What are natural health supplements?

Natural health supplements, or herbal medicines, are plant derivatives acting as active substances in treating medical conditions or for maintaining one’s health in perfect condition.

The custom of using natural health supplements has its origin way back prehistoric times. Today, there is a revival of this medicinal practice among consumers. However, you might need to check the label first of the natural health supplements because you might have low tolerance to some plants that might cause you slight allergies. As always, it is best to consult your doctor to confer your intent on trying natural health supplements.

Natural health supplements may vary in forms. They come in as dried, granulated, in capsule, chopped or liquid supplements. Most natural health supplements can be taken as an ordinary pill, some you may need to drink like a tea, and others are applied to the skin or added in bath water.

Technically, national health supplements are considered as foods and not drugs. As of January 2000, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) restructures the laws concerning the labeling of national health supplements so buyers can have a better description of each herbal supplement. And in the year 1994, the federal Dietary Supplement and Health Organization Act (DSHEA) monitors the quality and safety of all natural health supplements out in the market.

Here are some quick tips to keep in mind in before buying natural health supplements:

1. Confer with your physician before taking natural health supplements.

2. Study the natural health supplements you choose. Read related articles on magazines, books or in the internet so you would know the full benefits and disadvantages of the natural health supplements herbal medicines you opt for.

3. Always check the label instructions for the right dosage, directions for preparation, and precautions.

4. Be wary of any side effects you may encounter. These may include slight headache, allergies, lightheadedness or stomach ache. If this occurs, immediately reduce the dosage or stop taking the natural health products completely.

5. Feel free to call the toll free number of the manufacturer for any questions or for any additional information you may want to know regarding the natural health product you purchased. You can also find the manufacturer’s postal address or website on the label.

Below are some of the most common natural health supplements available in the market.

Common name: Green tea
Scientific name: (Concoction of varied dried leaves)
Traditional use: Fights fatigue, arteriosclerosis, lower cholesterol, tooth decay, weight loss

Common Name: Black Cohosh
Scientific name: Cimicifuga racemosa
Traditional use: Menopausal conditions, painful menstruation, uterine spasms, vaginitis

Common name: Garlic
Scientific name: Allium canadense
Traditional use: Cardiovascular conditions, colds, flu

Common name: Purple Coneflower
Scientific name: Echinacea purpurea
Traditional use: Strengthen immune system, colds, flu.

Common name: Goldenseal
Scientific name: Laburnum anagyroides
Traditional use: Antiseptic, colds, flu, sore and inflamed nose linings

Common name: Evening primrose
Scientific name: Oil Oenothera biennis
Traditional use: Arthritis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), cardiovascular disease, hyperactivity

Common name: Saw palmetto
Scientific name: Sabal minor
Traditional use: Treatment of enlarged prostate

Common name: Feverfew
Scientific name: Tanacetum parthenium
Traditional use: Migraine, headaches, menstrual cramps.

Common name: Ginkgo
Scientific name: Ginkgo biloba
Traditional use: Aging, poor blood circulation, memory loss

Common name: Ginseng
Scientific name: Panax quinquefolius
Traditional use: Improve body tone, increase energy levels, alleviates stress

Common name: Hawthorn
Scientific name: Crataegus spp.
Traditional use: Heart conditions, angina, atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure.

Common name: St. John’s rose
Scientific name: Rosa richardii
Traditional use: Depression, mental disorders.

Just to reiterate, never self-diagnose. Always consult your doctor before taking natural health supplements. Remember that taking natural health supplements is not the key to good health; it should always be coupled with self-discipline, clean environment and a balance diet.

Read more about: Anti Aging - Healthy Lifestyle - Longevity - Diet & Exercise at Future Health Guide