Herbal Supplements Health Benefits

Herbal supplements are being looked on today as a source of healing and well being. With allopathy revealing its dark side due to adverse side effects, the focus is on natural healing is more intense than ever. Studies have estimated that at least 80% of the earth’s population uses some form of herbal medicine. Herbal supplements health benefits date back to centuries when the only form of medicine came from plants and herbs. Today, even though modern medicine has largely replaced these age old techniques, many of the traditional supplements that make use of herbs and other natural things to prevent and treat various illnesses.

There are a number of herbal supplements health benefits that you could take advantage of. Firstly, these supplements helps to lower cholesterol, aid digestion, build up your cardio vascular system, combat depression, and provides for a healthy glowing skin. Herbs like aloe vera and turmeric have been known for their anti-cancer properties. Aloe vera has a myriad of remedies, including treatment of skin disease, menstrual problems, and diabetes. Chamomile, Ginseng and Gingko are known to help combat stress and anxiety related disorders. Olive leaf extract, used in the Middle East for centuries, is known to strengthen the body against virus and improve blood circulation. The herb red clover is known to alleviate menstrual cramps as well as ease menopausal conditions in women. Also see herbal contraceptives

Eating healthy food may not be enough to provide our bodies with the needed nutrition. A lot of the food in stores has been depleted of vital vitamins and minerals even before we purchase it, due to manufacturing practices of the food industry. Nutrition in herbal supplements, therefore, is a safe way to provide our body with the essentials for healthy living. Taking herbal supplements brings about a gradual and healthier you. It flushes out the toxins that our bodies are subjected to, constantly in this fast paced world. It helps to purify the blood and prevents the onset of many diseases. It also brings an increase in energy levels and aids in sleeping well.

The nutrients in herbal supplements are plenty and their effects far reaching. The best part about herbal supplements is that on one hand, they can be taken for general wellbeing, and on the other, to specifically treat illnesses. Herbal supplement health benefits are not limited to those with a specific problem, but can be consumed by healthy people as a preventive measure against future disease or just to experience a better sense of wellbeing.

Side Effects Of Herbal Supplements

With the large scale shift in mindset towards this form of healing, herbal supplements side effects can be harmful if taken carelessly and without research. Herbal supplement manufacturers are not subject to strict rules and regulations as other drugs and therefore, they should be taken carefully, as they can have an adverse reaction on our body. Herbal supplements effects may not always be as advertised. We should be aware of the claims of manufacturers make as very often they present sugar-coated facts to the common people. These include certain outlandish claims of total cancer cure or miraculous weight loss. Remember to always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking herbal supplements.

Herbal supplements side effects can be unfavorable if we don’t take the correct dosage, and if we don’t research the manufacturer properly as they aren’t compelled to adhere to safety guidelines. It is advisable to buy supplements only from known manufacturers and to carefully read the list of ingredients before purchase. One of the herbal supplements risks is poor awareness of the effects it could have, especially if you are suffering from an illness. Certain supplements are not recommended for patients with illnesses like blood clotting, heart problems, high blood pressure, liver and thyroid problems. Therefore, consulting a doctor is crucial before going ahead with a supplement. Herbal supplement dangers also include the way our bodies react to certain drugs. This means that the medicine will not have the effect that it should have because of our intake of the herbal supplement. So if you’re taking medicine for anxiety, heart problem, blood pressure, or diabetes, you should be extra careful.

Dangerous Herbal Supplements

A list of most dangerous herbal supplements has been released recently. Due to lack of strict monitoring of supplements by the authorities, a few manufacturers get away with including unnecessary ingredients in unsafe proportions. This list contains a number of dangerous supplements that are harmful to the body. Examples are aristolochic acid that can cause kidney failure, comfrey, germander, kava and chaparral are bad for the liver, bitter orange can cause high blood pressure, and androstenedione is associated with a higher cancer risk.

Herbal supplements that boast of aiding weight loss and enhancing sexual performance have also been known to cause more harm than good in the long run. Herbal supplements have many advantages and can genuinely benefit us, however, we must be educated and aware of the products we buy. Besides this care should also be take to check the credibility of the manufacturers, and the ingredients of the supplements. An educated consumer is a healthy consumer.

Submitted on January 16, 2014