This web page and this web site discuss the following topics relevant to herbal supplements, herbal products, and herbal medicine. These include:

Herbal supplement use
Many people are searching for herbal cures and herbal alternatives to pharmaceutical medicines. Although medications are very important in many health conditions, such as pain relief and the treatment of infections, many nutritional and herbal supplements can be effective for the treatment of chronic medical conditions or symptoms such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes type 2, age related vision loss, age related cognitive decline, sexual dysfunction, arthritis, prostate problems, fatigue, and obesity. Most doctors are not aware of the vast potential of herbal cures and that is unfortunate. Herbal dietary supplements often have fewer side effects and they are much cheaper than drugs. Unfortunately, herbal nutrition is not taught in most medical schools.

High quality natural herbal supplements formulated by a medical doctor
Consider highly popular all natural herbal products formulated by a world famous medical doctor, Ray Sahelian, M.D. These include Mind Power Rx for better mental focus, concentration, and mood; Diet Rx which helps you eat less. It really works to curb appetite with hardly any side effects; Good Night Rx for better sleep; Eyesight Rx for better vision, often noticed within a few days; MultiVit Rx a daily comprehensive multivitamin for more energy and vitality; Joint Power Rx for healthy joints; Prostate Power Rx for a healthy prostate gland; Passion Rx for sexual enhancement in men and women. Improve your libido and sexual enjoyment within a few days; and Veg Rx which supplies the missing nutrients in a vegetarian diet. Please visit Physician Formulas.

Herbal medicine and herbal remedy use
Herbal supplement use is widespread in the US adult population, despite the fact that few participants inform their conventional health care providers about their use of an herbal remedy or product. The reasons that patients do not inform their doctor of herbal nutrition supplement use are many, but three that come to mind include:

1. Patients do not expect their doctors to know much more about herbal supplements than they do, particularly if they read a lot about herbal remedy treatments and keep up with herbal supplement information and research. Furthermore, some patients may be nervous that their doctor may dismiss or say something derogatory about natural supplements.

2. Patients may not realize that herbs and supplements can often have a profound influence on their health, medical condition, sleep patterns, energy level, mood, and interact with other medicines. Hence, they may not think it is appropriate or necessary for them to mention the use of these herbal supplements during an office visit.

3. Most doctors do not have enough time to discuss herbal supplements with  their patients within the allotted time needed to satisfy a managed care medical office, or to make a suitable income after office expenses. Talking about herbs takes a lot of time. Insurance companies, and certainly Medical and Medicald, are not going to reimburse a doctor adequately enough to justify the extra time. It's a difficult situation to resolve. And even more difficult is finding a knowledgeable doctor who practices herbal medicine and takes supplements himself or herself to have first hand knowledge of herbal remedies. Some patients visit an herbal store for advice. The accuracy of the advice at an herbal store is hit and miss, just like the advice from a traditional medical doctor regarding herbal medicine.

Herbal remedy and herbal treatment side effects
There are countless herbal remedies and medications available. Herbal medication treatment does have side effects, sometimes minor, other times very serious. Certain herbs and herbal extracts can speed heart rate and cause heart rhythm abnormalities. Many people think that natural herbal treatment has few side effects, but that is not true. Although herbal treatment has fewer side effects than drug treatment, nevertheless one has to be cautious. Plus, herbal treatment could have unexpected reactions when combined with prescription medicines.

Herbal extracts and herbal nutritional supplements
Originally herbs were used as a whole plant, but in the last few decades more and more herbal raw material suppliers are providing herbal extract that are concentrated to anywhere from 2 to 100 times or more. In some cases an herbal extract works better than the whole herb, but in other cases the whole herb may be more effective. We received an email question on the topic of herbal extracts.

