Holistic natural remedies, such as herbal supplements, are not regulated by the FDA.  This makes many people very uneasy, and for good reason.  A recent study found that some natural supplement brands contain up to 15 percent less than the listed active ingredient strength, so taking a specific dosage of a particular substance can be difficult.

When used appropriately and with permission from your doctor, natural treatments are generally safe.

Natural, Organic Ingredients

Most doctors would not say that natural treatments work better than traditional cures.  However, many would agree that they can be very helpful, especially when used in conjunction with standard medical treatments.

However, natural remedies such as herbal supplements and special diets have earned an un-deserved bad reputation.  Although natural remedies have been less studied than traditional medicines, they certainly have their place.  As advances in holistic healing continue and more research is conducted, the benefits of natural treatments are undeniable.

Keep in mind that “natural” does not necessarily mean “safe.”  Different natural treatments produce different results in different people based on the unique situation and combination of factors.  Although natural treatments can certainly be beneficial, it is important to remember several key points when considering natural remedies:

-  Talk to your doctor before you begin any natural remedy or treatment.  Gather as much information as you can about the remedy before you see your doctor, then ask for their professional opinion.  Many doctors are just beginning to learn about the benefits and risks of natural treatments, so it may be a learning process for them, too.  They will be able to tell you if the remedy you are interested in is safe for you to use.

-  Learn about the natural treatment you are interested in, along with the common misconceptions about using natural remedies in general.  These include:

• The “More Is Better” Myth – when it comes to herbal supplements, more is not necessarily better.  Remember, large doses of certain vitamins and minerals can be toxic.
• The “Natural is Better” Myth – many supplements, such as ginger and garlic, are manufactured as natural.  However, plants contain many different chemicals, some of which are helpful and some of which are hurtful.  These chemicals may also interfere with certain medications or produce harmful side effects.
• The “It Can’t Hurt to Take an Herbal Supplement with Regular Medicines” Myth – some of the chemicals found in plants can block or speed up the body’s absorption of certain prescription drugs.  This means that the patient will have too much or too little of the prescribed drug in their bloodstream at any given time.

-  Know where and how to report any side effects you may experience while using a natural remedy.  Calling 1-800-FDA-1088 to report problems will help the FDA track natural remedies for better regulation in the future.