The jury is still out
on herbal products. Some swear by them and insist they are
safer than over-the-counter medications, while others think
users should stay away. The best thing to do if you’re
interested in herbal products is to educate yourself before
you start taking anything new, whether it is a medication
or a supplement.
The Food and Drug Administration
monitors herbal products—which usually contain herbs,
amino acids, vitamins and minerals—and they have regulations
for manufacturers to follow certain practices to make sure
their supplements contain what they claim. A common sense
approach to choosing herbal products is to look for standardized
supplements and don’t believe claims that are too good
to be true.
It is recommended that
you stay away from herbal products if you are pregnant or
breast-feeding since you should generally stay away from any
medications at this time unless your doctor has approved them;
if you’re taking over-the-counter medications since
they may cause side effects; if you’re having surgery;
or if you’re younger than 18 or older than 65.
Before taking any medications
or herbal products, consult your doctor. |
