However, the effectiveness of many plant-based medicines sold as
supplements is often not supported by scientific evidence. Supplements
such as echinacea and St. John’s wort, for example, are popular but
haven’t been scientifically proven to treat the conditions for which they
are marketed. In fact, some supplements can be dangerous to a person’s
health. Echinacea, for example, may cause allergic reactions, irregular
heartbeats, and liver damage. And St. John’s wort interacts with a large
number of prescription medications (including oral contraceptives) and
has been linked to headaches, hives, rashes, and upset stomach.
COMMON
HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS
A study published in the
Journal of General Internal Medicine
described
the ten most commonly used herbal supplements in the United States,
in order of use, and what they are used for. Scientific evidence does
not conclusively support the effectiveness of any of them. So consult
with a doctor or other trusted medical professional about any herbal
supplement you may be considering, especially if you have any known
allergies or are taking any prescription medications. The ten most
commonly used herbal supplements are the following:
Herb
Common use
Scientific evidence
for effectiveness
Echinacea
Colds, flu, strengthen
the immune system
Inconclusive
Ginseng
Physical and cognitive
performance
Inconclusive
Ginkgo
biloba
Dementia and memory loss
Leg cramps
Likely effective
Likely effective
forms of chemicals found naturally in foxglove plants, cinchona trees,
and the Pacific yew are used in the twenty-first century to treat heart
disease, malaria, and cancer, respectively.
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DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
