by Raynie Andrewsen

Created on: May 24, 2008

Herbs have been used by every culture around the world as medicine. Today 25% of prescription drugs have at least one ingredient derived from a plant source. The use of herbs as an alternative to conventional drugs to treat health problems has risen to a 17 billion dollar industry. It is so huge in fact that the government has established the NCCAM, or The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine to study herbs and diseases they may benefit. The Food and Drug Administration now watches, regulates and issues warnings for the industry. The regulation of herbs is as a food product or dietary supplement and is not given the same rules with regards to effectiveness of claims, safety, and quality that is reserved for regulating over the counter drugs. The therapeutic use of herbs is a primary source of health care in many countries, but do the benefits outweigh the risks?

The use of herbs as medicine has its pros and cons. Even with research providing concrete evidence of the benefits of a number of herbal medicines, the quality of over the counter herb products cannot be ascertained. The danger of self medicating is a reality. The natural synergy of whole herbs when used as medicine are appealing to the vast number of users who want a more natural and less chemical alternative to treating their ailments. Although herbs can provide a more natural alleviation of symptoms or pain, it goes without saying that it is still best to seek the advice of a qualified professional trained in herbal medicine. For all the good an herb can do, under certain circumstances it can harm as well. When mixed with other herbs, medications, over the counter medicines, and even some vitamins herbs can have unwanted and even dangerous effects.

While the debate will linger for years to come, history has shown that herbs do have a medicinal value. More research will need to be done. Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly how herbs work, what is their active ingredient and how they work individually in the body. Standards of practice will need to be established to weed out unscrupulous herb peddlers with false claims and tainted product. The herbs should be available to people who want to feel in control of their health decisions, giving them another alternative to conventional treatment. However, a system needs to be implemented to make sure that what the patients believe they are taking is actually what is in the bottle. In recent surveys conducted on herb supplements available over the counter, the results had shown bottles to have varying amounts of the listed herb increasing the potential for side effects or ineffectiveness. Occasionally the product was also adulterated with microorganisms, metals or other herbs. Herbs used in such preparations may also be contaminated with pesticides.

In the field of medicine there will always be benefits and risks, pros and cons to any medicine conventional or herbal. The way to avoid any harm or side effects is to educate yourself on your particular ailment, and the herbs you want to use. Seek the help of a professional trained in herbal medicine to guide you. Lastly and most importantly, buy quality herb product. Look for products that are certified organic from a trusted, reputable source. Your health is in your hands and herbal medicine can be a good alternative, when you are properly informed and have the expertise of a qualified professional.

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