The Use of Herbal Supplements

The use of herbal supplements has increased dramatically over the past 30 years. Herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements by the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health & Schooling Act (DSHEA) of 1994. That means herbal supplements -- unlike prescription drugs -- can be sold without being tested to show that they are safe & effective. However, herbal supplements must be made according to nice manufacturing practices.

Often, herbs may be used together because the combination is more effective & may have fewer side effects. Health care providers must take lots of factors in to account when recommending herbs, including the species & variety of the plant, the plant's habitat, the way it was stored & processed, & whether or not there's contaminants (including heavy metals & pesticides).

The most often used herbal supplements in the U.S. include echinacea (Echinacea purpurea & related species), St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), garlic (Allium sativum), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), ginseng (Panax ginseng, or Asian ginseng; & Panax quinquefolius, or American ginseng), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), ginger (Zingiber officinale), evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), & milk thistle (Silybum marianum).