by Gina Gott

Created on: May 04, 2009   Last Updated: May 11, 2009

The popularity of herbal supplements are growing . Millions of people have jumped on the band wagon , and started trying new herbal cures in their daily life . There are many benefits of herbal supplements , but what are the risks ?

The effects of herbal supplements on your overall health can be significant . They provide a good source of nutrients and help boost your immune system . Some can even reduce stress , increase memory , and help you sleep better at night .

A few of the most popular herbal supplements used today are :

St. John's Wort - It is used as a mild anti - depressant and reduces mild anxiety . It also helps with some sleep disorders . The side effects are that it may prolong the effects of certain anesthetics .

Gingseng - The benefits of Gingseng are an increase in energy and concentration . The side effects are that it may increase your heart rate or your blood pressure . It might also cause bleeding in woman after menopause .

Garlic -is used to lower cholesterol and blood pressure . The side effects are that it may increase bleeding , especially in some people using anti - clotting medication .

Herbal supplements can help you , but it is important to know how they will react to other prescription medicine you are on . Always ask your health care provider before mixing any type of herbal medicine with a prescription .

Herbals have many good uses if used correctly . Make sure you look at all of the facts before deciding which ones are right for you . They have been around for a very long time , but are growing more popular day by day . They are a cheaper way of improving your health as long as you follow the directions and don't mix with any other drugs .

Rules regulating herbal supplements will not be in effect until 2010 . So be sure and buy them from a trusted source . Look for the USP dietary supplement verified seal . It shows that the supplement has met standard manufacturing standards and are free from items such as lead or mercury . Also Good housekeeping and NSF seals are good . They all have different tests , but show that the product will live up to a certain standard of safety .

Now that you know the facts . Join the many others already enjoying better health from herbal supplements . I wouldn't go a day without taking mine . They work and as long as you follow the instructions , can do amazing things to help you .

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