| Just because
St. John wort is touted as mood enhancer does not mean that it
may be the appropriate herbal supplement of choice for you. To
shed a little light on herbal supplements, the following fact
sheet provides some useful information for you to consider when
making a purchasing decision. Generally,
manufacturers refer to herbal supplements according to their
common name, or the name of the plant extracted to manufacture
the product (in example, leaf, stem or root).
Anytime a consumer is confused by the use,
purpose or dangers of an herbal supplement, a pharmacist or
physician should be consulted for clarification.
How do you choose an herbal supplement?
? The limited amount of regulation makes choosing
an herbal supplement of the highest quality a difficult prospect.
In order to choose the best herbal supplement brands:
? A seal with the U.S. Pharmacopeia's USP Dietary
Supplement verifies that the herbal supplement has been manufactured
in accordance with standardized guidelines.
? Although various other groups and organizations
may certify the legitimacy of a herbal supplement, each entity
utilizes differing methodologies. They include the following
groups: Good Housekeeping NSF International, and ConsumerLab.com.
? It is a misnomer that all herbal supplements
are manufactured with efficacy.
? Single herb products are the best to buy
? By and large, many supplements that contain
a concoction of other herbs are comprised of other unknown components
? All herbal supplement products should clearly
detail the volume of herbs contained in each dose.
? In general, when the claims of an herbal
supplement sound too good to be authentic, they usually are
? It is almost impossible for a single herbal
supplement to improve a wide array of health conditions.
? Herbal supplements manufactured out of the
United States are more apt to be produced under poor standards;
however, many European herbs are strictly standardized, as well. |
