5 Things You Should Know About Herbal Supplements
Did you know there are herbal vitamin supplements which also work well with your body? Here are 5 things you should know about top herbal supplements.
Over 77 percent of Americans use dietary supplements. Nearly 60 percent take multivitamins. Protein shakes, green tea, probiotics, and turmeric are popular too.
Some of these products are made in a lab, while others contain herbal ingredients.
The top herbal supplements can relieve stress, reduce inflammation, or boost mental focus. Some may even help with weight loss.
But are these products really safe? Do they live up to the claims or is it just hype?
Here are five things you should know about herbal supplements so you can make the right choice!
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Herbal Pills Have Proven Benefits
While it’s true that some herbal pills lack scientific evidence, others are backed up by solid research. Approximately 17 percent of all plants have been studied for their potential health benefits.
Herbs and other medicinal plants contain biologically active compounds. These phytonutrients work synergistically together and may improve overall health.
In fact, a staggering 70 percent of all new medications introduced in the U.S. over the past 25 years come from plants.
Curcumin supplements, for example, are made from turmeric, a perennial plant.
This spice is rich in curcumin, a polyphenol with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Unlike most medications, it has few or no side effects.
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Herbal Supplements Can Interact with Medications
The compounds in certain herbs and spices may either increase or reduce the efficacy of medications.
Some vitamins and minerals don’t cause any interactions. The vitamin D supplements from Vitabiotics, for example, can be safely taken with medicines.
Others, however, may cause adverse effects when combined with other products.
St. John’s Wort, for instance, can interact with certain antidepressants. If you’re taking drugs that contain pseudoephedrine, steer clear of green tea supplements.
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“Natural” Doesn’t Always Mean Safe
Many consumers mistakenly believe that herbal supplements have no side effects.
Although these products are often safer than most drugs, they may still cause adverse reactions. The greater the dosage, the higher the risks involved.
Some plant compounds have drug-like effects and may increase blood pressure, cause drowsiness, or affect sleep. Others can be contaminated with heavy metals during production.
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Herbal Pills Can Improve Your Resilience to Stress
Certain plants are particularly effective against stress and anxiety. Adaptogenic herbs, such as Ashwagandha, relax the mind and improve your ability to cope with stress.
A good example is the valerian root. Besides its beneficial effects on sleep, this herb exhibits anxiolytic effects and promotes relaxation.
Valerian tea and supplements have none of the side effects of sleeping pills. Additionally, they are not addictive and don’t affect how you feel in the morning.
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The Top Herbal Supplements Can Help Where Medications Fail
It’s not uncommon for those with chronic pain or inflammatory disorders to take dozens of medications at once. Many times, they end up feeling worse because of the side effects.
The top herbal supplements can help where medications fail. Curcumin, for example, might be just as effective as ibuprofen for treating knee osteoarthritis.
Many adaptogenic plants work just as well as Prozac for those with mental disorders. Saffron, for instance, had similar effects as fluoxetine, or Prozac, against depression in a small study.
Seek Natural Ways to Improve Your Health
Think twice before you start popping pills. The top herbal supplements are safer and sometimes more effective than traditional drugs. Use the lowest effective dose and increase it only if necessary.
In the meantime, browse the rest of our blog for other tips on how to boost your health. See our Health section to find out more about natural immunity boosters, CBD formulas, and other herbal supplements!
