Herbal Supplements and Their Benefits

Introduction:

Herbs are plants or parts of plants used to treat illness and maintain health by preventing diseases. Nowadays, the herbal health products or supplements industry is big business. A dietary supplement containing one or more herbs is known as an herbal health product. These supplements are available in many forms, which include tea bags, tablets, capsules, liquids, and powders that have substantial effects on the body and are not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) because herbal supplements are considered a portion of food but not drugs. Garlic, ginkgo, saw palmetto, st.John's wort, black cohosh, and echinacea are a few common examples of herbal health products or supplements.

What Are the Different Forms of Herbal Supplements?

Herbal products are used internally or externally, and it is present in different forms, including:

• Teas.

• Tablets and capsules.

• Ointments.

• Oils.

• Bath salts.

• Liquid extracts.

What Are the Uses of Some Herbal Supplements?

There are several different uses for herbal supplements. Given below are a few examples:

• Black Cohosh: It treats vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, and menopause symptoms.

• Echinacea: It is used to fight cold and flu symptoms.

• Tea Tree Oil: This oil is used topically to treat various conditions, which include nail fungus, wounds, infections, lice, oral yeast infections, cold sores, dandruff, athlete's foot, and acne.

• St. John's Wort: A healthcare provider should be consulted before starting this supplement because it has many other herbs and drug interactions and treats depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

• Chamomile: Individuals with ragweed allergy should be cautious as it is mainly used topically for the skin condition. It treats anxiety, upset stomach, gas, diarrhea, and insomnia.

• Ginkgo: This herb treats tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and memory problems for enhancing sexual drive and performance. People showing side effects with antidepressant medication can use this herb and antidepressant SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). However, individuals on blood thinners should consult a healthcare provider before starting this.

• Aloe Vera: Besides being commonly used for psoriasis, osteoarthritis, and burns, this plant is also effective for treating digestive problems, including gastritis or constipation, when taken orally.

• Soy: Soy supplements are from organic whole soy foods, soy hot dogs, and processed soy foods. Generally, it is used to treat memory problems, menopausal symptoms, and high cholesterol levels.

• Peppermint Oil: Digestion problems like nausea, bowel condition, indigestion, and stomach problems are treated with the help of this herb.

• Flax Seeds: A rice source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, it is used to lower cholesterol levels.

What Are the Benefits of Herbal Supplements?

The benefits of herbal supplements are given below:

• It Gives Symptomatic Relief to an Individual: Especially while fighting allergies, herbal supplements will provide symptomatic relief and also help to boost immunity without any side effects.

• Herbal Supplements Are Cost-Effective: Herbal supplements are expensive, pocket-friendly, and can be purchased without a doctor's prescription. The main advantage of this is it is more affordable.

• Readily Available to Everyone: Top-rated supplements are herbal supplements made of basil, turmeric, honey, garlic, ginseng, amla, peppermint, chamomile, and licorice. It can treat cough, cold, flu, inflammation, and pain and are readily available to everyone without any prescription.

• It Reduces the Risk of Side Effects: Generally, herbs have fewer side effects, even when used longer to improve overall wellness. It is a well-known fact that people have allergies to prescription drugs; however, most people can tolerate herbal supplements except for a few.

• It Helps to Treat Chronic Conditions: Some of the chronic conditions treated by herbal supplements are:

  1. Infertility issues are treated by using Shatavari, made from widely used supplements.

  2. Blood sugar levels are controlled by using pepper and fenugreek tablets.

  3. Lotus stem is used for good cardiovascular health.

  4. Garcinia Cambogia is used to overcome obesity.

How Do Herbal Supplements Improve Health?

• Herbal supplements can be used to maintain health and treat health problems.

• However, they are not regulated by the FDA, as it is considered as part of food and not as drugs.

• A label on herbal supplements will provide information on the benefits and mode of usage, but it will not help to treat a disease or illness.

• The National Institute of Health guides how specific herbs and supplements are used.

• People usually take these herbs in different ways to treat other diseases like:

  1. Diabetes, loss of appetite, and gastrointestinal problems are treated with cinnamon.

  2. To improve sleep quality and to reduce anxiety, gastrointestinal conditions are treated with chamomile.

  3. To reduce stress, boost the immune system, and improve digestion American ginseng was used.

How to Determine the Safety of Herbal Supplements Usage?

• In earlier days, herbal products manufacturers could prove the safety of their products once they reached the market. However, the FDA and other such agencies currently take responsibility for monitoring product safety before it comes to consumers.

• Sometimes people use prescribed medicines and herbal supplements, resulting in serious health problems due to drug interactions.

• Some herbs and supplements are known to be dangerous in combination with the drugs or on their own. Use and consumption of supplements should be avoided without medical advice from a healthcare provider. For example, vitamin K interferes with Warfarin's efficacy, so high vitamin K levels are problematic. Foods containing high amounts of vitamin K, including asparagus, frozen peas, brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, okra, etc., should be taken cautiously on Warfarin and advised to avoid vitamin K foods.

• So people should talk to their healthcare provider about adjusting the dose based on how much vitamin K is in the diet.

• Some herbs and supplements are known to be dangerous in combination with the drugs or on their own and should be avoided without a thorough medical advisory:

  1. Arnica (Arnica montana).

  2. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa).

  3. Aloe.

  4. Ginger.

  5. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium).

  6. Nettle (Urtica dioica).

  7. Ginseng.

  8. Beta carotene.

Conclusion:

Most importantly, if an individual desires to start on herbal supplements, instructions should be followed and stay within the recommended dosages. Strict adherence to dosage and period of intake of herbal supplements should be followed. Avoid consuming supplements unnecessarily or without authorized supervision. The herbal supplement products are regulated and reviewed under the FDA, as sometimes dangerous adverse effects have been observed. Therefore it is advisable to check the information on FDA websites periodically to keep up with their updates.