To Go Or Not To Go Herbal, That Is The Question…
Many people nowadays are turning to “organics” and “naturals” otherwise known as herbals. The rising popularity of herbal supplements has created a new fad if not a new health lifestyle. But before you join the bandwagon, here are some things you need to know about this mean, “green” dietary supplementing machine.
What is the difference between a drug and a dietary supplement?
According to the definition set by food and drug administrations in different countries, drugs are chemicals that can prevent, prolong the life, treat other effects of a health condition, improve the quality of life, and/or cure ailments and diseases, or alter the function of any part or chemicals inside the body. These drugs have approved therapeutic claims. For example, paracetamol is a drug given to bring down the body temperature in fever. Ascorbic acid is indicated for the treatment of scurvy. Iron supplements are given to treat mild cases of anemia.
Herbal supplements are not classified as drugs but as dietary supplements. The main difference is that they do not have approved therapeutic claims unlike in the case of drugs. Moreover, dietary supplements could either contain vitamins, minerals, herbals, or amino acids, all aimed to add to or supplement the diet of an individual. They are not intended to be taken alone as a substitute to any food or medicine.
Most of the manufactured medicines we now have once came from animals and plants. Through the years, chemists isolated the life-saving or life-curing components and separated them from the harmful ones. This lead to the further drug research and drug development that lead to the production of a different variety of drugs for many ailments and conditions from synthetic sources. But still we have semi-synthetic drugs, as well as drug that more or less approximate more natural composition. Since herbal supplements are made from a mixture of crude herbs reduced into powder or gel form, and later on packaged as tablets and capsules, there is a possibility that life-threatening or at least body chemistry-altering components are still present, thus the expression of concern from the medical community.
Is there a growing concern with the use of herbal supplements?
Yes. With the rising popularity of using and consuming anything herbal or organic is the proliferation of fake herbal supplements that threaten to endanger lives. If that’s the case, then why are herbal supplements given drug administration approvals? One way of ensuring the safety of the people is to have all candidate drugs, food, drinks, and dietary supplements registered with the proper authority. Otherwise, they would pose more risk with these things being sold in the black market for a hefty sum. We could ensure the quality and safety of herbal supplements if they get proper classification with the food and drug administration. Moreover, people may be able to file the proper complaints in the event a worsening of health condition is proven to be linked to the use of a particular herbal supplement.
Is using herbal supplements worth the risk?
Yes. It cannot be discounted that many who have tried herbal supplements experienced an improvement in their health—whether this is due to the herbals themselves or due to a placebo effect, as long as they do not worsen the condition of an individual, then using them is worth the risk. But of course, certain things must be considered before taking those herbal supplements:
Your doctor knows best.
First of all, clear your condition with your doctor. Ask him/her if taking a particular herbal supplement is safe given your health condition. People with heart, liver, or kidney trouble or malfunction, are usually not advised to take these, or at the minimum is to take these herbals in minimum amounts. All substances pass through the liver and kidney to be processed and filtered respectively. Kava, which is used to relieve people from stress, has been pulled out from the Canadian, Singaporean, and German markets because it contains substances that cause liver damage. Certain herbals such as Ephedra used for losing weight, contains chemicals with heart-inducing effects that can increase heart rate, which in turn can exhaust the heart and cause heart attacks in several documented cases by the American Medical Association.
Follow the directions for use.
Never take more herbal supplements than what is directed by the doctor or as instructed on the bottle. Each individual reacts differently to the components of herbal supplements. While it is perfectly safe for one individual to take in a supplement of primrose oil capsules, another person may be allergic to it. So, do not even think about downing one bottle of
It has no approved curative effect.
No matter how the product pamphlet or the label of the bottle sounds about how it has been found to be helpful in certain health conditions, these herbal supplements are not therapeutic. So do not substitute these for the medications prescribed by your doctor for the treatment of certain diseases, or for the maintenance of blood pressure, lowering of blood sugar and cholesterol, and fight off infections.
Other Articles:
"life With Woody" 10 Inspirational Quotes Than Can Improve Yourself
"what Really Makes You Tick?" 10 Questions You Should Ask To Yourself: A Preparation To Self-improvement
"a Piece Of Blarney Stone" 10 Ways To Empower Your Communication
"who's The Boss?" 10 Ways To Start Taking Control (time Management, Goal Setting, Record Tracking)
Put Some Additional Self Improvement Link To Your Site
Happy As You Want To Be
What Innovation Can Do To Your Life
Build Your Self Esteem, A Starter Guide To Self Improvement
Why Coaching Is The Way To Go In Team Management
Helping Your Consumers To Gain More Profits
The Road To Intuition
Why Pay For Home Improvement When You Can Do It Yourself?
Impossible Is Just A Word
Focus On Your Mental And Emotional Side To Gain Self Improvement
Energy Healing 101: Pranic, Tantric, And Reiki
Enjoy Your Life: Change Your Point Of View
Self Improvement Advice Free Of Charge.
Spiritual Growth: The Spiritual Challenge Of Modern Times
Does A Law On Human Attraction Exist?
To Go Or Not To Go Herbal, That Is The Question…
5000 Year-old Medical Secret Unearthed!
Genuine Happiness Comes From Within
Self-hypnosis Towards Self Improvement
Links To Try Out And Be On Your Way To Self-improvement
How To Motivate Yourself Forever
What Are Some Of The Self Improvement Products Available Nowadays?
Women Workshops – What You Want To See What’s Inside And How It Works
"the Way To Wellness" It's Time To Start A Healthy Life: Your 7 Days Program
How To Become An Ideal Leader
Do Yoda Proud: Meditation 101
Motivation, The Heart Of Self Improvement
Your Recommended Daily Allowance For Relaxation
The Powers Of A Positive Attitude
Psychological Self-improvement: Ways To Overcome Fear
Self Esteem Improvement; Start Now Before It Is Too Late
Self Improvement Advice: Meditation
The Essential Keys To Self Improvement And Motivation
What Have You Got To Lose By Reading One More Self Improvement Article?
Highly Recommended Self Improvement Books
How To Maintain Your Self Improvement Course
Self Improvement Guide Worth Reading
How Self-improvement Program Works
Self-improvement Seminar For Good Leaders
Eliminating Your Addiction With Self-help Tapes
Why You Should Get Your Own Self Improvement Video?
Following Your Self Improvement Worksheets By Heart
Self Improvement And Success Go Hand In Hand
Power Through The People
Self Improvement And Success
"the Game Of Life" Start Your Own Coaching: 7 Days Program
Self-improvement Statistics Guide In Decision-making.
Life Is About Choices And The Decisions We Make
Setting Your Goals - Easier Said, Easily Done
Creating Effective And Efficient Relationships
Creative Notions
Unlock Your Self Improvement Power
The Key To A Better Life
Leadership Exposed: Things You Thought You Knew About Leadership
Why Is It Important To Improve Your Self?
"relaxing With A Mental Pda" Your 5 Minutes Daily Program To Stress Management
"enlightenment" Your 7 Days Program To Positive Thinking
"a Better You" Your 7 Days Program To Self-improvement
"have One Week, Will Relax" Your 7 Days Program To Stress Management
