Resources for info on herbal supplements?

[Cookie]

I've been trying to look up some things about some herbal stuff I'm trying and Google results haven't been helpful. Anyone know any good resources that will tell you things like how long you have to take them to start seeing results, etc?

[BookstoreEscapee]

You might try webmd.com or the Mayo Clinic website; they're pretty reliable for general health information. You might get some other sources from there, too.

[Barracuda]

Depends on which herbal supplements you're taking, and what they're for.

[KiaKat]

One problem with herbal supplements is that the studies done are primarily anecdotal. Most herbals don't have any sort of FDA testing, so whatever "results" they've shown are suspect and varied. One might "be shown to lower blood pressure" but only when combined with diet and exercise. Another might offer "increased metabolic output" but that's because it's got either ephedra or caffeine in it, which raises your base heart rate and therefore your metabolism, in a negligible way. A third might have effects on mood, but the side effects counter any positive that might be provided.

There are very few herbal supplements that offer a real change in the state of the body, and most of those come with some nasty secondary effects. Always check with your doctor before taking any - they can frequently tell you what to expect, how to take them, and what to look out for, as well as what is counterindicated, based on your lifestyle, current medications, and any existing health problems.

[Seshat]

The other problem can be a lack of regulated quality control.


That said, if you have a known deficiency in something (eg, vitamin C, vitamin D), it can be useful to take it in pill or powder form.

It's generally better to take your vitamin C in citrus fruits or berries because you also get heaps of micronutrients, plus fibre and other stuff. But sometimes you just go for a supplement instead.

[Mishi]

I use the two Earthwise Herbals by Matthew Wood (I found the Old World one in my local library, and ordered my own copy because they're so interesting). The only problem is that it doesn't tell you how quickly the supplements begin to work. He does include case histories, cautions, contraindications, prep + dosage, history, usage, indications, the active ingredients/chemical make-up, description and picture as well as various notes.