Herbal Supplements: Natural Health Support from Plants

Herbal supplements are products made from plant extracts, herbs, or botanicals that are used to support health and well-being. They are often consumed in the form of capsules, tablets, or teas.
Category
Supplement
Where to get
Available in health food stores and online retailers
Applicable for
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Jane Cox

Herbal Supplements FAQ

What are herbal medicines & supplements?

Herbal medicines or supplements are natural compounds from plants’ leaves, bark, roots, seeds, or flowers that people can use for medicinal purposes. They may offer therapeutic benefits when people use them as complementary medicine. Herbal medicines contain active ingredients from natural plants.

Are herbal supplements dietary supplements?

Are labeled as being dietary supplements. Herbal supplements—sometimes called botanicals—are a type of dietary supplement containing one or more herbs. The amount of scientific evidence on dietary supplements varies widely—there is a lot of information on some and very little on others.

What is a herbal medicine?

A herb is typically defined as: ‘A plant whose leaves, flowers or seeds are used to add taste to food, in medicines or for their pleasant smell. Parsely, mint and oregano are all herbs.’ 1 What is herbal medicine? The NHS defines herbal medicines as: ‘Those with active ingredients made from plant parts, such as leaves, roots or flowers.’ 2

What are herbal supplements?

Herbal supplements—sometimes called botanicals—are a type of dietary supplement containing one or more herbs. The amount of scientific evidence on dietary supplements varies widely—there is a lot of information on some and very little on others. If you’re considering using a dietary supplement, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

Are herbal supplements right for You?

Herbal supplements come in all forms: dried, chopped, powdered, capsule, or liquid, and can be used in various ways, including: The practice of using herbal supplements dates back thousands of years. Today, the use of herbal supplements is common among American consumers. However, they are not for everyone.

Herbal Supplements References

If you want to know more about Herbal Supplements, consider exploring links below:

Explore Related Topics

Aromatherapy Candles: Mood Enhancement for Diabetes Management?

Discuss the potential role of aromatherapy candles in supporting mood regulation and overall well-being for those managing diabetes.

Integrating Alternative Therapies with Diabetes Medication

Are complementary therapies effective when combined with traditional diabetes medications? Share your views on integrating alternative approaches into diabetes management.