HERBAL HYPE

There are so many supplements, both natural and manufactured, it is hard to decipher what is good and what is not. Herbs are very popular these days. Many people think that because they are natural, they are good to take. That is not always the case. In fact, many statements about the effect of herbs have little research to back them up and are usually not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Listed below are 4 herbs that have research to support statements made about their uses along with side effects, cautions, available forms, and suggested dosages.

Garlic
Uses - Lower cholesterol, reduce blood clot formation, may help to relieve symptoms of upper respiratory infections (antibiotic effects), prevention of cancer by stimulating the immune system.
How - Garlic has antioxidant properties (prevents good cells from being destroyed by bad particles in your body)
Side Effects - Upset stomach, heart burn, body odor, breath, intestinal problems
Warning - Do not use in conjunction with anti clotting drugs (even if you take aspirin regularly). Stop taking at least 7 days before surgery.
Available Forms - fresh garlic, tablet or capsule garlic
Dose - Clove: ¾ tsp; Oil: 8 mg; Tablet or Capsule: follow instructions on bottle, should contain 1.3% allicin (active chemical in garlic)

Echinacea
Uses - Colds and influenza, wound healing and healing of fungal infections
How - Short term use stimulates T-cell (white blood cell that fights infections) production, in turn, stimulating your immune system
Side Effects - Intestinal and stomach upset, skin rash (if applied on skin), may suppress immune system
with constant use.
Warning - Do not take for more than 8 weeks due to it's toxic effects on your liver. If you have an autoimmune disease i.e. diabetes, multiple sclerosis, HIV, do not use because it will stimulate your immune system. Do not take if you are pregnant.
Available Forms - Tea (from crushed root), pressed juice, tincture (most available form)
Dose - Tincture: 60 drops, orally three times daily; Pressed juice: 1 ¼ - 1 ¾ tsp. orally daily

Ginseng
Uses - Increase energy and sexual stamina, reduce stress, and reduce effects of aging.
How - Ginseng promotes equilibrium of the nervous system, i.e. calming the body or stimulating the body as needed.
Side Effects - May increase blood pressure
Warning - Do not take if you have an Estrogen related disease i.e. breast cancer. Do not take if have high blood pressure. Discontinue use 7 days prior to surgery.
Available Forms - Roots, teas, tablet or capsule from root extract
Dose - Root or capsule: 1 gm orally twice daily on an empty stomach

Black Cohosh
Uses - To relieve premenstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms (i.e. hot flashes, anxiety, and depression)
How - Black Cohosh has effects similar to Estrogen
Side Effects - Stomach discomfort
Warning - Do not take if pregnant.
Available Forms - Fresh or dried roots, liquid extract
Dose - 40 mg orally daily, for up to six months