| Herbal supplements are now within the reach of | | | | Similar to drugs, many herbal supplements contain |
| almost everyone worldwide. You can find herbal | | | | active ingredients that can affect how the body |
| supplements on the Internet, in a health food | | | | functions. So once again, be sure to check with |
| store, in a beauty supply store, or in a vitamin | | | | your doctor before starting on an herbal |
| shop. | | | | supplement. Don't take a supplement simply |
| Each of the herbal supplements you see will make | | | | because it says it will do something good for you. |
| claims about what enhancements it can make to | | | | Only take a supplement because you have a |
| your health. Do not take these claims at face | | | | problem that it may help remedy. |
| value. It is important for you to research herbal | | | | Before you take herbal supplements |
| supplements independently. Even herbal | | | | An expert such as a pharmacist can help provide |
| supplements that deliver on their promises are | | | | you with invaluable information and help you |
| not needed by everyone. Take only those herbal | | | | decipher often ambiguous product labels. A doctor |
| supplements that match your needs. If you are | | | | who is educated in natural remedies or a |
| on any medications, be sure to check with your | | | | pharmacist should be able to tell you of the |
| doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbal | | | | possible side effects of a given herb or of |
| supplement. | | | | possible interactions the herb may have with |
| What are herbal supplements? | | | | drugs you are taking. And, only a doctor can |
| Consumers may commonly ask questions like | | | | properly diagnose if you have a condition that |
| "What are herbal supplements?" and "Why are | | | | requires treatment and if taking herbal |
| herbal supplements prescribed?" once they find | | | | supplements can treat your condition. |
| out about them. | | | | Just because an herbal supplement is popular does |
| Herbal supplements are basically just ways to | | | | not mean it is right for everyone. Each person |
| supplement the body with anything that your | | | | has unique needs and reactions. Just a like a drug, |
| lifestyle may be depriving it of having that will | | | | an herb can be dangerous for some people under |
| promote proper bodily function. The United States | | | | the wrong circumstances. So if you're currently |
| Food and Drug Administration considers herbal | | | | taking an herbal supplement or thinking of taking |
| supplements to be dietary supplements. Although | | | | one, consider finding out more information about |
| these supplements are derived from natural | | | | whether you really need that herbal supplement |
| sources, they should be used with caution, | | | | and whether that herbal supplement fits in with |
| particularly in concentrated forms such as | | | | any medications you may be taking. |
| extracts. | | | | |