It's easy to find herbs and other dietary supplements, but much more difficult to find accurate information about them and their side effects or benefits, says LSU AgCenter nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.
"Herbs and other supplements abound in supermarkets, drug stores and health food stores," Reames says, adding, "Although they are easy to obtain, accurate information about them is not."
The LSU AgCenter nutritionist says many people assume that since herbs are natural, they must be safe.
"However, many natural products are not safe for human consumption, such as some mushrooms and other poisonous plants," she points out. "Even more, the active ingredient in herbs may vary, depending on many factors such as rainfall and soil quality."
Reames also cautions herbs may contain other ingredients that could result in allergic reactions, interact with other medications or cause other unwanted side effects.
"Some herbs contain ingredients that may be harmful, including chaparral, coltsfoot, comfrey, ephedrine (ma huang), germander, jin bu huan, lobelia, sassafras and yohimbe," she says, explaining, "Manufacturers are not required to demonstrate that a supplement does what is claimed, that the supplement is safe used alone or with other supplements or drugs, that the supplement contains the ingredients listed on the label, or that the potency of the herbs is the same from batch to batch.
"Tests of supplements have revealed they sometimes lack active ingredients, contain the wrong plant or are contaminated by pesticides, heavy metals or prescription drugs."
Because only carefully controlled scientific studies can show that a product works, there are several such studies in progress on various herbs and supplements, Reames says.
The LSU AgCenter nutritionist also offers these guidelines, which are suggested by the American Diabetes Association, to help you make wise decisions about dietary supplements:
- Look for signs that the manufacturer at least has some quality control standards, such as lot numbers, expiration dates and/or a statement of the percentage of active ingredient.
- Buy from a store with a relatively fast turnover so you're not getting products that have deteriorated.
- Treat information from people trying to sell you something with suspicion, even if you know them. Try to verify the information with an unbiased source.
- Be wary of products that promise quick cures.
- Choose herbs based on their Latin species names. Sometimes, several plants share the same English name.
- Doctors are trained in diagnosing diseases; clerks in health-food stores are not. If you think you have a medical problem, see a doctor.
- Always talk to your doctor before trying any supplement. This is especially important if you have other health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, or are pregnant or breast feeding. This also applies if you are taking any medicine, including over-the counter ones.
- Never stop your current drugs or other therapy to try an alternative therapy.
- Two to three weeks before surgery, stop taking all herbal medicines. If you must have surgery in a hurry, take your herbal medicines to the hospital and show the anaesthesiologist what you are taking.
- Never give supplements to children.
- Follow the dosage instructions on the label.
- If you experience side effects after starting a supplement, stop taking it right away.
For more general information on nutrition and your health, contact an Extension agent in your parish LSU AgCenter office.