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Herbal Supplements

Submitted by Nick on March 18, 2011

Herbal Nutritional Supplements

Science and technology has come a long way, and medicine has seen innumerable advances. Despite the fact that a sizeable number of medicines are formulated in a laboratory, herbal supplements which have been used for hundreds (or sometimes thousands) of years are still popular. Ancient medicinal systems, like the Indian system of Ayurveda, depended, to a large extent, on herbs. While they may not have had complex labs to formulate medicines, they did know a lot about their surroundings and the environment. That is why natural herbal supplements were used to cure almost every ailment, from the common cold to impotence.

From herbal supplements for anxiety to supplements for immunity, everything is available. So, what kind of vitamins and herbal supplements should you be using and are they safe for you? First and foremost, you should know that herbal dietary supplements are not regulated in the same way that allopathic medicine is.

While manufacturers are required to have evidence of their claims, they are not required to share this with the government. This means that the contents of their supplements are not always in line with their claims. Secondly, the source of the herbs is very important, and using organic herbal supplements can be vastly superior to non-organic products.

Finally, you must keep in mind that the usage of herbs is based on ancient knowledge, not something a fly-by-night operator should be recommending. Contrary to popular belief, herbal supplements can have side effects, or may be completely ineffective if not suited to your body type and constitution. So it is very important to see a qualified practitioner.

Before you take any herbal supplements, you need to do your research. Use the Internet to research the supplement and the manufacturer. Ask your doctor or health care professional if they’ve heard about the particular supplement. If possible, speak to a doctor of Ayurvedic medicine, who specializes in Ayurvedic medicine and is trained in the field. He/she will be able to diagnose your problem and suggest the right herbal nutritional supplements for you.

Supplements can also treat problems like anxiety disorders. Some of the best herbal supplements that can help are as follows:

• Valerian root: This supplement is used to prevent panic attacks and can be taken an hour before bed time. Keep in mind, though, that you should not take it for over three months at a stretch, as it can have long-term effects on the body. It causes drowsiness and should not be taken before operating machinery.
• Kava kava: This is a supplement that is used to counteract depression. It helps in calming the mind and body, and has lulling effects that are similar to anti-depressant drugs.
• Gingko biloba: This rare tree has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries, and has been shown to boost mental health, physical immunity, and all round general health. It is also used for weight loss and improves circulation.
• Passion flower: The enzymes contained in passion flower elevate mood, and it does not cause drowsiness like valerian root. For this reason, it is considered to be a superior option.
• St. John’s wort: This herb treats both anxiety and depression. But, on the flip side, it may have side effects like headache, fatigue and dizziness.

It is important to note that while ancient medicinal systems recommended the use of herbs, they were not based solely on herbs. They recommended lifestyle changes based on a person’s constitution, and living a healthy, active life was considered more important. So a regular, balanced diet and daily exercise is what will actually help treat you, herbal supplements are just there to aid you along your path to health.