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Herbs may be popular, but are they for you? That depends on the herb and your specific health needs. If you're thinking about using herbal supplements, consider the following advice:
Educate yourself about the herbal products you intend to use. Herbal products have active ingredients that can affect how your body functions, in the same way as over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs can. Also, pay attention to the recommended dosages and don't exceed them.
Tell your doctor what you're taking. Some herbs have a toxic effect when mixed with other prescription and OTC drugs. Be sure you don't have an underlying medical condition for which proven medical treatment is already available.
Keep track of what you take. Take one type of supplement at a time. Make a note of what you take, how much and how it affects you. Does it do what it claims to do? Do you experience any side effects, such as drowsiness, sleeplessness, headache or nausea?
Read the label for content. Not all brands are of the same quality. Look for the letters USP (United States Pharmacopeia) or NF (National Formulary) as an indicator that the supplement's manufacturer abided by the standards set by the testing organization, United States Pharmacopeia. The USP designation means that the herb has an approved use and was manufactured according to certain standards. The NF designation means that the herb does not have a USP-approved use but has been produced according to the same standards of quality and purity.
Don't take any herbs if you're pregnant or breast-feeding. As a general rule, you shouldn't take any medications - prescription, OTC or herbal - when you're pregnant or breast-feeding unless your doctor approves. Medications that may be safe for you as an adult may be harmful to your fetus or your breast-feeding infant.
Don't expect immediate results. Read the label to find out how long you must take an herb before you can expect it to work. This will vary depending on the herb.
Be extremely cautious about taking herbs manufactured or purchased outside the United States. On one hand, many European herbs are highly regulated and standardized. On the other hand, toxic ingredients - including lead, mercury and arsenic - as well as prescription drugs such as prednisone, have been found in some herbal supplements manufactured in other countries, particularly China and India.
| When to complement conventional medicine |
Ideally, complementary therapies and conventional medicine should work together - because no single approach can address every aspect of a health problem. If you choose to use herbal products, consider using them to maintain good health and to relieve symptoms. Continue to rely on conventional medicine to diagnose a problem and to treat the source of the disease. In addition, seek conventional treatment if you have a sudden, severe or life-threatening health problem.
| The search for the truth |
How do you separate fact from fiction when evaluating herbal remedies? It's not easy. Because the Food and Drug Administration has only limited regulatory oversight for herbal supplements, their quality and strength vary among different brands and even from batch to batch. Stick with familiar manufacturers and choose brands that say on the label that they contain standardized amounts of ingredients.
However, your best resource may be your own doctor. Although some physicians may be reluctant to support the use of herbs, don't assume your own physician will be unhelpful. Your doctor may be able to tell you which herbs are safe and possibly effective and which aren't.
If you have serious side effects or become ill from taking an herbal remedy, call your doctor. You or your doctor should also report the problem to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Call 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088) or go to the FDA's MedWatch Web site .
When you call, they'll ask for:
Name, address and telephone number of the person who became ill
Name and address of the doctor or hospital providing medical treatment for
the illness
Description of the problem
Name of the herbal product and store where you bought it
Also, contact the manufacturer or distributor listed on the product label as well as the store where you bought the herbal remedy. If possible, provide them with the lot number listed on the box or bottle.
The bottom line is most supplement manufacturers are responsible and careful. But, as with any product, you should proceed with caution.
Some herbal supplements are dangerous. Five herbs that the FDA advises you
not to take in any amount or form are belladonna, broom, comfrey, lobelia
and pennyroyal.
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