Washington, D.C., April 7, 2015—As we approach the 45th Earth Day, let’s recognize the botanical (also known as herbal) dietary supplements which come from whole plants, fruits/berries, flowers, and even the bark, leaves and roots of trees from all over the world, and can help us achieve overall health and wellness. Herbals/botanicals have played an important role in human health for thousands of years, and they still have great benefit today.
As a category, herbal/botanical supplements are used by 18 percent of U.S. adults, the five most popular being green tea, garlic, cranberry, echinacea and ginseng, according to a new survey by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). Beyond the most popular, there are a wide variety of lesser-known herbal/botanical supplements that many people incorporate in their health and wellness regimens for both the short term and long term. For instance:
- Ashwagandha, is a popular Ayurvedic herb used in India that can help reduce the negative effects of stress on the body;
- Saw Palmetto, which is extracted from a fruit, contains both fatty acids and phytosterols and can be helpful for prostate health;
- Milk Thistle, a flower from the Mediterranean region, assists the body in eliminating unwanted toxins by supporting liver health; and,
- Turmeric, a member of the ginger family, is orange-yellow in color and is well regarded for its ability to help soothe overused joints, making it useful to help support joint health.
“There are many herbal options to choose from, and naturopathic doctors are well-versed in this area. I recommend to my patients that they buy herbal supplements from retailers they know and trust, and avoid products that make claims that sound too good to be true,” said Duffy MacKay, N.D., senior vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs, CRN.
Whether you’re looking to take herbal/botanical supplements or other kinds of supplements, it is important that consumers talk with their doctors about their supplement use and ask about any potential interactions with pharmaceuticals or food. “Earth Day is every day when herbal supplements play a role in your health regimen,” said Dr. MacKay. “So, the next time you’re gardening or taking a hike in the woods, consider nature as the source of beauty, tranquility and good health.”