| There is a wide variety of herbal supplements being | | | | ("This statement has not been evaluated by the Food |
| manufactured and sold in the market, each of them | | | | and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to |
| with their own claims. Some herbal supplements claim | | | | diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."), a |
| to help boost energy, improve memory, increase blood | | | | Supplement Facts Panel (that includes the serving size, |
| circulation, improve digestion, help repair liver damage, | | | | amount, and active ingredient), other ingredients for |
| and so on. Because of these claims, many people are | | | | which no daily values have been established, and the |
| attracted to buying herbal supplements. But how do | | | | name and address of the packer, distributor, or |
| you make sure you get the best herbal supplements? | | | | manufacturer. |
| Read on to find out. | | | | 2. Buy single-ingredient products |
| What are herbal supplements? | | | | The best herbal supplements show how much of the |
| Herbal supplements contain plant or botanical extracts | | | | herb each dosage contains. Opt to buy single-herb |
| with active ingredients that affect how the body | | | | products because products that are mixtures of |
| functions. Before buying herbal supplements, you | | | | several herbs tend to be vague on the proportions of |
| should know how all their ingredients affect your body | | | | each herb. Also, there may be little or no significant |
| and how they interact with any other medications you | | | | studies on how these herbs might interact with each |
| are taking. The best herbal supplements for you | | | | other. |
| depend on what you need and what you want to | | | | 3. Beware of outstanding claims |
| achieve, but whatever you choose, it should have little | | | | The best herbal supplements are truthful and do not |
| or no side effects. Below are some guidelines for | | | | claim to be an absolute cure or treatment for any |
| choosing the best supplements for you. | | | | condition. Beware of claims that are too good to be |
| 1. Check the label | | | | true, especially those that claim to address a wide |
| The best herbal supplements provide clear and | | | | spectrum of health concerns. |
| complete information regarding its ingredients, | | | | 4. Choose standardized herbal supplements |
| recommended dosage, etc. All important information | | | | The best herbal supplements have a seal from a |
| should be clearly indicated in the label. A clear label | | | | reputable company or organization, certifying its safety. |
| helps you understand what is inside the packaging. | | | | This includes the U.S. Pharmacopeia's "USP Dietary |
| The best herbal supplements usually put these on their | | | | Supplement Verified" seal, ConsumerLab.com, Good |
| label: the name of the herbal supplement, the net | | | | Housekeeping, and NSF International. |
| quantity of the contents (i.e. 60 capsules), a disclaimer | | | | |