Lynn Laboranti
Apr 26, 2012
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From the earliest of times, people have relied on plants to address health concerns. Today, a number of things continue to fuel a growing interest in natural health including a cultural use of natural herbs, ongoing scientific study and government funding for complementary and alternative healthcare.
As a result, a wide array of herbal products can be found throughout the retail health marketplace. Shoppers should be sure that the correct plant genus (group name) and species (related member) is stated on an herbal supplement label. For instance, Echinacea purpurea (genus and species), not just Echinacea. This is important because some experts believe that species within the same plant genus may differ in effectiveness.
In addition to selecting herbal products with the correct plant genus and species names, there are a few other “herbal golden rules” that may help keep you in the know when considering the use of herbs.
1. Before using an herb or herbal formula for the first time, discuss it with your doctor or preferred health care provider. This is especially important if you have any health conditions and/or are taking any prescription medications. If you do start any herbal therapy and any reaction occurs, immediately discontinue using the herb or herbal product and contact your physician.
2.Always pay careful attention to recommended dosage. Be sure to follow label directions. “If a little is good more must be better” does not apply here.
3. Check the label for any cautionary statements. Since some interactions may occur between some herbs and prescription medications, read labels carefully and discuss any questions or concerns with your physician or pharmacist.
4. There are few herbs that are truly not known to be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or lactating do not take herbal products, unless advised to do so by a health care practitioner.
5. Remember to be patient, the actions of many herbs are subtle and typically manifest when used over time.
According to the federal Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), herbal products may not be promoted for disease treatment or prevention. However, manufacturers are allowed to state scientifically supported claims about a product’s effect on the structure and function of the body. With this in mind, review the information below for some of the most popular herbs and the special benefits they may offer:
Cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon
Use: Maintain urinary tract health
Function: Powerful antioxidant compounds in cranberry, anthocyanins, help promote urinary tract health.
Actives: Anthocyanins and other antioxidants
Suggested Use: 450-900 mg extract or 12 to 32 fluid ounces cranberry juice (not cocktail)
Contraindications: Cranberry juice has a moderately high concentration of oxalate, a common component of kidney stones. See your physician if you suspect a urinary tract or kidney concern.
Milk Thistle, Silybum marianum
Use: Support liver health
Function: Antioxidant properties to help protect liver health
Actives: Silymarin
Suggested Use: 200-400 mg extract
Contraindications: Individuals with a known sensitivity to plants in the aster or daisy family should consult with a healthcare provider prior to use.
Ginkgo, Gingko biloba
Use: May support peripheral circulation, thereby enhancing circulation to the extremities, including the brain
Function: May help support blood flow.
Actives: Ginkgolides
Suggested Use: 120-180 mg extract in 2 or 3 divided doses
Contraindications Anyone taking anticoagulant therapy or aspirin therapy, awaiting surgery or taking anticonvulsant medications, is strongly recommended to seek medical advice prior to use
Echinacea, Echinacea purpurea
Use: May promote natural resistance by supporting immune system health
Function: May enhance the activity of natural immune- supporting cells
Actives: Echinacosides polysaccharides
Suggested Use: 300-400 mg extract or 350 mg taken in 4 divided doses of whole herb
Contraindications: Individuals with a known sensitivity to plants in the daisy or ragweed family or people with auto-immune conditions should speak to a healthcare provider prior to use.
Cinnamon, Cinnamomum aromaticum, Cinnamomum cassia
Use: May help promote healthy blood glucose levels already in the normal range.
Function: May affect the action of insulin that helps regulate blood glucose levels.
Actives: cinnamaldehyde and Polyphenolic polymers such as hydroxychalcone
Suggested Use: 1-6 grams daily for up to 4 months have been used
Contraindications: Individuals with impaired liver function or liver disease should not use cinnamon supplements. Discontinue cinnamon supplements 2 weeks prior to undergoing surgery.
Turmeric Curcumin, Curcuma longa
Use: Powerful antioxidant to promote overall health
Function: Antioxidant properties to fight off free radicals to protect healthy cells from damage
Actives: curcuminoids
Suggested Use: 500 mg of Turmeric blend to include total curcuminoids
Contraindications: Avoid taking if history of gall stones or bile duct obstruction, or if pregnant or nursing. Caution with surgery - discontinue turmeric at least 2 weeks prior to undergoing surgery.