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 administration�s 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 prescrembed 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.
Article by: Clem C. Benton, Jr.
http://www.12path.com/cb/Clem/