From the library of

Frank Barnhill M.D.
 

Ok, the first thing we must admit is that there are no guarantees of purity, safety, and reliability when it comes to herbal over the counter products. Yes, it’s probably true you have no assurance of the quality of herbal supplements, since herbal manufacturers are not required to follow FDA efficacy or safety standards.

So, how can you at least get some assurance that an herbal supplement bottle contains what is listed on the label?

The US Pharmacopeia Convention (www.usp.org) keeps information about manufacturers consistency and safety procedures via its Dietary Supplement Verification Program.

If you don’t have the time to search the USPC website, here are a few rough guidelines to use in selecting “good” over the counter herbal products for your family.
The label will contain:
*the USPC or National Registry Seal or Certificate
*the botanical name of the herb is listed
*the words “Standardized Extract”
*the exact amount of the specific “active” ingredient
*the dosage you should take in milligrams
*an expiration date with a batch or lot number
*the name and address of the manufacturer

Keeping these rough guidelines in mind while choosing herbal supplements may help you avoid unwanted side effects and the unpleasant experience of feeling as if you wasted your money for something that doesn’t work.

The most common side effects from untested or impure herbal supplements are headache, stomachache with diarrhea or vomiting, rapid heart rate, and blurry vision. Of course you should stop the supplement right away and notify your doctor if these side effects do occur!

Unfortunately, in the absence of a regulatory system to assure quality and reliability of herbal over the counter drugs, you as a consumer have no way of knowing if the product you buy actually contains what is on the label.
Here’s to your continued good health and education about over the counter medicines!
Dr. Frank