Herbal extracts versus the whole herb. Which is healthier?
Q. In terms of herbal supplements, and in particular the ones containing herbal "extracts", I've been wondering whether herbal "extracts" are really such a good idea, in that these herbal extracts, as I understand it, contain isolated and concentrated components of herbs, these components being what are considered the "active" components. My concerns are: When these so-called "active" herbal components are isolated and concentrated in this way, are we not possibly excluding other important synergistic components that would normally work with these components in the natural situation, i.e. in the whole herb? and, when the components are concentrated in this way, is this not now bordering on being like an artificial drug where the active herbal components are present in amounts not normally found in the natural whole herb? Add to that the fact that other components are excluded which otherwise (at least I wonder) maybe would have somehow "balanced" these active components. Is this then safe?Basically I've been wondering these things, comparing whole herbs to herbal extracts. Hope your highly knowledgeable staff will enlighten me.
    A. This is an excellent question. There is no blanket statement that can be made. Each herb has to be evaluated individually to see whether the whole herb or the extract is preferable. With some herbs, it may be better to take the whole herb, and with others, an herbal extract may be preferable. Sometimes the active ingredients are too minimal within the herb, or there may be toxic or unwanted substances within the herb that need to be removed in order to obtain the active ingredients without toxicity. As a rule, we prefer the whole herb, but we have no problems using extracts when appropriate. Sometimes the active ingredients have to be concentrated in order for therapeutic amounts of the active herb to fit in a capsule.
     We have to keep in mind that nature did not produce herbs with the intent that these would be beneficial to human consumption or to treat a human medical condition. Herbs evolved in order to protect themselves from microbes, insects and animals that would eat them or to protect themselves from harsh environmental conditions. It just happens that certain herbs have some beneficial compounds that we find helpful. But this does not mean that every molecule or substances within an herb is beneficial.
     As to whether concentrated herbal extracts are drugs depends on how one defines a drug. We consider a drug any substance that is not normally found in the body. By this definition most herbs are drugs, whether whole or concentrated, or extracted. However, there are substances within herbs that are useful to the body and are normally found in the body. For instance, goji berry has zeaxanthin, a carotenoid, which is found in the retina and other tissues. Hence, certain components of some herbs are not drugs but supply crucial molecules to the body. One advantage of standardized herbal extracts is that different research labs can compare their results using the exact same herbal extract. One example is ginkgo extract, another is saw palmetto.
     Bottom line: no sweeping statements can be made that apply to all herbs. Each herb and herbal extract needs to be evaluated individually in different dosages for each person who is using them, and also how they interact with other supplements and medicines. There are too many variables that prevent a simplistic answer. Furthermore, different raw material processing companies may have different ways to make herbal extracts, and one batch from one company may be slightly or significantly different than another company. Add the fact that soil conditions, temperature, time of harvesting all influence an herb's composition, you can see why no simple answers can be provided.

Herbal tea use
Herbal teas. There are quite a number of herbal teas that are delicious. Use stevia as a sweetener. Try these various herbal teas: alfalfa, chamomile, cinnamon, Earl grey, fennel, ginger, green tea (contains caffeine), hibiscus, hops (for nighttime as a sedative), hyssop, lemon balm, licorice (avoid drinking daily since high doses of licorice cause high blood pressure and loss of potassium), milk thistle, mint, nettle, peppermint, and rose hips. Many of these herbal teas can be used during pregnancy but ask your doctor first. See bottom of page for a link to a stevia website.

Herbal sex stimulant - Herbal nutritional supplement for better sex
There are many herbal sex stimulants that work including tongkat ali, tribulus terrestris, horny goat weed, muira puama, and catuaba. You will find online web sites promoting Herbal Viagra products. Many of these products do actually work to enhance sexual pleasure and libido. One such product is Passion Rx.

Herbal cancer remedy
There are several herbs and combination herbal products that have been studied as an herbal cancer remedy. Much more research is needed.

Herbal combinations
This is a typical email we receive, "Hi can i take St. john's wort and ginseng herbal supplements together?" You would think the answer would be relatively simple, but it is not. For a complete discussion on herbal combinations and all the factors involved in making a decision on what herbal products and supplements to take together, see www.physicianformulas.com and click on the link that says Newsletter.

Chinese herbal medicine
Chinese herbalists and doctors have used herbal healing knowledge for thousands of years, and there are literally thousands of herbs used in China for practically every illness.

Herbal weight loss products - Herbal Diet Pill
There are several herbs and nutrients that can reduce appetite or cause a thermogenic affect which could help with weight loss. However, whether the herbal weight loss benefits continue with time is difficult to predict due to lack of adequate research. Some companies promote their herbal weight loss products as "herbal phentermine" or "herbal slimming tea." Many people buy these herbal products with high hopes. A few people probably do find that these herbal weight loss products are effective for them. Diet Rx is a product that effectively helps reduce appetite.

Natural herbal supplement for libido
Q. What is the best herbal libido enhancer?
   A. Each person is different and hence one herbal remedy for libido may work for one person but not for another. Passion Rx is an excellent option.

Herbal remedy for menopause - Are there herbal cures for menopause
Estrogen works well to reduce hot flashes but long term use could cause side effects and increase the risk for breast cancer and blood clots. Certain natural herbal home remedies could be helpful. These include:
Soy isoflavonoids -- Four-week supplementation with soy isoflavone has beneficial effects on bone metabolism and on serum lipids in perimenopausal women. These effects could have the potential to reduce risks of postmenopausal osteoporosis and of cardiovascular diseases in such women.

Black Cohosh -- A review of randomized, controlled trials found black cohosh and foods that contain phytoestrogens show promise for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Ann Intern Med 2002 Nov 19;137(10):805-13.
Chaste Berry, Red Clover extract, and St. John's wort for mood enhancement are other options.

Herbal acne remedy or treatment
We are not yet aware of an herbal acne remedy or skin care herbal products that are effective. However, diet does influence acne.

Herbal penis enlargement
We are not aware of any herbal or pharmaceutical product that leads to an anatomically bigger penis. However, if you have not had much sexual arousal in the past, and your penis is normally quite limp, certain herbs can help you get improved penile engorgement, it is possible that you will achieve maximal engorgement which could be a little larger penis than you are used to. But this does not mean that your penis got larger, it just means that your penis became the maximum size it would normally have been under ideal arousal conditions.

