We all know how the right herb can add new life to a
recipe. And medical research indicates that some herbs may
have the same effect on us.
The popular herbal potions of today promise better sleep,
less fatigue, reduced anxiety, even help in the battle
against depression. And the herbal answers to these
ailments are nothing new.
History of Herbal Supplements
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.
Herbs 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, fatigue, even the
common cold.
The category "herb" includes any plant with culinary or
medicinal value. That includes the botanicals we associate
with contemporary 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 is 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 is 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": 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, and 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.
Common Herbs and Their Uses
Cellasene
"For health and beauty," Greenwood Robinson says, "the big
news in herbal supplements is a category I call cellulite
control supplements.
Greenwood Robinson discusses the merits of this herb in her
book, The Cellulite Breakthrough. Cellasene, Greenwood
Robinson says, contains a mixture of herbs with multiple
benefits, one of which is to improve "microcirculation" in
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 (and 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
Long hailed as a natural antibiotic, garlic can stimulate
the immune system, so it is 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.
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 it is often used
for dieting and appetite suppression.
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 ius 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 be careful. Possible side
effects include breast tenderness and high blood pressure.
HTP (hydroxytryptophan)
HTP is a popular supplement in the United States for its
ability to reduce anxiety, depression and insomnia. Some
experts say this herb might help control obesity, too.
Kava
Kava Kava is also prescribed for everyday anxiety, as well
as for 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.
Susie Cortright is the founder of
http://www.susies-
where you can win free gift certificates for top online
stores. Get current Vitamin Shoppe coupons, too:
http://www.momscape
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Herbs for Health: What You Need to Know About Herbal Supplements
