Many people nowadays are turning to what we know as “organics” and “naturals” or otherwise known as herbals. The rising popularity of herbal supplements has created a new fad,if you will,if not a new health lifestyle. But before you join the "proverbial" bandwagon, here are some things you need to know about this dietary supplement.
What really is the difference between a drug and a dietary supplement?
According to the definition of drugs as set by food and drug administrations in different countries, drugs are defined as 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 may have approved therapeutic claims. As an example we can cite, paracetamol. This is a drug given to lower the body temperature in fever. Ascorbic acid is commonly used for the treatment of scurvy. Iron supplements are also used at times to treat mild cases of anemia when it occurs.
Herbal supplements are actually not classified as drugs really but as dietary supplements. The main difference between herbal supplements and drugs 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 geared 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 but are to be used in conjunction with regular foods.
It is important to note that most of the manufactured medicines we now have once came from animals and plants. Over time skilled chemists isolated the life-saving or life-curing components and separated them from the harmful ones. This facilitated further drug research and drug development that lead to the production of a variety of drugs for many ailments and conditions from synthetic sources. Please keep in mind that Herbal supplements are made from a mixture of crude herbs reduced into powder or gel form, and later on packaged as tablets, liquid and capsules, there is a possibility that life-threatening or at least body chemistry-altering components are still present. Additionally, bacteria may also be present in the herbs are they may at times not be adequately treated/sanitized when produced, thus the need for 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 this is the case, then why you may ask are herbal supplements given drug administration approvals? This is 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. 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. Yes this allows for some measure of regulation as far as the distribution and use of herbs is concerned.
Are 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 either due to the herbs 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. Many herbalists will also tell you that herbs are not miracle pills. For every year that the illness or condition existed in the individual, at least one month of Treatment of the recommended herbs are to be administered to benefit from it. But of course, certain things must be considered before taking any herbal supplement:
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 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. Certain herbs 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.
Always 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 may react differently to the components of herbal supplements. While it may be perfectly safe for one individual to take in a supplement, another person may be allergic to it with grave consequences.
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 your doctor prescribed regimen of drugs for the treatment of certain diseases, or for the control of blood pressure, lowering of blood sugar and cholesterol levels and to fight off infections.
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