Herbal medicines or supplements are natural compounds from the leaves, bark, roots, seeds, or flowers of plants that people can use for medicinal purposes. They may offer therapeutic benefits when people use them as complementary medicine.
Medicinal plants contain active ingredients from natural plants. Their usage traced back thousands of years, even before the invention of conventional medicine.
While many people prefer herbal remedies to certain doctor-prescribed medications, others may use them in combination with prescription and over-the-counter medications.
This article describes the different types of medicinal plants, their uses, safety precautions, and when to contact a doctor.
They are part of a category treatments called complementary and alternative medicine. Currently, thousands of herbal medicinal products are available over the counter in the United States.
Looking for a
- treat mild and moderate conditions
- start treatment before taking conventional medicine
Other common uses include:
However, a 2017 report published in the Patient Experience Journal notes that factors associated with the use of medicinal plants include:
- age over 70
- high school diplomas
- use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications
- using a mail order pharmacy
THE
How a person takes herbal supplements depends on the form. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules, teas, powders, extracts and fresh or dried plants.
A person can take herbal supplements by:
- swallow them as pills, powders, or tinctures
- apply them to the skin in the form of gels and lotions
- add them to the bath water
- drink them as teas
Dosages for some herbal supplements can be difficult to obtain. Many factors can affect the quality of herbal supplements, including growing conditions, age, and preparation of the plant.
As a result, there is no standardized method for providing correct dosage. If a person is considering taking an herbal supplement, they should
The doctor will ask questions about a person’s health status and determine the best dosage for the desired pharmacological effect.
Since conventional doctors may not have had much education in herbal medicine, a person may want to consult a doctor instead. licensed naturopathic doctorA licensed acupuncturistor another qualified herbal practitioner.
A person should consult a doctor before taking herbal medicines. THE
Safe use of medicinal plants also includes:
- carefully follow label instructions
- take only the recommended dose
- stop taking an herbal supplement if it is ineffective
The United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS) notes that taking medicinal plants may not be suitable for a person if they:
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
- taking other prescription or over-the-counter medications
- over 65 years old
- under 18 years old
- endure a surgery
The NHS also notes that anyone taking herbal medicines should tell their doctor before surgery. Indeed, some herbal medicines can interact with anesthetic drugs and affect arterial pressure and blood clotting during and after surgery.
Some people use herbal supplements to treat specific symptoms, although there isn’t much formal research into these uses. The table below lists some herbal supplements and some conditions they may benefit from.
Using supplements can be dangerous for people with certain health conditions or taking medications. People who are breastfeeding or pregnant may want to avoid herbal supplements because there is very little research on their effects.
Always consult a doctor before taking any herbal supplements.
Does the FDA approve herbal medicines?
No, the FDA does not approve herbal remedies. This is because the FDA
As a result, herbal medicines are not subject to the same testing, labeling, and manufacturing standards as traditional prescription and over-the-counter medicines. However, the FDA regulates herbal medicines to ensure that they meet specific criteria and are not unsafe for human consumption.
Is herbal medicine safe?
Not necessarily. THE NHS warns that “natural” does not mean safe if a person uses a product without a doctor’s prescription.
This is because some herbs can have unwanted drug interactions with other medications. Some can also cause deadly side effects. A person should always consult a doctor before taking supplements if they have a health condition or are taking prescribed medications.
A person should stop using an herbal supplement and contact a doctor immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms:
They should also consult a doctor if they take an overdose of an herbal supplement.
If a person develops symptoms of a severe allergic reactionThey or others around them should immediately call 911 or the local emergency number.
According to a 2017 study published in American family physician40 to 60 percent of U.S. adults use dietary supplements, including herbal medications, and 25 percent report taking herbal supplements with prescription medications.
The authors note that many people who use herbal supplements don’t tell their doctors. This affects the clinical evaluation and safety of specific interactions between herbal supplements and medications.
To help healthcare professionals better evaluate the interactions of herbal supplements in the body, a person should:
- disclose to their doctor all herbal supplements they use
- document their symptoms
- stop using herbal supplements if symptoms do not improve
- avoiding an overdose of herbal supplements
- report any worsening symptoms to their doctor
Herbal medications or supplements are natural compounds made from plant parts. Manufacturers extract the active ingredients from the leaves, bark, roots, seeds or flowers of plants.
Herbal supplements are available in many forms, such as pills, teas, extracts, and powders. People use them to treat chronic conditions, including anxiety, sleep problems, and low libido.
Herbal supplements are not approved by the FDA and some natural products may be dangerous. Herbal supplements can cause adverse drug reactions, so a person should consult a doctor before taking them if they are also taking prescription medications.
