Herb products (A to E) include antioxidant-rich berries, fragrant spices, nutrient-dense roots, fruits and vegetables for overall health. Their wellness benefits include:
- Soothing plant extracts for mobile, flexible joints.**
- Time-tested herbals for menopausal comfort.**
- Immune-boosting botanicals for seasonal changes.**
What are Herb Products?
Herbal supplements appear to be more popular than ever. According to a recent survey, 2012 saw a 5.5% increase in herbal supplement use among Americans. The survey also found that 2012 marked the ninth consecutive year in which herbal supplements’ sales had increased. This growing use of herbal supplements may reflect a larger shift towards healthy lifestyle practices, especially among Baby Boomers seeking to maximize quality of life.**
Herbs are part of our health history. Archaeological evidence suggests that some herbs have been used to promote health for thousands of years. But only in more recent decades has science begun to understand how herbal supplements work. Well-designed clinical trials and research studies appear to be sparking greater interest in herbal supplements, as well as increased use of herbal products.**
Herbal supplements’ rising popularity may also be attributed to improvements in quality. Today’s manufacturing practices are producing herbal supplements with better potency and safety than at any other point in history. Quality supplement manufacturers source their raw herbs from reputable growers in pristine natural environments around the world. Manufacturers then use sophisticated techniques like infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to confirm the herbs are safe and pure, free of contaminants like pesticides or bacteria.**
In making herbal supplements, even more advanced techniques are used. For example, the practice of "standardization" is employed to supply an exact level of a certain active compound within an herb, enabling manufacturers to create precisely calibrated herbal products. Some manufacturers “assay” their herbal products as well, confirming that the contents match what is on the label.**
Cutting-edge delivery methods, such as liquid extracts, softgels, liquid-filled capsules, and accelerated delivery capsules are advancing herbal supplements as well. These modern delivery forms ensure the health-promoting botanical compounds are absorbed quickly and completely for optimal wellness benefits.**
Some of the most popular herb products (A to E) include:
- Acai: With its signature blueberry-chocolate flavor, South America’s acai berry has high antioxidant activity that is valued in herbal supplements for anti-aging.**
- Ashwagandha: One of the classic Ayurvedic herbal supplements, this plant supports stress resistance, mental clarity, adrenal balance and thyroid function.**
- Asparagus: Often sourced from the plant’s tender shoots, asparagus herbal supplements help to flush and optimize the urinary tract.**
- Bacopa: Long-prized in Indian folk practices, the Bacopa plant is found in herbal supplements for sharp memory, calm mood and creativity.**
- Boswellia Serrata: Also known as Indian Frankincense, this Ayurvedic tree bark resin is used in herbal supplements that provide soothing relief for stiff joints.**
- Black Cohosh: Found in women’s herbal products, the root of this plant helps balance hormones and soothe away discomfort related to PMS and menopause.**
- Black Seed Oil: Supplying Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids and antioxidants, black seed oil herbal supplements modulate histamine and inflammatory responses.**
- Cinnamon: Derived from peels of aromatic bark, cinnamon herbal supplements support blood sugar levels already within normal range.**
- Cranberry: This humble berry supplies antioxidant and antibacterial activity that famously supports urinary tract health and comfort.**
- Dong Quai: Also known as “female ginseng,” dong quai is found in herbal supplements that ease PMS and menopause symptoms while supporting libido.**
- Echinacea: One of the most popular herbal supplements for times of seasonal change, Echinacea offers time-tested support for immune health.**
- Elderberry: Also known as sambucus, elderberry is found in herbal supplements that ease sinus discomfort while supporting upper respiratory tract wellness.**
Herb Products (A to E)
Herb products ranging from A to E may appear in a wide variety of delivery forms, including liquid-filled capsules, quick-release capsules, tablets, softgels, liquid extracts, powders, serums and creams. Herbal products may present only one herb, but may also combine a range of herbs for a specific wellness concern.**
Herb Products Directions for Use
Before taking any type of supplement, including herbal supplements, it is important to have a thorough consultation with your primary care provider. There is no set herbal supplement dosage; recommended intake will vary depending on herb products’ ingredients.**
