Herbal supplements are generally defined as those dietary supplements that are obtained from naturally growing plants, fungus, shrubs and trees. There are a wide variety of such supplements on the market today, such as Ginkgo Biloba, the much touted memory enhancement supplement; St. John’s Wart, a supplement often prescribed for cases of mild depression and anxiety; and the ever popular Echinacea, a mid-western wildflower best known for its ability to boost the immune system.

Because herbal supplements are natural products, they are often mistakenly considered to be safe when consumed within recommended dosages. While it is true that millions take herbal supplements daily without experiencing any side effects, the fact should not be ignored that these products are not entirely risk free.

For those people with existing health problems, for example, people with high blood pressure, HIV, or asthma, as well as for those who may be taking certain prescription medications, the introduction of these supplements into their system may prove to be not only dangerous, but in some cases life threatening.

Before continuing the discussion of the benefits and risks involved in taking herbal supplements, it is important to discuss the manner in which these products are regulated by the government. Here in the United States, herbal supplements are under the control of the Food and Drug Administration.(FDA). The FDA has the authority to have any herbal supplement deemed unsafe to be removed from the market.

The problem is, however, that herbal supplements are not subjected to the degree of testing required of prescription drugs and even of common over-the-counter medications. Furthermore, the FDA is in no way obligated to require any type of testing for herbal supplements before they are sold to the public. For this reason alone, it is advisable to proceed with caution before beginning any regimen involving herbal supplements.

As an example, consider one of, if not, the most popular herbal supplement of all, the aforementioned Echinacea. This herb, also known as Purple Coneflower, is a member of the daisy family and grows wild across much of North America. It is reported to have been used by the Native Americans to help heal wounds, and it was used throughout the nineteenth century by physicians to treat infections and inflammations.

Later, such treatments were replaced by antibiotics and Echinacea’s popularity within the medical community waned, but today the product is still alive and well in the herbal supplement market, constituting over 300 million dollars per year in sales in the United States alone. Echinacea has been shown to be effective in boosting the body’s immune system by increasing Echinacea has been shown to be effective in boosting the body’s immune system by increasing the white blood cell count, thus making the body more resilient to infections. Echinacea is also sometimes used as an additive to topical preparations used to treat eczema and psoriasis. Typically, however, Echinacea is taken orally in liquid form.

In spite of its apparent benefits, the “Purple Coneflower” may have some hidden risks. AIDS patients, and cancer patients, ironically those with compromised immune systems, who would seem to benefit most from Echinacea, should proceed with caution. The alternative medical community gives Echinacea mixed reviews with some researchers believing that Echinacea may actually cause some cancers, as well as AIDS, to progress more rapidly.

Echinacea also should not be used by cancer patients using the chemotherapy drug Methotrexate, as liver toxicity can result. It is strongly advised that AIDS and cancer patients consult with their physician before using this supplement.

When it comes to meteoric rise in popularity in the herbal supplement world, few products can match the now famous supplement, St. John’s Wort. St. John’s Wort is currently being used by millions worldwide to “chase the blues away,” and many say that it has helped them to cope with the debilitating effects of depression, anxiety and even obsessive compulsive behavior. This yellow flowering plant, originally from Europe, flowers in early summer and derives its name from the legendary date that it was originally believed to bloom, June 24th, which is the birth date of John the Baptist.

Commonly taken as an extract, St. John’s Wort provides many people relief from depression without the side effects, such as dry mouth and sexual dysfunction that accompany many prescription medications such as Prozac, Zoloft, Tofranil and Elavil. Although this supplement has legions of loyal believers, its value in the treatment of even moderate depression is unclear.

Since depression is a very serious condition that can lead even to suicide, it is not recommended that anyone suffering from depression or anxiety, even in mild cases, look to St. John’s Wort as a substitute for medical attention. All treatment for depression should be conducted under the auspices of a medical professional.

Studies have also shown that St. John’s Wort may actually decrease the effect of many HIV drugs. In fact, a number of prescription drugs may be actually be weakened in persons who are also taking St. John’s Wort. Such drugs include many oral contraceptives and cancer fighting drugs. For this reason, as well as the reasons noted above, it is important to discuss the use of this product with your physician if you are taking any type of prescription medication.

Definitely at the far end of the herbal supplement safety scale you will find the now wildly popular green tea, and its concentrated cousin, green tea extract. Green tea products seem to carry few risks and they are attracting a great deal of media buzz these days. Who has not heard of the “Oprah green tea diet?” Green tea, unlike black tea, or oolong tea, is not fermented and therefore retains all of the active constituents that are high in antioxidants essential in the prevention of cancer. Green teas and extracts are also believed to be effective in lowering cholesterol, and they even have been used in the control of genital warts.

Just how much green tea one needs to drink in a day’s time, however, seems to vary depending upon which expert’s report you choose to read. Some researchers believe that a person would have to drink in excess of 10 cups of green tea per day in order to derive any benefits from the product. Most, however, believe that 3 to 4 cups of tea per day is adequate. Still, for some individuals, even green tea may be hazardous to their health.

Many of the green tea products contain caffeine, and should be avoided by heart patients, kidney patients, pregnant women, and persons with anxiety disorders. In addition, green tea has been found to interact with the anti-psychotic drug Clozapine. This drug is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and, in some cases, especially if the drug is taken shortly (roughly 40 minutes) after drinking green tea, its medicating effects may be reduced, and in some cases the person’s psychotic symptoms may worsen.

Another factor to be aware of when using herbal supplements is their possible effect on anesthesia during surgery. If you are scheduled for any surgical procedure, make certain that you first inform your doctor about any herbal supplements that you are taking. Such popular supplements as garlic and ginger may cause excessive bleeding, and St. John’s Wort may either increase or decrease the effects of many post-surgical drugs.

In most cases, physicians will instruct their patients to stop using herbal supplements for a period of time prior to surgery. The amount of time that it will take for the herbal supplements to leave your system may take as long as three weeks, so make certain that you discuss their use with your physician well in advance.

The information presented here is in no way intended to infer that many benefits cannot be safely derived from adding herbal supplements to one’s diet. Millions of people have found herbal supplements to be a viable alternative to prescription drugs. For most people, when taken properly, herbal supplements pose no threat to their health. For those with existing health problems, and for those taking prescription medications, the use of these herbal products should be first discussed with a medical professional.