What are Herbal Supplements? A Guide for Beginners


Lifestyle diseases and common ailments have been on the rise in recent years. Along with conventional treatment, a growing shift can be seen in alternative therapies and natural healing. Herbal supplements play a massive role in this change with people globally looking to achieve their wellness goals naturally and without toxins.

Herbal supplements are botanical products that utilise the medicinal properties found in a plant. These may include the bark, leaf, stem, fruit or any other part of the plant which possesses the required properties. These herbal health care products claim to possess therapeutic properties that can aid in the support of several ailments in a natural manner. 

While herbal medicines have been widely popular in the East since ancient times, the West has recently discovered the healing properties of nature with increased availability of Ayurvedic herbal products in the US. These days, nearly 1 in 5 adults in the United States report taking an herbal product.
 
Herbal health supplements can often be found in several forms including syrups, tablets and capsules, among others. Common kitchen spices such as curcumin and ginger along with herbs such as saw palmetto and gingko can be found in numerous organic healthcare products.

Safety and regulation of herbal supplements
These supplements are generally regarded as safe and have several research studies supporting their benefits in various health conditions. In case you are new to the world of herbal medicine, picking the right manufacturer and supplement is crucial to ensure you receive the optimum benefits in a safe manner. 
In the US, prescription medicines are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and can only be sold after they have been deemed safe by this body. However, herbal supplements come under the category of food and thus do not have this requirement. Here, the safety and effectiveness of the supplement are the prime responsibilities of the manufacturer. 

Thus, even though there are numerous herbal supplements online these days, it is important to choose a brand that is trusted and has been manufacturing genuine products for several years.

Best way to consume an herbal supplement
Once you have identified the perfect herbal health supplement to take, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Simple care tips can help you boost their effectiveness while ensuring your safety.

Know when to take the supplement: Based on the properties of the herbs you are consuming, there may be a recommended time of consumption. While some can be taken between meals, some may be advised with a meal. Seek additional information to know the best time for consumption to maximise effectiveness. 

Check the recommended dosage: Just like with prescription medicines, be sure not to exceed the recommended dosage. In addition, be careful for how long you consume the supplement. Some may specify to be consumed for a month or so only at a time while some can be taken long term.

Avoid mixing herbs that contradict each other: Don’t start with too many organic healthcare products simultaneously. Instead, start with one and see how effective it is for you. Before mixing two different supplements, check with your wellness advisor or pharmacist. 

Additionally, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or suffering from an existing health condition, be sure to consult your health advisor before use. These days you can buy herbal supplements online from trusted brands that also share all relevant information on their website.

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