The use of herbal supplements has increased dramatically over the past 30 years. Herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements by the U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. That means herbal supplements, unlike prescription drugs, can be sold without being tested to prove they are safe and effective. However, herbal supplements must be made according to good manufacturing practices.
The most commonly used herbal supplements in the U.S. include:
- Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea and related species)
- St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
- Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
- Garlic (Allium sativum)
- Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
- Ginseng (Panax ginseng or Asian ginseng) and Panax quinquefolius or American ginseng)
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
- Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis)
- Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
Practitioners often use herbs together because the combination is more effective. Health care providers must take many factors into account when recommending herbs, including the species and variety of the plant, the plant’s habitat, how it was stored and processed, and whether or not there are contaminants (including heavy metals and pesticides).
