Do you need herbal supplements? People need herbal supplements primarily because they just can’t get all the nutrients they need from their food. Most of us suffer from mineral or vitamin deficiencies of one sort or another. The effects of an increased intake of one nutrient in your body may not be appreciated, not until you start experiencing lesser pains and aches, improved memory, or feel more energized than before you started a supplemental regime. Another major benefit of herbal supplements is that they help a lot in fighting stress. Stress has become a constant factor in causing illness and fatigue. There are also lots of specific cases wherein supplements may be helpful, such as vitamin B and amino acid supplements for vegetarians, and calcium for children. In general, people who seek a more holistic method of taking care of their body almost always need herbal supplements, as well as those who prefer a lifestyle based on natural health.
Thinking of buying some? If you’re thinking of getting herbal supplements, understand first that they are not for everyone. Sure, they may be popular right now, but not all people need to take herbal supplements, you know. That depends on the herb, your current health and your medical history. Like OTC and prescription drugs, herbal supplements have ingredients that have an effect on your body functions. Herbal supplements may be particularly risky for certain individuals. Educate yourself about any products you intend to use before purchasing them, and talk to your doctor about any herbal supplements you’re considering taking.
Are they safe for you? Herbal supplements are not being approved by the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration before being sold, because the FDA is not authorized to do so. Thus, government oversight and consumer protection is very limited when it comes to these products. Buyers must keep in mind that even though these products are supposed to contain what their labels claim, this is not always the case.
However, you can expect certain information to be included on the labels of all herbal supplements. This information includes the name of the supplement, such as St. John’s wort, the net quantity of the contents, ex. 50 capsules, a Supplement Facts panel where you can see serving or dosage sizes and active ingredients, and other ingredients, such as amino acids. You can also see the manufacturer’s name and address on the label or container.
How to buy? In order to ensure that you’re getting the best and the safest herbal supplement products, always look for the U.S. Pharmacopeia’s “USP Dietary Supplement Verified” seal. This indicates that the product has met manufacturing standards for cleanliness, uniformity, and the lack of contaminants such as lead and mercury, or other chemicals. Also look for single-herb products that show how much of the herb each dosage contains, since some products are mixtures of several herbs with unknown proportions of each.
Supplements should not be seen as the answer you’ll need to lean on forever: unlike pharmaceutical drugs, the best supplements are designed to ‘supplement’ a need and teach your body to support itself. Good supplements will not build dependency, but will allow you to grow into a place of better health where you don’t need to use them any more.
Azlan Irda is the co-founder of http://www.4naturalhealing.com, which provides the best and safest natural health products. Visit us for all your natural health needs.
– Azlan Irda