There are various types of herbal supplements available today, from ingredients that must be squeezed, brewed, or boiled and drunk the water, plant extracts, pills, capsules, tablets, powders, to herbal supplements in liquid form, for example, Tahitian noni juice. In addition, certain plants, such as
sappan wood or cordyceps, are also often consumed as supplements or herbal
teas.
How to Choose Herbal Supplements Correctly
Various drugs or herbal supplements are believed to maintain
or improve health and even treat many diseases. Certain herbal ingredients are
also claimed to help the process of removing toxins or detoxifying the body.
Now, many people are combining these herbal supplements with
modern medical treatments to cure their illnesses. The reason is that herbal
medicines or supplements are made from natural ingredients, not chemical
mixtures.
However, even though they are natural, herbal medicines or
supplements are not necessarily suitable for everyone and have the potential to
cause other problems, for example:
- All herbal ingredients can have side effects. Anything strong enough to produce a positive impact, such as lowering cholesterol or high blood pressure, is strong enough to carry unwanted risks.
- Herbal drugs and supplements have an interaction effect with certain medications that can reduce the impact of the drug, increase the risk of side effects, and interfere with drug metabolism in the body.
- The evidence for the medical effectiveness of herbal medicines (scientific research/clinical trials) is generally minimal.
Herbal supplements are generally categorized as a type of
traditional dietary supplement. Therefore, studies of effectiveness, dosage,
and side effects are also subject to different regulations from studies on
drugs in general. Therefore, before buying medicines or herbal supplements, it
is advisable to do the following things:
- Consult a doctor before buying or taking herbal remedies.
- Check whether the product is registered with the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency. You can check by visiting this site.
- Research companies that make herbal products
- Research whether the product makes outlandish claims or is difficult to substantiate.
- Check if the product has gone through the clinical trials prescribed by the government. Also, check whether the research was done correctly.
- Check whether the product label contains information about the drug's raw materials, side effects, standard formulas, instructions for use, and warnings for use. Also, check whether the information on the label is clear and easy to read.
- Check whether there is a registered phone number, address, or website so that you as a consumer can find out more information about the product.
- Learn as much as you can about the herbs you take by consulting your doctor and contacting herbal supplement manufacturers for information.
- If you are taking herbal supplements, follow label directions carefully and use them at the recommended dosage.
- Watch for side effects and see a doctor if an allergic reaction occurs.
Finally, keep in mind the use of herbal products should be
consulted with a doctor first if there are several conditions such as:
- Taking other drugs. Although this supplement is safer because it is herbal and natural, the active ingredients of herbal supplements may be active chemical compounds. These ingredients can interact with other drugs and affect the performance and metabolism of drugs in the body.
- Have a serious health condition, such as liver or kidney disease.
- Had to have surgery.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Elderly parents.
- Children.
The decision to choose herbal products needs to be adjusted to several factors such as clinical effects proven to be efficacious and supported by evidence from standardized research, side effects and risks of using herbal products, and price suitability. So, before you take any medicine or herbal supplements, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor first.
Baca Juga
- Keampuhan Daun Sirih
- Slim Dengan Jati Belanda
- Khasiat Daun Salam Bagi Kesehatan
- Manfaat Temulawak untuk Kesehatan
source: https://www.alodokter.com/cara-memilih-suplemen-herbal-dengan-benar