Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements aren’t new to us since plants have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. Your local drug store is probably lined with herbal drugs and products that promise to prevent diseases, boost metabolism, brighten your skin, and even improve your energy. However, due to little regulation, herbal supplements haven't been subjected to the same scientific examination as modern medication. Many people are supplement users. By mentioning dietary supplements, we are not only referring to multivitamins. Some of the various supplements we have include vitamins, herbal supplements like lutein pills and glucosamine sulfate; mineral supplements like calcium pills and Vitamin B complex; and many others. But how should one go about choosing the right product? 

Here are a few expert tips that you should know before buying herbal supplements. 

Herbal supplements are used to ensure you're getting an adequate intake of specific nutrients. In this case, some multiple vitamins will do the job nicely. On other occasions, specific Superfeast herbs and mushrooms supplements are used to help provide your body with endless health benefits, which allow you to thrive and adapt to your environment. Other supplements are also used to treat other health issues, like ingesting vitamin D and calcium supplements for osteoporosis or iron for anemia. In cases like this, your health care physician has probably prescribed how much you should take and may be offered suggestions about other particular brands. If you think you may have health reasons to take specific supplements, you need to speak with your health care physician. Avoid a scenario where you’ll diagnose and treat yourself.

If you see the phrase “proprietary blend” on the product, avoid it as much as you can. In many cases, proprietary blends are just a laundry list of herbal ingredients, but they don't inform you of the herbs' actual amounts. This is not genuine and is the complete opposite of how you should be buying herbal supplements. You should generally know the ingredients and the correct dose you want before you go out and buy a product. In other words, ownership blends are often a sneaky way for manufacturers to hide the fact that their work is mostly filler, with little active ingredients to help your body.

There are specific brands of vitamins you've seen for years that have been around for a long time, so they probably offer a decent and genuine product. If you're buying from a drugstore or a health food store, you should be able to seek assistance from a store vendor for advice on the best product. But if you're buying from an online store, then this means you're on your own. In that case, look for products that have been certified by companies like Consumer Labs; you can also check for the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention or NSF International. Some of these organizations may not guarantee whether a product is safe or effective, but they will indicate that a product has undergone testing for quality measures.

You might be tempted to go for a product with extra ingredients thinking that it's the best. The additional components may seem like a good idea, but the more elements, the higher the likelihood of having unwanted side effects. You should start with just the vitamin or mineral you're interested in taking. Avoid megadoses or buying more than you need. It's also crucial that you follow the dosage instructions displayed on the label. As much as dietary supplements are considered safe, consuming too much can be harmful to your health.

Readers are often advised to consult their doctors, but in this case, it’s recommended that you consult your pharmacist, especially if you are taking long-term medications. Sometimes, herbal supplements may cause side effects when mixed with prescription drugs or reduce a drug's benefits. For example, St John’s wort can reduce the efficacy of birth control pills. Like garlic, some other supplements may interfere with your blood clotting ability, and this is something you might want to keep in mind, especially if you have an upcoming surgery. These side effects can be life-threatening, so ensure you always speak to your pharmacist before starting a new supplement.

Many herbal supplements must label the herb's name, the list of ingredients, correct dosage, active ingredients, price, and manufacturer information. Ensure you go for natural dietary supplements that carry the USP Verified logo. This means the supplement meets the standard set by U.S. Pharmacopeia. If you're confused, you should always research more online from verified sites to ensure that it meets the required standards.

The takeaway is that you will not find the perfect manual for buying supplements. This is because the industry changes frequently, and we have different herbal products coming out every day. Ideally, the best advice is that you should always consult your healthcare provider before using any supplements. Your healthcare provider will alert you of any potential side effects of the supplements. They will also advise you about which supplements are safe and effective.