Herbal Supplements: Are They Safe?
Have you been in a drug store lately? Then you’ve seen the rows and rows of herbal or dietary supplements. But what are they and how do they impact your health?
Herbal Supplements, Drug or Not?
Herbal supplements have long been used to stay healthy or treat illnesses. Their use is often traced back to early Chinese medicine. Dietary supplements are made up of processed or unprocessed plant parts (bark, leaves, flowers, fruits and stems), extracts and essential oils. They may come in the form of tablets and capsules or teas and powders. Herbals may be sold as single substances or combined with other materials, such as vitamins and minerals.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies herbals as dietary supplements, not drugs. Therefore, the FDA does not regulate supplements as it does prescription medications. This means the quality and strength of herbals can vary greatly among brands. By law, supplements can be sold legally as long as they don’t make any health claims or say they cure a condition. But let’s be real. The information on supplements can be very misleading.
Use Herbal Remedies with Caution
Many people use herbs to help maintain good health or to relieve symptoms. Herbal products may supplement conventional medicine but should never be a substitute for treatment. Some herbals can lead to dangerous side-effects or drug interactions. If you are careful and aware, you will avoid this health risk. See how:
- Read the label - The quality of herbal products can vary. Labels marked with USP (United States Pharmacopeia) or NF (National Formulary) show that the manufacturer followed the standards set by the testing organization, United States Pharmacopeia. The letters USP indicate approved use. The letters NF indicate that the product has the same standards for purity and quality in manufacturing as USP but does not have a USP-approved use.
- Know what you’re taking - The following lists common herbals, their use and adverse reactions:
Name |
Popular Use (not proven) |
Adverse Reactions |
Echinacea/Goldenseal |
To prevent and remedy colds and flu |
Upset stomach and diarrhea; skin rash if used topically. Using regularly may suppress the immune system. Taking echinacea for eight weeks or more can affect the liver. |
Ginkgo Biloba |
To treat headache, tinnitus, memory loss |
Muscle spasms, allergic skin reactions, cramps, bleeding and mild digestive problems. |
Garlic |
To prevent stroke, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, lower cholesterol |
Upset stomach, intestinal problems, heartburn, bad breath and body odor. |
St. John's Wort |
To treat mild depression |
Sensitivity to sunlight if taken for long spells, itching, headache, fatigue, bloating, weight gain and constipation. |
- Be aware of drug interactions - Herbal supplements can have risky interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medicines. For example, garlic, if taken on a regular basis, may increase the strength of aspirin and the drug Warfarin to prevent blood clotting. The herbal supplement St. John's wort can also mix with prescription antidepressants and increase the medication's effect. And if you take Ginkgo biloba with a diuretic medicine, it is likely to raise blood pressure.
Moral of the Herbal Story: Talk to Your Doctor and Pharmacist
Since herbal supplements can be a health risk, it’s very important to talk to your doctors and pharmacists before taking them. You should always let them know every medication you take. This includes your vitamins and dietary and herbal supplements so they can look for drug interactions.
Keeping a list of everything you take is a good way to track your medicines. You can start today by filling out AARP’s Personal Medication Record. Give a copy to your doctors and pharmacists. They’re not always aware of everything you take. Carry a copy with you and give a copy to loved ones.
AARP Resources
Personal Medication Record
Scroll under the section “Medication Records, Brochures, Booklets” and either download a personal medication record to your computer to complete online, print a copy to fill out by hand, or order one to be sent to you.
Over-the-Counter Drug Facts Labels
For your health and safety, understand how to read OTC labels.
Medicines and You
This online course will help you, or someone you care for, better manage medications. You’ll learn the questions to ask doctors and pharmacists.
Additional Resources
Think it Through: A Guide to Managing the Benefits and Risks of Medicines
This straight-forward article from the FDA helps you get the best results from your medications, at minimal risk.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
This section of the National Institute of Health’s website provides a great deal of information on herbal and dietary supplements.
