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Herbs for Health: Information on Herbal Supplements
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We all know how the right herb can add new life to a recipe, and research
indicates those herbs might have the same effect on us.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could bottle energy--in a safe, healthy and natural
form? Some of today's most popular herbal supplements promise better sleep, less
fatigue, reduced anxiety, even help in the battle against depression. And
the herbal answers to these common ailments are nothing new.
History of Herbs for Health
Herbal medicine is rooted in ancient traditions. Texts dating back to 2500 BC
speak of the ability of herbal remedies to restore harmony to an imbalanced,
unhealthy body.
Garlic and juniper have been common medicines for about 4,000 years. Research
suggests that Egyptians in the era of Ramses III used poppy extracts to calm
children.
It wasn't until the 1700s that herbalists sought to identify the individual
chemicals in the plants. Once separated from the plant itself, these compounds
took on new properties. In the last 150 years, these compounds have been used to
create pharmaceutical drugs.
Herbal Supplements Today
Today, herbal supplements comprise an industry all their own. According to a
recent poll, about 60 million adults take herbal supplements. Proponents say
they can help with everything from chronic illnesses to more mundane complaints,
such as insomnia, headaches, and fatigue…even the common cold.
The category "herb" includes any plant with culinary or medicinal value. That
includes the botanicals we associate with today's pharmaceuticals, as well as
the herbal supplements we purchase, and, of course, the herbs we use to enhance
the flavor of our food, such as garlic and sage. Today, the practice of a
western herbalist primarily draws on 150 to 200 plants.
Because herbs are promoted as all-natural, alternative medicines, consumers tend
to think of them more as vitamins than as actual drugs. But experts say these
botanical remedies are just as—or more—potent, than their pharmaceutical
counterparts, so it's important to exercise caution.
Herbal supplements do not have to meet the same federal regulations that other
drugs do. That means potency, purity, and safety are not necessarily consistent
from brand to brand. It's important to talk with your doctor before starting to
take any supplement.
Maggie Greenwood-Robinson, PhD., author of Kava: The Ultimate Guide to Nature's
Anti-Stress Herb, recommends buying herbal supplements only from a well-known
and trusted manufacturer.
"Herbal products vary in potency due to a number of factors, one of which is the
original plant itself," she says. "It may have more or less of the active
ingredients than other members of the crop. The extraction process varies, too,
and may affect potency. A consumer interested in purchasing herbal supplements
should do so on the basis of manufacturer reputation."
Cautions
According to the International Food Information Council, the FDA has listed the
following herbal supplements as "risky:" Ephedra, chaparral, comfrey, DHEA,
dieter's tea with senna, aloe, rhubarb root, buckthorn, cascara, caster oil,
penny royal, and sassafras.
Greenwood-Robinson says some of us should stay away from herbs altogether.
"Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should avoid herbs. If there are herbs in the
home, they should be kept out of the reach of children, just as you would keep
medicines out of reach," she says. And she does not recommend herbal remedies
for children.
Mothers trying to conceive should avoid echinacea purpura, St. John's wort, and
gingko biloba. Recent research indicates a possible connection between these
herbals and infertility.
Ask your doctor for information on dosages for herbal supplements, as well as
possible interactions with other drugs. If the manufacturer is a trusted one,
follow the recommended dosages on the label. Do not exceed them.
If the supplement you choose provides a dosage range on the label, always begin
with the smallest dose, and stop taking the supplement immediately if you sense
any sort of allergic reaction, which can range from hives to difficulty
breathing.
Herbs for moms
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Vitamin Shoppe..]
Cellasene
"For health and beauty," Greenwood-Robinson says, "the big news in herbal
supplements is a category I call cellulite-control supplements." r />
GrGreenwood-Robinson discusses the merits of this herb in her forthcoming
book, The Cellulite Breakthrough. Cellasene, Greenwood-Robinson says, contains a
mixture of herbs with multiple benefits—one of which is to improve
'microcirculation,' the network of tiny vessels in the body. Poor
microcirculation is thought to contribute to the development and progression of
cellulite."
Echinacea
"Sipping a cup of Echinacea tea may put cold symptoms on the run, or even
shorten the course of a cold," Greenwood-Robinson says. Research shows that the
herb is effective in stimulating the immune system for its fight against viruses
and bacteria." Echinacea is potent, and many experts don't recommend it for
prolonged use (some researchers caution against taking Echinacea for more than
10 days.)
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)
Hailed as a beauty herb, this supplement claims to help you grow healthy skin,
hair, and nails. Other studies show it can help alleviate premenstrual
syndrome.
Garlic
Research shows that garlic may help improve cholesterol levels and protect
against breast cancer. Long hailed as a natural antibiotic, garlic can stimulate
the immune system, so it's a popular supplement among those wishing to ward of
colds and bronchitis. Research suggests garlic may help prevent bacterial or
fungal infections, including yeast infections, as well.
Garcinia cambogia
Also known as HCA (hydroxycitric acid), this supplement is found predominately
in a particular Southeast Asian fruit. The extract is similar to citric acid,
and Greenwood-Robinson says it's a good choice for dieting and appetite
suppression. "Scientific research shows it tames the appetite and may aid in
fat-burning."
Ginger
Like garlic, ginger is a culinary herb as well as a medicinal herb, so it is
considered extremely safe. Experts say this herb, grown primarily in India,
China, and Mexico, may help everything from chemotherapy suffering to painful
menstruation. But it's best known as an aid for digestion. "It is a near-cure
for nausea and works quite fast," Greenwood-Robinson says. "It is also an
excellent anti-inflammatory herb that is effective in treating various types of
headaches, as well as joint pain."
Gingko biloba
This is one of the most prescribed herbals in Europe. Its popularity has surged
in the United States, as well. Experts say it improves blood circulation
throughout the body. This enhanced circulation in the brain aids concentration
and memory.
Ginseng
Both varieties of ginseng (Panax and Siberian ginseng) have a solid reputation
for energy enhancement. This herb can be taken on a daily basis, but exercise
caution. Possible side effects include breast tenderness and high blood
pressure.
Kava
Kava Kava is also prescribed for everyday anxiety, as well as painful menstrual
cramps. Experts say it can help with insomnia, too.
St. John's Wort
The flower of this plant blooms around St. John's day, and when you squeeze the
flowers, out comes a red pigment, which is associated with the blood of St. John
the Baptist. In the United States, this herb is best- known for its ability to
improve mood and diminish anxiety, and it is often prescribed in Germany for
anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders
Reminder: this article is a compilation of recent research on herbal
supplements. If you think herbals are right for you, discuss the matter
with your physician.
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