Herbal supplements are dietary supplements that contain herbs meant to prevent and promote healing of many different conditions. Humans have been using herbs as medicine for thousands of years. It is the oldest form of medicine known to mankind.
Herbs are produced from the roots of plants, flowers, leaves, bark or berries. As people lose faith in the western medical establishment, there continues to be a huge resurgence in the use and popularity of herbs.
Millions of people have turned to herbal supplements as an alternative to mainstream medicine because they find that they work and are generally less intrusive to the body, causing fewer side effects
There are many different ways to take herbal vitamins and supplements and hundreds of different herbs. You can take herbs through tincture, capsules, teas, tablets and gelatin. Tablets and capsules are generally harder to digest, so tinctures, which are herbs dispensed in alcohol, are considered the best. However, your taste buds may disagree, which is why some people prefer gelatin, capsules and tablets. Tea is the traditional way to receive the benefits of herbs, especially in Eastern cultures.
Herbal supplements provide overall health and treat acute symptoms and diseases like the common cold and high blood pressure. One of the most popular herbal supplements today is echinacea, a daisy like flower native to North America. Echinacea has been shown to increase the potency of white blood cells which boosts the immune system. It is most widely used to fight off the common cold, flu and infections.
Another popular herbal supplement is Kava, which comes from a shrub originally in the South Sea. Kava is used to treat depression and anxiety. However, there is some controversy that surrounds the use of Kava containing supplements so please read up on possible side effects.
Herbal supplements also come in prepared formulas to treat specific problems or conditions. For example, there are a number of products that combine the use of many different herbs like dandelion, milk thistle, and barberry to clean and detoxify the liver. Or you can find products that clean your colon and intestines which have herbs like licorice, aloe vera and rhubarb.
Be mindful when buying supplements advertised as herbal. The first rule is to find a quality and trustworthy health food or natural medicine store. It's their job to supply only the safest, high quality products. Next, read labels and make sure the herbs come from a reputable supplier. Talk to people who are taking herbal remedies to get the information you need before you begin.
The Vitamin Shoppe
is a great source for all of your herbal supplement needs.
