Most herbal supplements are safe for most people.Thousands of years ago, herbs were used to treat health problems.Modern herbal supplements are not guaranteed to be safe or high quality.There are some guidelines you can follow if you want to start taking herbal supplements.
Step 1: Talk to your doctor.
Ask your doctor if you want to take herbal supplements.She will be able to tell you if there are any herbal supplements that might be helpful for your condition.If you go for a medical procedure, this is helpful.Some herbs can cause bleeding during surgery.Your doctor may ask you to stop taking herbal supplements if they cause problems.If you are pregnant, younger than 18, or older than 65, don't take herbal supplements.
Step 2: Check for reactions to medication.
Herbal supplements are derived from natural sources.It's true of over the counter and prescription medication.Mention any herbal supplement you are considering when you visit your doctor to make sure she knows about possible interactions.Tell her about the additional drugs you were prescribed.Some general doctors are not experts in herbal supplements.If you are serious about taking herbal supplements, you should see a Naturopath.Naturopaths are not licensed in every state.If you want to know if there is a drug-herb interaction, you can ask the pharmacy.
Step 3: Follow the suggestion.
Just like any medication, herbal supplements have daily instructions.Make sure you read the label and follow the recommended dose every day.If your doctor thinks you need more or less of a specific supplement, she may give you a different dosage.Always follow your doctor's orders.
Step 4: Track what you take.
If you are taking a lot of different herbal supplements, keep track of how much you take and how often.If you have a reaction to something, you will be able to explain what you are taking.This will help you figure out if the supplements you are taking are helping or not.If you can't remember what you're taking, write it down and keep it safe.
Step 5: The color should be checked.
The color of the supplements should be checked when you buy them.If it is the color that the herb is supposed to be, look at it.This could be green, red, or yellow.If the colors are bright, such as bright green instead of brown or gray, the herbs are fresh and show that they have not been exposed to excessive heat.There are signs of mold inside the pill capsule.They can be dark or grayish or dusty and powdery.As you take the herbs, keep an eye on them.It's time to get a new bottle once they start changing colors.
Step 6: Take care of your supplements.
There are certain conditions in which herbal supplements need to be kept.You should keep them in a dry place.Check the label for more specific instructions for certain herbal supplements.Keep up with the expired date when you buy supplements.If herbal supplements are out of date, you should not take them.Buy more that are in date if you throw them away.
Step 7: Find the right manufacturers.
You need to find safe, quality manufacturers if you want to buy the right supplement.Problems in quality can be caused by the fact that supplements are not as regulated as prescription drugs.The best way to do quality analysis is to go to the store, find popular brands, then do online research to check the quality of the manufacturers.They should have their own website, but you should also look at other websites that discuss the brands you are looking into.Online supplement reviewers such as ConsumerLab can be used.Independent testing to assess quality is done by these companies.
Step 8: Read about the benefits.
To figure out which herbal supplements will help you, you should research different herbs.The database at the University of Maryland Medical Center has a long list of herbs and what they are used for.Specific conditions that you suffer from, and what herbs may be helpful, can be looked up.There are studies that give evidence to the claims of the herbal supplements.There are many studies that show the usefulness of herbal supplements.There are supplements that claim to have healing powers.These are bloated statements that are trying to lure you into buying them.
Step 9: Check for FDA notifications.
The Federal Drug Administration has a website about herbs.It allows you to know if any supplements have been recalled, if there are any issues with certain herbs, and if manufacturers are to be avoided.
Step 10: Be aware of alternate names.
Make sure you know all the different names of your herbs when you buy supplements.Many herbs have different common names.Getting the right herbal supplements for certain conditions is important, because buying a similar named one may cause problems or reactions.
Step 11: Buy good brands.
You know which brands to buy because of the research you've done.The brands you found were the best.The Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are a set of rules set forth by the FDA.
Step 12: The manufacturer's origin should be checked.
It's important that the herbal supplements you buy are safe.The United States and other European countries make safe supplements.There are many problems with herbs made in India, Mexico and China.If you want to avoid those made in these three countries, look on the label of the supplements.
Step 13: Purchase organic herbs.
If you're looking for a natural option, look for organic supplements.These herbal supplements will be made from organic herbs, which are grown under safer conditions and made with no genetically modified ingredients.If you can find sustainable and pesticide free herbal supplements.
Step 14: There are local herbalists.
If you would like to use locally grown herbs in your supplements, look into a local herbalist.The herbalist should be able to tell you where he buys his herbs.You can find an herbalist by looking online or in local directories.If you've seen a naturopathic doctor, it's a good idea to ask if they know of a local herbalist.You can ask the people at the local organic grocery if they have local herbs.
Step 15: You can buy it online.
If you don't like the selection of herbal supplements you can buy them online.If you buy herbs online, make sure they meet the same quality standards as others.You need to make sure that the place you are buying the herbs from is trustworthy.You may be able to find companies that sell organic products on the internet.You can ask the company if you aren't sure.