Do Herbal Supplements Work?

Elderberry extract and acai to boost the immune system. Black cohosh to lessen the discomforts of menopause. Soy capsules to prevent bone loss and prostate cancer.


Many botanical supplements—made from the seeds, bark, leaves, flowers and stems of a wide range of plants—have been widely used as folk remedies for centuries. Americans have been consuming growing quantities of the supplements in hopes of warding off disease and easing symptoms of various conditions. But there is scant scientific evidence to support their health benefits.



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Interesting, how many times does anyone see a topic on; Do Medical Drugs Work?? It's always the Vitamins and Herbal Remedies that are facing the scrutiny by biased investigators.


According to a study report titled "Death by Medicine" ", “783,936 people in the United States die every year from conventional medicine mistakes." and about 106,000 of these deaths are from prescription medicine."<--Approved by the FDA!!


Herbal medicines have had a long history and are certainly safer. Provided that they are prescribed by a qualified herbalist. And the same goes for Vitamins and supplements.

Nothing can beat a good diet, but for therapeutic purposes, one of these might be needed.


Here's an interesting Quote: "If we doctors threw all our medicines into the sea, it would be that much better for our patients and that much worse for the fishes." Oliver Wendell Holmes, M.D."

rajeshm, actually that's totally untrue. For example:


In the United States, black cohosh is sold as a dietary supplement, and dietary supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs. A published case of acute hepatitis involved a 47-year-old woman who used black cohosh for symptoms of menopause. She received a liver transplant three weeks after she started taking the herb. The report indicated the dose of black cohosh did not exceed the dosage recommended on the package; but no other dosage information was provided. No other cause for liver disease was found.


There are reported cases of St John's Wort causing problems, and users are now warned about its interaction with everyday foods (avoid the following substances: Amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine; amphetamines; asthma inhalants; beer, coffee, wine; chocolate, fava beans, salami, smoked or pickled foods, and yogurt; cold or hay fever medicines; diet pills; narcotics; nasal decongestants. They all contain chemicals that react adversely to hypericin, causing high blood pressure and nausea) and activities (it can exacerbate sunburn and cause blistering after sun exposure. Pregnant and lactating women need to consult their GP before taking this herbal supplement.


Manufacturers do not have to provide the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with evidence that dietary supplements are effective or safe before marketing. Because dietary supplements are not always tested for manufacturing consistency, the composition may vary considerably from lot to lot.


I'm not anti-herbal supplements and I believe some work. I take them from time to time myself, but I think the key is to do so judiciously.

That's why they ought to be bought from and with consultation with your dietician! Who can explain exactly how it'll affect you and why, and take into account whether you are taking any medications or supplement already. Of course the type of diet, your age, sex, and other physiological factors have to be accounted for.


We can't be the chickens that are fed anti-biotic just because they can't make a choice for themselves!


Manufacturers want to earn cash; most of them couldn't care for population’s health. I say most, there are some responsible ones.


Just like when political leaders of nations decide to go to war they couldn't care for the causalties that it may bring!