning the potency of the product is not as precise as synthetic medicines.
Herb Interactions
Some herbs interact with medications, other herbs, and foods. For example, garlic and ginkgo biloba may increase the side effects of blood thinners. Echinacea may counteract the effects of immunosuppressants. Siberian ginseng may increase the effects of antibiotics. Valerian may increase the effects of other sedatives.
If you are taking medication, always consult your doctor before using any herbal supplement.
Herbal Tonic
Herbs are sometimes called “miracle drugs” or “tonics.” Miracle drugs target a specific symptom, like valerian for insomnia. They are usually taken only for a short period of time or when symptoms occur.
Tonics act on the whole body or organs. Ginseng slowly strengthens the immune system. Tonics are taken long-term, with occasional breaks. Some herbs have both specific and tonic properties.
strength
Most herbal remedies are sold as capsules or tablets containing dried herbs or standardized extracts. Dried plants lose potency quickly, so you may need to take multiple capsules to get one effective dose. Extracts are made by steeping the herbs in alcohol to extract the chemical components from the plant.
Some products state their strength as a standardized extract of the active ingredients: for example, bilberry contains 25% anthocyanosides, garlic contains 5.4 mg allicin, and ginkgo contains 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides.
Herbal Combinations
There are many single herb as well as combination products available. The advantage of single herbs is that you can choose the one that is right for your symptoms and identify any that cause side effects or allergic reactions.
Combination products may be convenient and inexpensive, but they may not give you all the information you need to make an informed choice. For example, does it contain enough of each herb to get the desired effect? Or does it contain herbs you don’t actually need? Some products combine the key actions of each herb in low doses.
Taking Herbs Safely
- Be informed. Research the herbs you plan to take. Don’t just follow the advice of a friend unless you have experience or specific knowledge about herbs.
- Follow directions on label.
- Some herbs may take several weeks to take effect, so know what to expect and how long to take them.
- Start with the lowest dose and watch for side effects such as rash, nausea, headache, etc. If you experience any side effects, stop taking the herb immediately.
- People over 65 years of age are more sensitive to the drug and should only take lower doses.
- If you are already taking prescription medication, consult with your doctor or appropriate healthcare professional before taking any herbs.
- Compare products by looking at the amount of active ingredients in each product, and take note of the cost and how many capsules you need to take per day.
- Buy quality products from a trusted source. Quality products will have expiration dates, batch numbers, and contact information for the manufacturer if you have any issues or questions.
List of herbs and their health benefits
These herbs are believed to have the following properties:
- Ashwagandha – A commonly used adaptogen for many stress-related conditions
- Bilberry – Improves blood circulation, repairs veins, and prevents arteriosclerosis and poor night vision.
- Cranberries – May Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
- Dill – Contains anti-inflammatory antioxidants
- Evening Primrose Oil – May Prevent Omega-3 Deficiency
- Feverfew – May Prevent Migraines
- Garlic – May lower cholesterol and help prevent cancer
- Ginkgo Biloba – Antioxidant, may improve circulation and memory
- Hawthorn – believed to help prevent heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Juniper – Traditionally used as a diuretic, anti-arthritic, anti-diabetic and antiseptic.
- Ginseng – General tonic, may boost energy
- Licorice Root – May have health benefits, including preventing infections, preventing tooth decay, and relieving stomach discomfort.
- Milk Thistle – May repair liver cells and prevent liver problems
- Nutmeg – Contains antioxidants and microbes. It also boosts the libido in men.
- Oregano – Contains compounds that have been proven to have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Parsley – Rich in Vitamin K, which aids in blood clotting and contributes to bone health.
- Kwashia – Used to treat gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, and lice.
- Rosemary – Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective
- Saw Palmetto – May Prevent Prostate Enlargement
- St. John’s Wort – may help with mild depression
- Turmeric – Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Valerian – Traditionally used to treat insomnia, migraines, fatigue and stomach cramps
- Wormwood – Has a long history of traditional use to relieve inflammation, improve digestion, treat skin infections, and kill parasites such as tapeworms.
- Yarrow – Popular in European folk medicine, it has been used to aid digestion and relieve stomach and menstrual pain.
