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Herbal Supplements
Consider Safety, Too
From the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
Published analyses of herbal supplements have found differences between what's listed on the label and what's in the bottle. This means that you may be taking less – or more – of the supplement than what the label indicates. Also, the word "standardized" on a product label is no guarantee of higher product quality, since in the United States there is no legal definition of "standardized" (or "certified" or "verified") for supplements. Some herbal supplements have been found to be contaminated with metals, unlabeled prescription drugs, microorganisms or other substances.
There has been an increase in the number of Web sites that sell and promote herbal supplements on the Internet. The federal government has taken legal action against a number of company sites because they have been shown to contain incorrect statements and to be deceptive to consumers. It is important to know how to evaluate the claims that are made for supplements.
If you use herbal supplements, it is best to do so under the guidance of a medical professional who has been properly trained in herbal medicine. This is especially important for herbs that are part of an alternative medical system, such as the traditional medicines of China, Japan or India. Alternative medical systems are built upon complete systems of theory and practice, and have often evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medicine that is practiced in the United States.
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