By Steve Hudson

The rising popularity of herbal supplements has created a new fad if not a new health lifestyle. But before you join the bandwagon, here are some things you need to know about this mean, dietary supplementing machine.

What is the difference between a drug and a dietary supplement?

According to the definition set by food and drug administrations in different countries, drugs are chemicals that can prevent, prolong the life, treat other effects of a health condition, improve the quality of life, and/or cure ailments and diseases, or alter the function of any part or chemicals inside the body. These drugs have approved therapeutic claims. For example, paracetamol is a drug given to bring down the body temperature in fever. Ascorbic acid is indicated for the treatment of scurvy. Iron supplements are given to treat mild cases of anemia.

Herbal supplements are not classified as drugs but as dietary supplements. The main difference is that they do not have approved therapeutic claims unlike in the case of drugs. Moreover, dietary supplements could either contain vitamins, minerals, herbals, or amino acids, all aimed to add to or supplement the diet of an individual. They are not intended to be taken alone as a substitute to any food or medicine.

Most of the manufactured medicines we now have once came from animals and plants. Through the years, chemists isolated the life-saving or life-curing components and separated them from the harmful ones. This lead to the further drug research and drug development that lead to the production of a different variety of drugs for many ailments and conditions from synthetic sources. But still we have semi-synthetic drugs, as well as drug that more or less approximate more natural composition. Since herbal supplements are made from a mixture of crude herbs reduced into powder or gel form, and later on packaged as tablets and capsules, there is a possibility that life-threatening or at least body chemistry-altering components are still present, thus the expression of concern from the medical community.

Is there a growing concern with the use of herbal supplements?

Yes. With the rising popularity of using and consuming anything herbal or organic is the proliferation of fake herbal supplements that threaten to endanger lives. If thats the case, then why are herbal supplements given drug administration approvals? One way of ensuring the safety of the people is to have all candidate drugs, food, drinks, and dietary supplements registered with the proper authority. Otherwise, they would pose more risk with these things being sold in the black market for a hefty sum. We could ensure the quality and safety of herbal supplements if they get proper classification with the food and drug administration. Moreover, people may be able to file the proper complaints in the event a worsening of health condition is proven to be linked to the use of a particular herbal supplement.

Is using herbal supplements worth the risk?

Yes. It cannot be discounted that many who have tried herbal supplements experienced an improvement in their health whether this is due to the herbals themselves or due to a placebo effect, as long as they do not worsen the condition of an individual, then using them is worth the risk. But of course, certain things must be considered before taking those herbal supplements:

Your doctor knows best.

First of all, clear your condition with your doctor. Ask him/her if taking a particular herbal supplement is safe given your health condition. People with heart, liver, or kidney trouble or malfunction, are usually not advised to take these, or at the minimum is to take these herbals in minimum amounts. All substances pass through the liver and kidney to be processed and filtered respectively. Kava, which is used to relieve people from stress, has been pulled out from the Canadian, Singaporean, and German markets because it contains substances that cause liver damage. Certain herbals such as Ephedra used for losing weight, contains chemicals with heart-inducing effects that can increase heart rate, which in turn can exhaust the heart and cause heart attacks in several documented cases by the American Medical Association.

Follow the directions for use.

Never take more herbal supplements than what is directed by the doctor or as instructed on the bottle. Each individual reacts differently to the components of herbal supplements. While it is perfectly safe for one individual to take in a supplement of primrose oil capsules, another person may be allergic to it. So, do not even think about downing one bottle of

It has no approved curative effect.

No matter how the product pamphlet or the label of the bottle sounds about how it has been found to be helpful in certain health conditions, these herbal supplements are not therapeutic. So do not substitute these for the medications prescribed by your doctor for the treatment of certain diseases, or for the maintenance of blood pressure, lowering of blood sugar and cholesterol, and fight off infections.

About The Author

More Health Fitness Lifestyle articles and ebooks can be found at http://www.health-fitness-lifestyle.com

By Steve Hudson

Usually, science driven societies are optimistic about the ideas linked to acupuncture and their effectiveness. Even though this ancient practice has become more known in the past ten years, it is still a procedure that is not completely understood. By understanding how the process is done, the possible side effects and the outcome, you can determine if this ancient Chinese medicine practice is right for you.

The experience of getting acupuncture done, despite what many think, is not as painful as it looks. Acupuncture is generally painless when you are going through the process. Usually, the effects will be no more noticeable than a mosquito bite, but this is even considered rare. Most likely, going through the process of acupuncture will either give you more energy or cause you to relax into a state of meditation.

During the procedure, you can expect the acupuncturist to be prepared with several practical things. The needles that are used will generally be be of an inch to several inches long. The needles are made out of sterilized silver, stainless steel or copper and are considered safe by the same standards used in any hospital.

In order to ensure that the needles are safe, there are several places that will regulate what is being used. The National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine has a specific department that ensures that all needles that are used are sterile and safe. If you want to be certain, you can make sure that the acupuncturist you go to have a CNT, also known as a Clean Needle Technique Certification. This will ensure that there are no problems with the procedure in terms of other health issues.

Of course, there are still other risks that may occur. By standards of other procedures, acupuncture is not as risky. The most serious problem may be a punctured organ. However, these are uncommon with most practices. This is the only major problem that one may run into. Beyond this, the only possibilities for problems may be things such as dizziness, nausea or bruising.

If you are considering acupuncture as an option for any possible reason, you will also want to make sure you know exactly what you are getting into. Overall, acupuncture is considered to be a safe process, as well as helpful in relieving any kind of imbalance or misguided energy. Before walking into this ancient Chinese medicine practice, you will want to make sure that you know the procedure and the possible outcomes.

About The Author

More Health Fitness Lifestyle articles and ebooks can be found at http://www.health-fitness-lifestyle.com