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
administrations 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
prescribed 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.
Find out what your Doctor is not telling you here.
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