How to choose the best medicinal herbs

Choose the best medicinal herbs (AP photo Rob Carr)

Before herbs, vitamins and other supplements were a $23 billion per year business (which is less than 1/10th of what is spent on prescription drugs each year) most people grew their own herbs as part of the kitchen garden or were able to get what they needed from the neighborhood apothecary.

Herbs can play an important role in our health. Keep in mind that although they are plant-based, herbs are powerful medicinal agents. “Natural” or “organic” does not automatically mean “safe” especially if you are taking pharmaceutical medicines. But if you use herbs for your health, how do you choose the best brands?

Herb can be found either as a whole herb or a standardized extract. The whole herb product will have all the active and other supporting components of the plant or bark as it exists in the wild or in cultivation. Standardized extracts have one or more active ingredients that have been isolated and found to be the particular agent that seems to affect symptoms for which the herb is known. For instance, St. John’s wort, known for its action in enhancing mood in depression, has been standardized for the chemical hypericin.

There are two schools of thought regarding the issue of whole herb vs. standardized extract. The standardized extracts are argued to be more predictable, the dosage more uniform and the consumer will know exactly what is being used and what chemical is causing the response (for good or ill). The whole herb advocates argue that there are other components in the herb that work synergistically with the active ingredient(s) in a way that enhances its effect.

TIPS
• Choose from a reputable company (see “more info” below).

• Cheap sources may be more filler than herb and actually cost more in the long run. A tip off would be when the recommended dosage is very large, such as “take three pills 4-6 times per day”. Unless you are working with a Chinese or other herbalist and have pills custom-made for you, this is likely a product filled with fluff.

• Look for herbs from companies who participate in good manufacturing practice (“GMP”).

• Capsules or enteric coated tablets are better absorbed if you choose to take the pill form of the herb.

• Often, house brands are made by reputable manufacturers and sell for less and are high quality.

• Supplements are not 100% absorbed by the body. Look for ones that absorb easily (bioavailability). Herbal pharmacists can guide you.

• Take each dose with at least 6 oz. of water.

There are many herbal products available. It is safest to work with a trusted herbal practitioner, naturopath or herbal pharmacist and be sure to let your doctor know what herbs you’re taking.