SMCI Media Herbal360 Education Master Log in | Register

Herbal supplements: Know what you must before you buy

Published On: January 2, 2010, 1:45 am

Herbal supplements: Know what you must before you buy By Ishpreet Bindra
The use of herbal supplements is on a rise like never before. With a mega change in lifestyle today, people are experiencing varied health problems. These might be stemming from an array of factors like – stress, pollution, adulteration and even environmental changes. For their general wellbeing and often even specific ailments, many are turning to herbal supplements. However, it is vital to know that all herbal supplements are not for all people.
 
Each one of us has a different body in terms of needs and ailments. What suits one may not necessarily suit another. Also, many myths and misconceptions shroud herbal supplements and it is therefore, important to get our facts straight before indulging in these natural treatments.
 
Here’s a list of ‘must knows’ about herbal supplements before you think of using them -
 
  • Herbal supplements also known as ‘botanicals’ are not governed by laws as strictly as allopathic medicines are. They also do not have much checks and regulations related to them.
  • Herbal supplements are regulated by the FDA as dietary supplements and can therefore, be marketed by manufacturers without the FDA’s evaluation with a small notice saying the same.
  • Manufacturers are supposed to follow good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and in the absence of this the FDA can withdraw the product from the market if found unsafe.
  • A herbal product may have drug like effects, leading to sleepiness, drowsiness or headaches and vomiting.
  • A wrong combination of herbal supplements or their combination with other medication may lead to a life threatening situation.
  • Not all herbal supplements are safe for pregnant women, patients with heart ailments and those suffering from chronic diseases.
  • Not all herbal supplements are safe during breast feeding and may adversely affect the baby via feed, despite being labelled “natural”.
  • Herbal supplement are also capable of adversely affecting the body in case of a post surgery situation. Also some herbs can mitigate the effects of anaesthesia prior to the surgery.
  • It is vital for a consumer to know that the FDA mandates information regarding the names of the - supplement, manufacturer, distributor, ingredients; the serving size, amount and list of active ingredients to be on the bottle.
  • Few herbal supplements are safe for below 18 and over 65 years old individuals.
 
‘Must dos’ before you buy a herbal supplement –
 
  • Always consult a medical practitioner before taking herbal supplements.
  • Enquire about their benefits and side effects from the practitioner or the retailer.
  • Read the disclaimer carefully. The product may or may not be FDA evaluated.
  • Discuss your medical history and condition in detail so that your doctor can prescribe an appropriate supplement.
  • Always tell your doctor about your allergies, to keep herbal supplements with harmful ingredients at bay.
  • Tell your doctor about your herbal medication prior to a surgery to avoid high blood pressure or interference of any sort with the proceedings of the surgery.
  • Be a savvy customer and do a market research before buying the product. Do not go by the herbal supplement’s claims in its advertisement. Read reviews.
  • Never exceed the recommended dosage or the period of consumption.
  • Avoid taking too many supplements at a time.
  • Always take from trustworthy brands, avoid medications from quacks and local made products. These may be toxic and harmfully adulterated.
  • Check the latest on FDA sites to know the products which have been banned or discontinued or removed from the market.
 
Staying well informed and alert is the best way to go about when it comes to herbal products. For, it’s better to be prepared now rather than be sorry later.

»