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Herbal Supplements

Consider Safety, Too

From the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine

Herbal supplements are a type of dietary supplement that contain herbs, either singly or in mixtures. An herb (also called a botanical) is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor and/or therapeutic properties. Many herbs have a long history of use and of claimed health benefits. However, some herbs have caused health problems for users. This fact sheet contains points you should consider for your safety if you use or are thinking about using herbs for health purposes. (It does not discuss whether herbs work for specific diseases and conditions.)

Dietary supplements were defined in a law passed by Congress in 1994. A dietary supplement must meet all of the following conditions: It is a product (other than tobacco) intended to supplement the diet, which contains one or more of the following: vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids or any combination of the above ingredients. It is intended to be taken in tablet, capsule, powder, softgel, gelcap or liquid form. It is not represented for use as a conventional food or as a sole item of a meal or the diet. It is labeled as being a dietary supplement.

It's important to know that just because an herbal supplement is labeled "natural" does not mean it is safe or without any harmful effects. For example, the herbs kava and comfrey have been linked to serious liver damage.

Herbal supplements can act in the same way as drugs. Therefore, they can cause medical problems if not used correctly or if taken in large amounts. In some cases, people have experienced negative effects even though they followed the instructions on a supplement label. Women who are pregnant or nursing should be especially cautious about using herbal supplements, since these products can act like drugs. This caution also applies to treating children with herbal supplements.

Want to see more?

• Chinese Medicine and Fertility: An Ancient Discipline
• Organic Conception: Using Nature to Boost Your Fertility
• Herbs for Infertility: Do You Know Your Options?
• Talk about it!

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