Herbal Supplements: Are They Safe?

Herbal supplements are a type of dietary supplement that contains herbs.

An herb (also called a botanical) is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor and/or therapeutic properties.

Many herbs have a long history of claimed health benefits. However, some herbs have caused health problems for users.

1. It's important to know that just because an herbal supplement is labeled "natural" doesn’t mean it is safe or without harmful effects. For example, the herbs kava and comfrey have been linked to serious liver damage.
2. Herbal supplements can act in the same way as drugs. Therefore, they can cause medical problems if not used correctly or if taken in large amounts. In some cases, people have experienced negative effects even though they followed the instructions on a supplement label.
3. Women who are pregnant or nursing should be especially cautious about using herbal supplements, since these products can act like drugs. This caution also applies to children.
4. It is important to consult your health care provider before using an herbal supplement, especially if you are taking any medications (whether prescription or over-the-counter). Some herbal supplements are known to interact with medications in ways that cause health problems. Even if your provider does not know about a particular supplement, he can access the latest medical guidance on its uses, risks and interactions.
5. Published investigations of herbal supplements have found differences between what's listed on the label and what's in the bottle. This means that you may be taking less--or more--of the supplement than what the label indicates. Also, the word "standardized" on a product label does not guarantee higher product quality, since in the United States there is no legal definition of "standardized" (or "certified" or "verified") for supplements.
6. The active ingredient(s) in many herbs and herbal supplements are not known. There may be dozens, even hundreds, of such compounds in an herbal supplement. Scientists are currently working to identify these ingredients and analyze products, using sophisticated technology.
7. Some herbal supplements have been found to be contaminated with metals, unlabeled prescription drugs, microorganisms or other substances.
8. There has been an increase in the number of Web sites that sell and promote herbal supplements on the Internet. The Federal Government has taken legal action against a number of company sites because they have been shown to contain incorrect statements and to be deceptive to consumers. It is important to know how to evaluate the claims that are made for supplements. Some sources are listed below.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Clearinghouse