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