| Increasing attention is being drawn to herbal | | | | foxgloves) and taxol (from the Pacific Yew). |
| supplements (the use of herbs in various forms to | | | | 2) According to a study by the California Department |
| alleviate ailments). More people are turning to herbal | | | | of Health Services, 32 percent of 260 Asian patent |
| remedies for relief, claiming they are tired of paying | | | | medicines sold in California were contaminated with |
| high prices for traditional medications and worried | | | | pharmaceutical drugs, steroids or heavy metals. Herbal |
| about possible chemical side effects. However, recent | | | | medicines imported from India, Mexico and China also |
| reports describe the harm some herbal supplements | | | | were found to have less-than-natural substances. |
| can cause. How do we know which are the best | | | | 3) Prescription weight-loss pills containing a Chinese |
| supplements and, more importantly, if these remedies | | | | herb,Aristolochia fangchi, have been found to cause |
| are safe? | | | | cancer or severe kidney damage, according to the |
| Opinions on the safety of herbal products vary greatly. | | | | New England Journal of Medicine. The FDA |
| The herb industry is partly regulated in the U.S. by the | | | | announced they will stop the import of this herb. |
| Food and Drug Administration. However, some | | | | 4) Take a look at some of the reputed benefits and |
| advocates of this "alternative" medicine industry | | | | side effects of some popular herbs. |
| discounts many of the FDA's opinions, claiming that | | | | USA TODAY July 19, 2000 story on "functional foods" |
| they have business ties to the pharmaceutical industry, | | | | indicates that foods and beverages with added herbs |
| causing a conflict in interest. However, there seems to | | | | and supplements are being looked at more carefully |
| be a consensus that the U.S. should move towards a | | | | by the FDA. The Center for Science in the Public |
| model where herbal supplements are subject to | | | | Interest (CSPI) has identified 75 foods with herbs |
| regulatory controls and scientific testing similar to that | | | | added including varieties of some popular beverages. |
| of pharmaceuticals, in the interest of consumer safety. | | | | The FDA has the authority to take products off the |
| Tug of war: Herbal medicine vs. Pharmaceuticals | | | | shelves if they feel products are unsafe. No clinical |
| Who believes that herbal supplements are beneficial? | | | | trials are required for "functional foods," so be aware |
| According to the World Health Organization, most of | | | | of the foods and beverages you consume. |
| the world population (approximately 80 percent) have | | | | Still not clear on whether to use herbs? |
| used herbs to try to heal an ailment. Herbal "medicine" | | | | Do not rely on an advertisement for an herbal product |
| is a multi-billion dollar industry, grossing over $2 billion in | | | | or the recommendation of a friend who may have a |
| 1996 and estimated at almost $6.5 billion in 2000. This | | | | totally different medical history and react in a different |
| figure seems less impressive when you compare the | | | | way. It has been found that some herbs cause |
| profits of the top 10 drug companies, each of which | | | | premature contractions, so pregnant women should |
| enjoy average profits of $2.5 billion. | | | | avoid herbal supplements as should the very young or |
| Some people complain that taxpayers subsidize | | | | elderly, who are prone to adverse affects of many |
| research for pharmaceuticals, and then end up paying | | | | herbs. If you are thinking of using herbs as a |
| huge medical bills if they do not have insurance to | | | | preventive measure or to relieve symptoms, make |
| cover the cost of the drugs. That is pretty profitable | | | | sure you: |
| business, according to herb supporters. | | | | 1) Research the herbs and products you are interested |
| The top selling drugs are for heartburn, ulcers, high | | | | in, looking at varying opinions to give you a rounded |
| blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression and | | | | perspective. Remember that just because it is natural, |
| allergies. Supporters of "natural" remedies say that | | | | does not mean it is safe. Some herbs (e.g. comfrey) |
| these common illnesses could be alleviated by a | | | | have toxic effects. Be careful! |
| change in diet and exercise, as well as reducing stress. | | | | 2) Talk to your physician or contact us to determine if |
| However, it is often easier to pop a pill than it is to | | | | there may be side effects or if it may counteract |
| change a lifestyle. | | | | other medications you are taking. Forty percent of |
| Most of us recognize the need to improve our nutrition | | | | people taking herbal supplements do not tell their |
| and want to eat things that are healthy for us, perhaps | | | | doctors and dentists. Do not make this mistake! If you |
| including herbal supplements. You may have resisted | | | | take herbs that act as blood thinners and you need a |
| taking prescription drugs, and wondered if there is a | | | | tooth extracted or other surgery, you may bleed |
| more "natural" way to solve the medical problem. | | | | excessively. |
| Plants have been used for medicinal purposes since | | | | 3) If you buy a herbal product, follow the directions |
| the Stone Age, so itis not surprising that a natural | | | | carefully. |
| solution is appealing. However, consider the following | | | | 4) It is not uncommon for people to have allergic |
| facts: | | | | reactions to herbs soon after taking them. If you have |
| 1) More than 50 percent of the drugs made in | | | | any problems such as nausea, rashes, cramps, stop |
| pharmaceutical companies are actually made with | | | | taking them. Call your physician if you have any |
| plant derivatives, such as digitalis (made from | | | | concerns. |