An
herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, or therapeutic properties.
Herbal medicines are one type of dietary supplement. People use herbal medicines to try to maintain or improve their health.
Herbal supplements come in all forms: dried, chopped, powdered, capsule, or liquid, and can be used in various ways, including:
Swallowed as pills, powders, or tinctures
Brewed as tea
Applied to the skin as gels, lotions, or creams
Added to bath water
Products made from
botanicals, or plants, that are used to treat
diseases or to maintain health are called
herbal products, botanical products, or
phytomedicines. A product made from plants and used solely for internal use is called an herbal supplement.
The FDA and herbal supplements
The
FDA considers herbal supplements foods, not drugs. Therefore, they are not subject to the same testing, manufacturing, and labeling standards and regulations as drugs.
What are some of the most common herbal supplements?
Black cohosh,
Echinacea, Evening primrose,
Feverfew, Garlic,
Gingko biloba, Ginseng,
Goldenseal,
Green tea,
Hawthorn, Saw palmetto, St. John's wort
