UNIT 4: VITAMINS, HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

WENDIE WILLIAMS

Prof:  Edward Eaves

This power point contains points you should consider for your safety if you are thinking about using or use herbs for health purposes.

It's imperative to know that just because an herbal supplement is categorized as "natural" does not mean it is safe or have any harmful effects. For instance, the herbs kava and comfrey have been related to serious liver damage. http://edinformatics.com/health_fitness/what_are_herbal_supplements.htm

Herbal supplements also called a botanical are a kind of dietary supplement that covers part of a plant or herbs plant used for its potential therapeutic properties, scent or flavor which includes fruit, flowers, leaves, bark, roots, stems, seeds, and in mixtures or either singly is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, or therapeutic properties.

Numerous herbs have a long history of practice and claimed health benefits. Nevertheless, some herbs have caused health problems for users.

http://edinformatics.com/health_fitness/what_are_herbal_supplements.htm

Common Name Botanical Name Other Names

Black Seed oil Nigella sativa Kalonjii, Black cumin, black caraway, Roman-coriander, fennel-flowerAnnual Herb : Black cumin seed oil is used as a healthy dietary supplement.

Black seed oil contains fatty acids, vitamins and minerals in a unique cell structure. Native to Western Asia, black seed oil has long been valued for it's health benefits... California Poppy Eschscholzia californica

Gold http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart.php

Common Name Botanical Name Other Names

Tender Perennial : The above ground parts and roots of this wildflower show promise in the treatment of insomnia without the side effects and dependency risks of sleep aids... Bitter Melon Momordica charantia balsam pear, bitter gourd

Gourd : The gourd-like fruit has a long history as a treatment for diabetes. Bitter melon improves the body's ability to use blood sugar and improves glucose tolerances... http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart.php

Common Name Botanical Name Other Names Aloe Vera Gel Aloe VeraTender Perennial succulent : The leaf juices of the aloe plant have important medicinal uses, making aloe one of the most respected medicinal plants found in many gels, creams and lotions....

Apple Malus domestica Apple cider vinegar, wine vinegarFruit Tree : In addition to the fruit of the apple tree, its bark, flowers, and leaves all have healthy properties.

Apples contain malic and tartaric acids, and salts of potassium, sodium, magnesium, and iron. Apple cider vinegar can even lower cholesterol ... http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart.php

Different types of HerbsAcaiAloe VeraAsian GinsengAstragalusBilberryBitter OrangeBlack CohoshButterburCat's ClawChamomileChasteberryCinnamonCranberryDandelionEchinaceaEphedraEuropean ElderEuropean MistletoeEvening Primrose Oil http://

www.anniesremedy.com/chart.php

Educational Resources

South Florida has a number of unusual ecosystems, some of which are only found here and nowhere else.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden,

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ

Introduction to Evidence-based Complementary & Alternative Medicines

The Young Again Newsletter

Recommendations

Herbal supplements can perform in the same way as drugs. As a result, they can cause medical problems if taken in large amounts or if not used correctly. In some cases, individuals have experienced negative effects even though they followed the directions on a supplement label. http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart.php

Cont. Recommendation

Women who are expecting or nursing should be especially careful about using herbal supplements type of dietary supplement that contains herbs, either alone or in mixtures, meanwhile these products can act like drugs. This caution also applies to treating children with herbal supplements. http://www.motherearthliving.com/natural-beauty/herbs-and-massage.aspx#ixzz2TD1zlah2

It is important to consult your health care provider before using any type herbal supplement, especially if you are not familiar with the herb or you are taking any medications whether

prescription or over-the counter.

Some herbal supplements are known to interact with medications in ways that cause health problems. Even if your doctor does not know about a

specific supplement, he can access the latest medical guidance on its

interactions uses and risks. http://nccam.nih.gov/

“In the United States, herbal and other dietary supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as foods. This means that they do not have to meet the same standards as drugs and over-the-counter medications . for effectiveness and what the FDA calls Good Manufacturing Practices, along with proof of safety,” http://nccam.nih.gov/

The active ingredients in many herbs and herbal supplements are not known. There may be dozens, even hundreds, of such compounds in an herbal supplement. Scientists are currently working to identify these ingredients and analyze products, using sophisticated technology.

Identifying the active ingredients in herbs and understanding how herbs affect the body are important research areas for the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) http://nccam.nih.gov/

Massage and Herbs

It’s no secret that human touch is powerful. Babies need touch in order to live, and touch is reassuring, energizing, and many believe healing. Psychologically, massage relaxes the mind along with the body. This mind-body connection can be further strengthened by the addition of herbal remedies. Many massage therapists like myself use oils scented with plant essences. Others use herbs in traditionally medicinal ways, including teas, infused oils, and plasters.http://www.motherearthliving.com/natural-beauty/herbs-and-massage.aspx#ixzz2TD1zlah

Be safe than sorry

There has been an upsurge in the number of Web sites that promote and sell herbal supplements on the Internet. The Federal Government has taken legal action against a number of company sites because they have been shown to contain incorrect statements and to be misleading to consumers.

It is imperative to know how to evaluate the claims that are made for supplements. Some herbal supplements have been found to be contaminated with microorganisms, unlabeled prescription drugs, metals, or other substances. http://edinformatics.com/health_fitness/what_are_herbal_supplements.htm

References

http://edinformatics.com/health_fitness/what_are_herbal_supplements.htm

http://nccam.nih.gov/

http://www.motherearthliving.com/natural-beauty/herbs-and-massage.aspx

http://www.anniesremedy.com/chart.php