Herbal Supplements & Mineral Supplements -  What You Should Know

by Cliff Smith

Herbal supplements are a hot topic in health today, with advertisements claiming they will cure everything from sexual dysfunction to the common cold.  In reality, though, both herbal and mineral supplements have been used in various forms throughout history.  Western medicine is now taking the use of herbs into real consideration as possible treatments for various ailments. 

In the United States, medicines and foods are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are tested for safety before being placed on the market.  Herbal supplements, however, fall under a subcategory of “dietary supplements” and are regulated under a different set of rules.  For this reason, it is important to do some research before choosing the appropriate herbal supplement or mineral supplement for a particular diet.

When considering which supplements might be appropriate, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine can be an excellent resource.  In addition, the herbal supplement manufacturer or distributor should be able to answer questions regarding their products.  While some people will simply dismiss the benefits of herbal or mineral supplements, the NCCAM, or a product’s distributor should be able to point you toward solid backups for the efficacy of various products on the market.

What is not in question is the fact that many herbal supplements do have well-documented effects, both good and bad.  This means that they can interact with both over-the-counter and prescription medications.  For this reason, it is always important to mention any supplements being taken, including vitamins, when speaking with a doctor or pharmacist. 

Medical conditions, including pregnancy, can be affected by anything ingested, so a medical professional is a great resource for understanding what should and should not be taken.  For example, a doctor may recommend calcium supplements as part of a healthy pregnancy nutrition plan, while there are other herbal and mineral supplements that can cause complications when undergoing surgery.  Again, research and knowledge are the most important tools a consumer has when making decisions regarding his or her health.

Another method consumers have in protecting their health with the use of herbal supplements is to be cautious.  When taking a particular mineral supplement, for example, the user should follow the recommended dosages and keep a record of what is being taken and the benefits and any side effects experienced.

In addition, supplements produced outside of the U.S. may not be held to any FDA regulations and can contain ingredients not considered safe by FDA standards.  The NCCAM keeps a list of herbal and mineral supplements that are currently under review, so double checking this resource helps the consumer avoid questionable choices.

The addition of both herbal supplements and mineral supplements to one’s diet can have considerable benefits.  Whether the supplement helps with joint pain caused by arthritis or offers an energy boost throughout the day, there are great reasons to include them in a daily regimen for health and wellness.  With a little common sense and a desire for safety, herbal supplements can offer a natural alternative to many pharmaceuticals on the market today.

Author-Cliff Smith is one of the managing partners of this online health food store, where you can discover the power of concentrated food grade herbs for optimum health and nutrition. Find herbal supplements and whole food vitamins & minerals not sold in typical health food stores.

For more information, read our additional DIET and NUTRITION TIPS