Humans have used plants for thousands of years to nurture their minds and bodies, while modern scientific and technological advances opened the path for medication and other man-made ways to enjoy health.
Herbal supplements intersect with tradition and science—they combine the ancestral knowledge of herb properties but use modern techniques to extract, concentrate, and amplify their most beneficial compounds.
Nonetheless, herbal supplements are far from perfect. Like most things, they have advantages and disadvantages worth considering before consuming. Take a look at some of the pros and cons of herbal supplements.
Pro: Herbal Supplements Are A Natural Source of Nutrients
When prepared with refined techniques and by reputable producers and professionals such as secrets.shop, herbal supplements are a safe source of high-quality nutrients and can help you meet your daily nutritional requirements.
The reason? They deliver a concentrated product with many more vitamins and minerals than you would obtain by drinking herbal tea or eating a salad. Likewise, through herbal supplements, you can get nutrients you cannot acquire through your diet alone.
Con: They Face A Lack Of Regulation
The FDA does not review or approve herbal supplements for efficacy before they are released to the market and is only responsible for monitoring their safety after they are available to consumers. As such, they only recall products in case of danger.
While plenty of excellent supplements boast quality stamps of approval, such as a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certification, they are not mandatory. As such, many herbal supplements of dubious precedence flood the market.
It’s best to rely only on highly reputable brands with as many third-party certifications as possible.
Pro: They Are An Affordable Way to Maintain General Well-Being.
Thanks to their minimal list of ingredients, 100% natural components, and minimal processing, herbal supplements are more affordable and convenient than pharmaceutical products.
As such, they are a cost-effective way to reach daily nutritional goals and maintain the well-oiled machine that is the human body and its multiple systems. They can minimize nutritional deficiencies, prevent future damage, and improve general well-being for a minimal cost.
Con: Some Herbal Supplements May Interact With Medications.
A common misconception is that herbal supplements won’t interact with regular pharmaceutical medicaments because they are 100% organic.
Truthfully, herbal supplements are natural, but plants contain certain chemical compounds that can and will interact with over-the-counter or prescription medicine. These interactions can generate harmful effects and compromise the efficiency of products.
As such, it would be in your best interest to avoid combining medications with herbal supplements and discuss with your healthcare providers and pharmacists before taking action.
Pro: Herbal Medicine Is Backed By Thousands of Years of Tradition
It is a common occurrence in modern society to undervalue the accomplishments of past civilizations and cultures. However, their lack of modern technology does not render their knowledge useless.
Just as they built impressive architectural wonders, they had medicinal knowledge worth considering. Through centuries of repeated practice and tangible improvements, they identified certain plants that could boost their health and alleviate some aches.
They were as clever as anyone—they could tell if someone stopped having stomachaches after drinking a specific herbal concoction. Modern-day herbal supplements continue that tradition.
Con: Some Herbal Supplements May Lack Scientific Support
Contemporary medicine and scientific research have backed the benefits of many traditional herbs. Independent research has proven that plants such as turmeric and ashwagandha benefit the body.
However, science has yet to back the perceived benefits of many more herbs. Due to time constraints and the urgency of immediate care, modern medicine focuses on using proven therapies, which means many professionals dispute the benefits of some herbal supplements due to the lack of solid and undeniable scientific evidence.
Nonetheless, research is ongoing. With further studies and new evaluation mechanisms, more herbal supplements may enjoy new scientific support shortly.
Pro: Herbal Supplements Have Few Side Effects
Most herbal supplements have little to no side effects, which makes them an excellent option for most people. Their formulas are meant to support the body and encourage nutritional balance, which means they are nearly always safe to use.
However, remember that this only applies to high-quality supplements made by reputable GMP-certified companies and lab-tested by third parties. Due to the lack of regulation, herbal supplements from dubious origins can be adulterated and cause more harm than good.
Con: Herbal Supplements Are Easy to Misuse
Too much of a good thing is always bad for the body, and herbal supplements are not the exception.
Since they are not regulated or prescribed, it’s easy for consumers to misuse them. Whether exceeding the recommended daily dose or combining supplements and creating an adverse reaction, user error is far more common since anyone can purchase as many supplements as they’d like.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the label, avoid consuming more than the recommended dose, and consult a healthcare provider beforehand.
Bottom Line
Herbal supplements can enhance the nutritional value of our diet, but that doesn’t mean they don’t carry certain downsides.
To ensure their effectiveness and safety, you must be mindful of your body’s needs, purchase supplements from reputable companies, and follow general safety measures. By taking these precautions, you can reap their benefits and improve overall health and wellness.
Christopher Adams is a registered dietitian specializing in weight management and preventative healthcare. He’s also the author of a bestselling book on nutrition and a consultant dietitian for hospitals and wellness centres. Adams believes in empowering individuals to make healthier food choices using evidence-based research and practical advice.