| Medicinal herbs are one of the oldest and most | | | | Side effects |
| common forms of treatment. There are hundreds of | | | | Medicinal herbs have minimal side effects, but they |
| medicinal herbs in the market - in fact, almost any | | | | can cause adverse reactions in some patients. Aloe |
| herb has some degree of medicinal value. Some of | | | | vera can cause cramps and abdominal pain, and |
| the most commonly used medicinal herbs are aloe | | | | chamomile can cause vomiting and rashes. Toxic |
| vera, chamomile, garlic, St. John's wort, and tea tree. | | | | effects have also been reported, but these are rare |
| Today, herbs are commonly used as health | | | | and usually happen in patients with preexisting |
| supplements and alternative treatments. However, | | | | conditions. To minimize side effects, always take |
| not all herbal supplements are safe because there is | | | | herbal medicines at the right dosage and time of day. |
| limited government regulation on such products. | | | | Most herbs are best taken in the morning. |
| Customers should read labels carefully to make sure | | | | Consult your doctor |
| their herbal supplements are reliable. Here are some | | | | Although most herbal medicines are non-prescription, |
| basic facts and tips on choosing the right medicinal | | | | it is still best to consult your doctor before taking |
| herbs. | | | | any supplements. Your doctor can help you choose |
| Pros and cons | | | | the right type and brand for your age, lifestyle, and |
| Herbal medicines are made from plant extracts or | | | | overall health, or at least tell you what to look for. Be |
| whole foods, which makes them easier to absorb | | | | sure to mention any medications you are currently |
| than synthetic nutrients. They are also less likely to | | | | taking, as some herbs react negatively to some |
| have side effects or cause adverse reactions. | | | | chemicals. |
| Medicinal herbs are ideal for patients with high-risk | | | | IMPORTANT: The US Food and Drug Administration |
| medical conditions such as hypertension and heart | | | | (FDA) does not impose strict regulations on medicinal |
| disease. | | | | herbs because they do not qualify as drugs. Some |
| Herbs contain antioxidants, which stimulate the | | | | supplements contain additives that can be harmful to |
| immune system and help fight disease. This process | | | | your health, such as glutted, sugar, starch, and silica. |
| takes time, however, so some herbs act slower than | | | | To stay safe, make sure your herbal supplements |
| conventional drugs. Herbal supplements must be | | | | comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) |
| taken regularly or according to prescription to give | | | | standards. Also, make sure they do not contain any |
| them time to take effect. | | | | artificial colors or flavors. |