Herbal supplements

Plants and herbs have long been used for medicinal purposes. An herb is a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, aromatic or savory qualities. Herb plants produce and contain a variety of chemical substances that act upon the body. Herbal medicine, sometimes referred to as herbalism or botanical medicine, is the use of herbs for their therapeutic or medicinal value. Herbal medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known to mankind. Herbal supplements had been used by all cultures throughout history. Many modern medications have been developed from ancient healing traditions associated with specific plants. The medicinal properties of plants have been identified with specific chemical compounds which have been isolated, purified and, in many cases, synthetically reproduced. Herbal formulations comprising extracts of more than one herbal plant have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). There is now an increasing acceptance of their value and therapeutic efficacy in Western medicine. Quality of life is increasingly valued in today's society. Proper nutrition and exercise, and healthy sexual function contribute to maintain an overall state of wellbeing, which can serve to manage stress, maintain a properly functioning immune system, protect against disease, maintain a positive mental outlook, and generally to enable one to feel good and enjoy life. Aging often leads to abnormally high or abnormally low concentrations of certain enzymes, hormones, vitamins, minerals or other natural elements, thereby affecting metabolism and ultimately causing disease in a host. Frequently, these diseases can be treated or prevented by simply supplementing the missing natural elements. Natural foods are popular among health-conscious consumers today. Many people prefer to get their vitamins and other nutrients in a natural way from naturally occurring sources. The human physiological need for vitamins has been well established. Regular dietary consumption of vitamins is essential to good health. Natural vitamins are vitamins which are found in a product in its natural state without vitamin supplements or vitamin fortification. Many herbal productss are known to have high concentrations of vitamins in their natural state and are often a preferred source of vitamins. Health supplements range from single ingredient vitamin supplements to multi-vitamins to prescription supplements incorporating hormone therapy and other medicinal treatments. A broad number of these health supplements are readily available to the public in over-the-counter formulations. Herbal remedies, also sometimes referred to as dietary supplements, are becoming more and more popular as alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals. Such herbal remedies are regarded as being more naturally healthier than conventional pharmaceuticals. Many health supplement formulations include substantial numbers of herbal compounds. Herbal compounds naturally contain numerous active chemical groups. These active chemical groups compete for overall effect. Nutraceuticals are nutritional supplements which have been shown to affect the peripheral by nervous system or other systems of the body. These include products for symptoms such as pain, inflammation, cardiovascular disorders, immune system responses, etc. Neutraceuticals are also nutritional supplements which have been shown to affect the central nervous system of the body. Herbal remedies may be administered in a variety of forms. Certain herbs can be consumed whole as a food ingredient. Herbs such as Ginseng and Licorice root are often made into tea. Increasingly, herbs are consumed as dried powders or liquid extracts. Powdered herbs are often sold in the form of capsules or pills, while liquid extracts are often sold as tinctures and tonics. Generally, herbal medicines do not produce significant side effects, perhaps because the active ingredients are combined with other compounds in the herb and administered in different dosages.