| Herbal nutritional supplements have become very | | | | see if the product is certified, meaning it has to |
| popular as people try to improve their health and | | | | meet certain manufacturing standards. Groups |
| take a more active role in their own health care. | | | | that certify herbal supplements include the US |
| As the benefits of herbal nutritional supplements | | | | Pharmacopeia, and Good Housekeeping. |
| are continually cited in news stories and articles, | | | | Generally it's best to buy products that only |
| their use will likely continue to increase. | | | | contain one herb. Products that contain a blend |
| With all the news about the benefits of green tea | | | | don't always list the specific dose of each herb |
| and its impressive antioxidant and | | | | per tablet. It's important to understand the dose |
| anti-inflammatory properties one of the many | | | | you are taking. |
| herbal nutritional supplements that have gained | | | | Watch out for potential false claims. Herbal |
| popularity in recent years is green tea pills. | | | | nutritional supplements have helped a lot of |
| Echinacea is always popular during cold season. | | | | people, but no single supplement can deal with a |
| Melatonin and Valerian have become popular to | | | | broad range of health issues. If the claims sound |
| help people get a better night's sleep. And St | | | | too good to be true trust your instinct. |
| John's Wart has gained a good deal of attention in | | | | Since herbal nutritional supplements are easily |
| recent years to help with mood swings. | | | | purchased, and don't require a doctor's note, |
| But with so many herbal nutritional supplements | | | | people often underestimate them. Herbs can be |
| out there how do you know what to look for or | | | | potent; they can produce side effects in some |
| what to choose. For starters it's good to educate | | | | people, and as with any over the counter |
| yourself about the supplements you're thinking | | | | medicine you shouldn't take a larger dose than |
| about adding to your diet before heading out to | | | | recommended on the bottle. |
| buy them. It's also good to talk to your doctor | | | | It's also important to note that herbal |
| about your thoughts on adding herbal nutritional | | | | supplements can have side effects when mixed |
| supplements to your daily routine as well. | | | | with other medicines - either prescription or over |
| New regulations are being put into place for | | | | the counter medicines. This is why it is important |
| dietary supplements, but it can still be difficult to | | | | to talk to your doctor before taking herbal |
| know if you're choosing a high quality supplement. | | | | supplements. Some doctors aren't comfortable |
| The regulations are designed to improve safety | | | | talking about this or don't agree with this type of |
| by requiring manufacturers adhere to specific | | | | supplementation. |
| manufacturing practices that will guarantee the | | | | If you doctor isn't comfortable talking about this |
| supplements include exactly what their labels claim | | | | with you look for a pharmacist or other specialist |
| they do and that the supplements won't contain | | | | who is informed about this topic and would know |
| contaminants. | | | | about possible side effects or interactions with |
| When considering herbal nutritional supplements | | | | other things you're taking. |
| look for ones that are standardized. Standardized | | | | Herbal nutritional supplements have had positive |
| supplements have been tested for uniformity to | | | | results for people when taken correctly. But as |
| guarantee each supplement provides a specific | | | | with anything you ingest, it's good to understand it |
| amount of the active components. Also check to | | | | before taking it. |