These days, a lot of individuals are using "naturals," also referred to as herbals, and "organics." Herbal supplements' growing appeal has given rise to a new trend, if not a whole new way of living. Here are some things you should know about this cruel, "green" dietary boosting device before you go on the bandwagon.
What is the difference between a drug and a supplement?
Drugs are chemicals that can prevent, prolong life, treat other effects of a health condition, improve quality of life, cure ailments and diseases, or change the function of any part or chemicals inside the body, according to the definitions established by food and drug administrations in various countries. The therapeutic claims of these medications have been authorized. One medication used to lower body temperature in cases of fever is paracetamol. It is recommended to use ascorbic acid to treat scurvy. Mild forms of anemia are treated with iron supplements.
Herbal supplements are categorized as dietary supplements rather than medications. The primary distinction is that, in contrast to medications, they lack recognized therapeutic claims. Furthermore, dietary supplements may include vitamins, minerals, herbals, or amino acids, all of which are intended to complement or enhance a person's diet. They are not meant to be used in place of any food or medication.
The majority of the synthetic medications we currently use were originally derived from plants and animals. Over time, chemists have been able to separate the components that are hazardous from those that can save or cure lives. This prompted additional drug development and research, which resulted in the creation of numerous synthetic medications for a wide range of illnesses and disorders. However, there are still semi-synthetic medications and medications that resemble more natural substances in some way. The medical community has expressed concern because herbal supplements may still contain potentially fatal or at least chemically altering ingredients because they are made from a combination of unprocessed herbs that have been reduced into powder or gel and then packaged as tablets and capsules.
Is there a growing concern with the use of herbal supplements?
Indeed. Fake herbal supplements are becoming more and more common as people use and consume more organic and herbal products, putting lives at risk. If so, what justifies the drug administration's approval of herbal supplements? Having all potential medications, foods, beverages, and dietary supplements registered with the appropriate authorities is one method of guaranteeing public safety. Otherwise, they would run a greater chance of these items being sold for a high price on the illicit market. If herbal supplements are properly classified by the Food and Drug Administration, we can guarantee their safety and quality. Furthermore, if it turns out that using a specific herbal supplement is the cause of a worsening health condition, consumers could be able to file the appropriate complaints.
Is using herbal supplements worth the risk?
Indeed. There is no denying that many people who have tried herbal supplements have seen an improvement in their health; whether this is because of the herbals or because of a placebo effect, utilizing them is worth the risk as long as it doesn't make the person's condition worse. Naturally, nevertheless, a few things need to be taken into account before using such herbal supplements:
Your doctor knows best.
First, discuss your condition with your physician. In light of your medical situation, ask him or her if using a specific herbal supplement is safe. It is generally not recommended for anyone with heart, liver, or kidney problems or malfunctions to use these herbal remedies, or at the very least, to take them in small doses. Every material goes through the kidney and liver for processing and filtering, respectively. The stress-relieving herb kava has been removed from the Canadian, Singaporean, and German markets due to the presence of chemicals that harm the liver. Ephedra, a herbal remedy used to help people lose weight, contains compounds that have heart-inducing effects. These chemicals can raise heart rate, which can fatigue the heart and result in heart attacks in a number of cases that the American Medical Association has reported.
Follow the directions for use.
Never take more herbal supplements than what the doctor prescribes or what the bottle says. Every person responds differently to the ingredients in herbal supplements. A dose of primrose oil capsules may be completely safe for one person to use, but it may cause allergies in another. Therefore, don't even consider drinking a single bottle.
It has no approved curative effect.
These herbal supplements are not medicinal, despite what the sales brochure or bottle label may say about how they have been found to be beneficial in specific medical situations. Therefore, do not use these in place of prescription drugs that your doctor has given to treat certain illnesses, maintain blood pressure, decrease blood sugar and cholesterol, or treat infections.
