Herbal supplements have long been known and used for their benefits and healing properties, so many people spend thousands or even millions of rupiah to buy supplements to maintain health and beauty. But does this product really work? Before you buy herbal supplements, make sure you know what’s in them, whether they’re safe, and how they react with other supplements and medications.
Actually, what is herbal supplement? Herbal supplements are products derived from plants and / or oils, roots, seeds, berries or flowers.
Herbal products come in many forms and can be used internally or externally. Some examples of forms of herbal products include; liquid extracts, teas, tablets and capsules, bath salts, oils, ointments.
Some of the herbal supplements and their benefits include:
Ginkgo biloba which functions to maintain memory, garlic which functions to lower blood pressure, or echinacea which functions to prevent colds.
Aloe vera is commonly used topically in burns, psoriasis and osteoarthritis. It can also be used by mouth to treat digestive problems such as ulcers or constipation.
Black cohosh is useful for treating hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and menopausal symptoms. Chamomile is often used to treat insomnia, restlessness, upset stomach, bloating and diarrhea. Often used topically for skin conditions. People with ragweed allergies should watch out.
Peppermint oil: used for digestive problems such as nausea, indigestion, stomach problems and intestinal conditions.
Soybeans: used to treat menopausal symptoms, memory problems and high cholesterol levels. Organic whole soy foods are preferred over soy supplements and processed soy foods such as soy hot dogs.
St. John’s Wort: used to treat depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. NOTE: This herb has many interactions with drugs and other herbal supplements. Consult with your health care provider before taking this supplement.
Tea tree oil: commonly used topically to treat acne, water fleas, nail fungus, wounds, infections, lice, oral yeast infections (thrush), and dandruff.
Are herbal supplements safe for consumption? Herbal supplements are regulated by the FDA, belonging to a category called dietary supplements (not as food or drugs).
The rules for dietary supplements are as follows:
Manufacturers do not need to seek FDA approval before selling dietary supplements. But the FDA is responsible for monitoring the dietary supplements that are on the market. If the FDA finds a product to be unsafe, it can take action against the manufacturer or distributor or both, and can issue a warning or request that the product be withdrawn from the market.
Companies can claim that a product addresses nutritional deficiencies, supports health or is related to bodily functions – if they have supporting research and they include a disclaimer that the FDA has not evaluated those claims.
Companies are not allowed to make certain medical claims. For example, “This herb can lower your blood sugar and replace your diabetes medication .”
Manufacturers must follow good manufacturing practices to ensure that supplements are consistently processed and meet quality standards. These regulations are intended to avoid the wrong ingredients and contaminants from supplements, and ensure that the right ingredients are included in the right amounts.
The FDA’s ability to protect consumers is limited when it comes to dietary supplements. So don’t 100% believe the claims of food supplement manufacturers about the effectiveness or safety of their products. Be a wise buyer by doing research about what you will buy and consume