• Is Your Herbal Supplement Safe For You?

For centuries, man has relied on using plants and herbs for treating a number of ailments and diseases. Traditional communities often turned to the village doctor or herbalist, for getting concoctions and mixtures mad from plants to cure colds, fever and an assortment of ailments. It is widely known that many plants synthesize substances that are useful to the maintenance of health in humans and other animals. In many cases, these substances (particularly the alkaloids) serve as plant defense mechanisms against attacks by microorganisms, insects, and herbivores. Many of the herbs and spices used by humans to season food contain useful medicinal compounds. The art of herbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Herbalism is also called in other terms, such as botanical medicine, medicinal botany, medical herbalism, herbal medicine. Branding A Product "Natural" Doesn't Mean It's Truly Safe Consumers have as always been reminded to take extra caution when buying health supplements. They are advised to not simply buy a product because it's being marketed as being "natural", and is truly safe and doesn't have any side effects. Some natural products may also pose direct health hazards. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration recently asked companies marketing products containing the herb comfrey to remove them from the market because comfrey contains substances known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids that might cause liver damage when ingested. Buy The Right Product Uisng a herbal supplement must also be considered in light of your own medical needs. You may, for example, have a condition that would be better treated with a prescription medicines rather than a supplement which you can choose on your own. It is noted that some herbal treatments may interact with other medications. Allergic reactions, too, are a potential threat. To substantially reduce the possibility of these problems, consider discussing your plans to use a particular herbal supplement with your doctor before you begin taking it. Also keep your doctor informed of any herbal supplements you eventually decide to take. Using herbal supplements is an important part of your overall medical record.Obtain Reliable information On A Supplement's EffectivenessVerifying, and looking for unbiased information regarding a particular herb or supplement is a good idea. Herbal medicine magazines journals, encyclopedias, and other references available in local libraries are good sources of credible information. However, it is not a good idea to simply rely on package labels. In the United States, makers of herbal and botanical products as well as other supplements do not have to prove that their product is either safe or effective before they sell it. While a manufacturer is basically discouraged from making specific claims such as "this product will cure cancer", broader statements like these may be made on the basis of very little, or no evidence.Another wise option would be to log on to the website, ConsumerLab.com. In this site, you can find results of independent laboratory analyses made on many herbal supplements. ConsumerLab analyzes a number of specific herbal products to verify whether or not they contain the appropriate amount of active ingredient/s stated on the package label. In addition, also remember that no supplement can take the place of healthful habits, or reverse the negative effects of poor choices.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor

http://primeherbal.com