For most people, the 'battle' between natural treatments like herbal supplements and prescription drugs is easily won by the former. But beware - experts always say that being just because the bottle of a supplement says it is "natural" does not mean that is a safe herbal supplement.
Why it is difficult to buy safe herbal supplement
There are plants that are harmful when ingested in your system. Also, herbs also behave like drugs in that they also react to other substances, and these reactions can lead to serious conditions that may sometimes be fatal.
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Aside from the dangers posed by the natural composition of herbs, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements since they are classified as food and need not go into the standard tests that prescription drugs need to pass.
How can you find safe herbal supplement$%:
With some caution, you can weed out unsafe herbal supplements from safe herbal supplement. Here are a few reminders:
1. Look at the box. Though herbal supplements belong to an unregulated industry, certain information can be obtained from their packages -- information which you can use to know more about that medication. Scrutinize the name and contact information of the herbal supplement manufacturer and/or distributor. Check to see if the quantity (net content) is accurate. You should also see a panel of Supplement Facts (dosage, size, active ingredient), certain ingredients whose recommended daily allowance (RDA) is not determined, and a disclaimer which absolves the product of any therapeutic claims.
2. Look for the "USP Dietary Supplement Verified" seal from the U.S. Pharmacopeia. The said seal indicates that the manufacturing process of the said supplement is at par with industry standards. These standards ensure the cleanliness, uniformity, and the absence of contaminants like mercury, lead, or other drugs. Also see if the manufacturer is pharmaceutical GMP compliant. This way, you can be sure that the supplements you are buying are free of potentially harmful additives.
3. Do not buy exaggerated claims. There is a technique called the "big lie" where the more outrageous the claim, the more believable it is. Be wary of herbal supplements whose promises of relief and healthy effects sound too good to be true. Like prescription medications, a safe herbal supplement cannot be a cure-all for a variety of ailments.
4. Know the limitations. The effect of herbal supplements would depend on our current physical well-being and medical history. If you have certain medical conditions, you should not take them. Avoid herbal supplements if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, below 18 years of age, older than 65 years of age, going to surgery, and taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
5. Consult your doctor. Before taking any herbal supplement, it is still best to consult your doctor to be aware of possible side effects.
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