Herbs & Natural Supplements

What Are Herbs & Natural Supplements

• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) – “Complementary and alternative medicine is the term for medical products and

practices that are not part of standard care” (MedLine Plus, 2013).

• Botanical’s– “Botanical is a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal or therapeutic properties,

flavor, and/or scent. Herbs are subset of botanicals” (OSD, 2011). Also called herbal products, botanical products, or phytomedicines.

• Organic or inorganic– Produced without the use of pesticides, sewage sludge, chemical or DNA revision

Benefits of Herbs & Natural Supplements

• Strengthen the immune system– “Rich in many essential oils, antioxidants, phytosterols, vitamins and other nutrient

substances that equip your body to fight against toxins and germs as well as boosting the immune system” (Health benefits of, 2013)

– Echinacea, garlic, ginger, onion, etc…

• Anti-Inflammatory properties– “Some herbs inhibit the enzyme cycloxygenase (COX), which facilitates inflammatory

reactions in your body” (Health benefits of, 2013).– Tumeric, ginger root, etc…

• Reduce blood sugar levels and cholesterol– “Herbal supplements can be used to lower blood sugar, to help the pancreas produce

insulin and to minimize cravings for sweets” (Health benefits of, 2013)– Goldenseal, juniper berries, cinnamon, etc..

• Prevent Cancer– “Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have shown through a number

of studies that gastric, hepatoma, colon and breast cancer cells can be effectively destroyed by many medicinal herbs” (Health benefits of, 2013)

– Green tea, scutellaria, taraxacum, etc….

Types of Herbs & Natural Supplements

• Turmeric

– Health benefits: relieves heartburn, inflammation, gall stones and helps prevent cancer

• Echinacea

– Health benefits: increases immune system, helps heal wounds and reduce acne

• Goldenseal

– Health benefits: reduces sore throat, helps heal eye infections, and reduces ulcers

• Green Tea

– Health benefits: reduces breast, stomach and skin cancer, aids in weight loss and increases mental alertness

Precautions/Risks of Herbs & Natural Supplements

• Cause side effects– Upset stomach, allergic reactions, headaches, liver problems etc…

• Cause interactions with other medications– The herb can affect the activity of prescribed medication when taken together

• Aren’t regulated– “Herbal supplements are regulated by the FDA, but not as drugs or as foods” (Mayo

Clinic Staff, 2011)

• Possibly don’t work– Meaning the particular herb won’t heal or cure said illness

Safety Tips for Herbs & Natural Supplements

• Follow supplement instructions– Don't exceed recommended dosages or take the herb for longer than recommended.

• Keep track of what you take– Take only one supplement at a time to determine if it's effective. Make a note of what

you take — and how much for how long — and how it affects you.

• Be cautious about supplements manufactured outside the United States– Herbal products from some European countries are highly regulated and standardized.

But toxic ingredients and prescription drugs have been found in supplements manufactured elsewhere, particularly China, India and Mexico.

• Check alerts and advisories– The FDA and NCCAM maintain lists of supplements that are under regulatory review or that

have been reported to cause adverse effects. Check their websites periodically for updates.

(Mayo Clinic Staff, 2011)

Educational Resources

• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)– Lead government agency for scientific research on diverse medical systems, practices and

products– www.nccam.nih.gov

• Mosby’s Handbook of Herbs & Natural Supplements– Mosby’s handbook is a detailed list of all herbs and natural supplements that also lists drug

interactions, side effects, risks and who should not take specific herb

• Natural Products Foundation– A “not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote and facilitate research and

education related to natural products for the benefits of the consumers and industry” (REF) – http://www.naturalproductsinfo.org

• Journal of Herbal Medicine– The herbal medicine journal is a peer reviewed journal produced by the National Institute of

Medical Herbalists it’s aim “is to serve its readers as an authoritative resource on the profession.

– www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-herbal-medicine

Recommendations Before Consuming Herbs and Natural Supplements

• Research– Find out if any studies have been done on herb/supplement prior to consuming– UCLA study of turmeric and cancer-killing mechanisms…(

www.cancer.ucla.edu//index.aspx?page=644&recordid=507)

• Educate– Educate yourself, research all there is to know about taking specific herbs/supplements– Internet has endless information (good and bad)

• Alerts and Advisories– Research to see if there are any alerts or advisories in regards to consuming specific herb– http://nccam.nih.gov/news/alerts

• Doctor– Talk with your doctor prior to consuming any herbs/supplements especially

if you have an illness

References

Health benefits of herbs. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-herbs.html

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2011, November 17). Nutrition and healthy eating. Retrieved from

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/herbal-supplements/SA00044/NSECTIONGROUP=2

MedLine Plus. (2013, November 13). Complementary and alternative medicine.

Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/complementaryandalternativemedicine.html

OSD. (2011, June 24). Botanical dietary supplements. Retrieved from

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BotanicalBackground-HealthProfessional/