Organic and natural supplements are no longer simply fads; they have become ways of life. Many people are looking upon these herbal supplements as a way of life. However, are these green foods really any good? Here’s what you should know beforehand.
Differences between Medicinal Drugs and Herbal Supplements
Drugs are defined as chemicals that can prevent some unhealthy condition in the body or can treat the condition, or enhance the quality of life in some manner, or lengthen the span of life. They are drugs that have known results and effects in medicinal therapy. A popular example is acetaminophen, which is an anti-pyretic, i.e. a drug given for reducing fevers. Another example is the drug ascorbic acid given in the treatment of scurvy. Anemia is treated with supplementary drugs containing iron.
Herbal supplements are not exactly drugs. They are supplements that are taken along with foods, i.e. dietary supplements. The most important difference is that the herbal supplements do not have any kinds of proven therapeutic results like the drugs have. Rather than helping to treat a diseased condition, these herbal supplements are used for aiding the diet of the person. None of these herbal supplements are meant to be taken in isolation, and neither are they considered to be substitutes of anything.
The natural supplements that we hear of today are all of organic origin; i.e. they have come from the bodies of plants and animals. Herbal science is a science that has been perfected since millennia; scientists and experts have spent years and years trying to find out which herbs are good for the body and which are not. Today, there are specific herbal supplements known that can aid specific human body conditions. There are also semi-synthetic drugs that have a blend of therapeutic drugs and herbal supplements. These herbal medicines are usually a mixture of some herbs and are formulated as gels, powders, tablets or capsules. Though the herbal science has vastly improved in recent times, there are still possibilities that some of these ingredients might alter the compositions of the body. That is the reason for most of the flak that they get.
Are People Concerned about using Herbal Supplements?
The definite answer to this has to be ‘yes’. There are things not yet known about herbal supplements, and then there is a lot of adulteration going on too. These are potential threats to life. But even then herbal supplements are getting approvals from the food and drug administering bodies around us. We can assume that these herbal supplements are safe to use. We must look out for the proper approval from the proper bodies before using these supplements. That is a way to ensure their safety. Approval from the authorities means they meet the quality and quantity standards. Also, if there are problems, there could be a way for complaining.
Should Herbal Supplements be used despite the Risk?
Again, the answer would be ‘yes’. The number of people who have claimed health benefits after herbal supplement use is too big to ignore. Of course, a placebo effect cannot be discounted, but still we must commend the fact that the health condition did show improvements. That is why using herbal supplements is worth the risk. Yet, there are precautions that need to be observed before the use, and even the doctor’s advice needs to be taken.
Follow the Doctor.
Your doctor will definitely be your best guide in this. Ask your doctor if an herbal supplement will be okay for your physical condition. For some people with cardiac, renal and liver problems, herbal supplements might not be advisable, or there could be added restrictions in their use. That is because the herbal supplements will have to pass through the liver and the kidneys. One example of a restricted herbal supplement is kava, a stress-reliever, which has been banned for use in Canada, Germany and Singapore because of the potentially liver damaging ingredients that is possesses. Another example is Ephedra, a weight-loss herbal supplement, which has proven to contain chemicals that affect the rate of heartbeat that can also culminate into seizures. The AMA (American Medical Association) actually has some recorded cases of problems brought on due to the use of Ephedra.
Be Particular about the Directions and Dosage.
Herbal supplements should never be taken in excess of what is indicated. That is because every one of us will react in a different way to these herbal supplements. Take an example of the primrose oil capsules. Though these capsules could be safe for most of us, some individuals might be allergic to them. Do not go in excess of what is advised; it could have harmful repercussions.
Herbal Supplements do not have Approved Curative Effects.
There is a lot of hype about herbal supplements, but the truth of the matter is that they might not be as effective as they are hyped up to be. The advertising might always sound too good to be true. That is the reason why you should not be in a hurry to stop the medication your doctor has put you on and follow the herbal supplements. For some conditions, like blood pressure problems, lowering of sugar and cholesterol contents in the blood and in infections, this is definitely very much ill-advised.
