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Herbs & Dietary Supplements
Herbs
Herbs (also called botanicals) are plants or part of plants used for its flavor, scent, or potential therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots. (Many botanical preparations meet the definition of a dietary supplement, given below).
Dietary Supplements
As defined by Congress in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (www.fda.gov/opacom/laws/dshea.html#sec3), which became law in 1994, a dietary supplement is a product (other than tobacco) that: 1) Is intended to supplement the diet. 2) Contains one or more dietary ingredients (including vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and other substances) or their constituents. 3) Is intended to be taken by mouth as a pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid. 4) Is labeled on the front panel as being a dietary supplement.
General Safety Advisory:
Like drugs, herbal or botanical preparations have chemical and biological activity. They may have side effects. They may interact with certain medications. These interactions can cause problems and can even be dangerous. Before taking an herb or a botanical preparation, consult a doctor or other health care provider, especially if you have a disease or medical condition, take any medications, are pregnant or nursing, or are planning to have an operation. Statements made about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dietary supplements do not require FDA approval to be sold in the United States.
This summary is a general overview about the topic discussed and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Full Disclaimer & General Safety Advisory