Herbal remedy for erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is defined as the consistent inability to obtain or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual relations. For many years patients relied on pharmaceutical medications for erectile dysfunction treatment, but now there is a growing number of effective herbal products and supplements, providing a natural alternative or herbal remedy to erectile dysfunction drugs.

Herbal breast enhancement or breast enlargement
Over the years many products have been promoted as herbal breast enhancement pills. We are not aware of any human research with herbal breast enhancement pills that have evaluated the role of herbs in enlarging the size of fat cells in breast tissue. Getting fatter overall would enlarge breasts. It's possible that fluid accumulation would lead to breast enhancement, however we are not aware of any product that actually increases the size of fat cells in breast tissue without increasing the size of fat cells in other parts of the body. Having said this, it is possible that there are such herbs that have this breast enhancement effect that we may not be familiar with. We are constantly surprised at the power some herbs have.

Natural herbal home remedy
There are a number of natural herbal home remedies for various conditions. Herbal plants have been used for thousands or tens of thousands of years for a number of medical conditions.

Herbal detox
Many people are on herbal detox diets. Many people try various "cleansing" methods including olive oil / lemon juice programs, colon irrigation, water and juice fasts, etc. Herbal tablets are promoted to cleanse and rid the body of toxins. Do any of these herbal detox plans work? And besides, what do people really mean when they use the words "herbal detox" or "cleanse?" Certain people who suffer from depression, fatigue, anxiety, allergies, digestive symptoms, headache, vague aches and pains, etc, think that these symptoms are due to accumulated toxins in their body. Are they right, or are they misdiagnosing the causation of their symptoms?

Herbal laxative
Cascara sagrada is promoted as an herbal laxative. Cascara is a common ingredient used in weight loss herbal products. One of the few pills approved as an over-the-counter drug by the FDA, it is a strong stimulant laxative.

Herbal antibiotic
Many websites and health articles claim that certain plants or plant extracts are herbal antibiotics. It is true that many herbs, when tested in vitro, that means in a test tube in a laboratory, are found to have antimicrobial activity. However, the question remains as to whether taking an herbal supplement or eating certain herbs can act as herbal antibiotics. Will an herbal antibiotic kill an infection in the body? Will an herbal antibiotic cure pneumonia, skin abscess, sinusitis, throat infection, ear infection, and other infections of body organs and tissues? Unfortunately very little has been published in regards to herbal antibiotics and actual human studies with serious infections but some of the research appears promising. One major advantage of pharmaceutical antibiotics is that they are clearly shown to treat and cure many serious infections that would otherwise cause significant morbidity and mortality. The following are some herbs and supplements that have been promoted as having antibiotic potential: Garlic, colloidal silver, propolis, royal jelly, olive leaf extract, oregano, probiotics, and others.

Herbal remedy for anxiety
Kava, passionflower, and valerian are natural herbal remedies for anxiety.

Herbal remedy for depression
St. John's wort is an herbal remedy for depression.

Herbal treatment for diabetes
There are several herbs that have been found to be helpful as a natural herbal treatment for diabetes. These herbs include: Banaba has been used in the Philippines for the treatment of diabetes. Fenugreek is an herb that helps support healthy blood sugar levels. Psyllium half or one teaspoon in a glass of water twice daily with food. Cinnamon -- 1 to 5 grams daily improves sugar levels and reduces blood lipids.

Herbal remedy for high blood pressure
Many flavonoids found in plants and herbs are natural remedies for high blood pressure.

Herbal quit smoking remedy
We have not seen official studies evaluating the role of an herbal dietary supplement in smoking cessation. But, if smoking is due to low mood, certain natural antidepressants could be helpful including 5-HTP, SAM-e, and the herb St. John's wort.

Philippine herbal medicine
Banaba is an herb used for the treatment for diabetes in Phillipine herbal medicine.

Herbal nutrition supplement for energy
Q. Taking herbal products makes my life better. Is there an herbal energy booster you recommend?
   A. There are quite a number herbal supplements for energy including suma, maca, ginseng, and rhodiola.

Herbal aphrodisiac
There are quite a number of effective herbal aphrodisiacs. Most doctors have little knowledge of herbal healing or treating sexual dysfunction with natural herbs. Modern medicine does not have good drugs that treat female sexual dysfunction, yet herbal healing for a woman with sexual problems can be achieved with herbal aphrodisiacs. See bottom of page for a link to aphrodisiac herbs.

Herbal skin care
Certain herbs are beneficial to skin health. Some spas use an herbal body wrap. We don't know enough about herbal skin care to comment on the benefits of herbal products for skin care. Herbal soaps are found in herbal stores or health food stores.

Herbal highs
Q. Are there natural pills that cause herbal highs?
   A. St. John's wort is used as a herbal mood lifter and can lead to a natural herbal high, but in high dosages it can cause insomnia and tired and fatigue the next day.

Herbal vitamin
Q. Is there an herbal vitamin?
   A. Herbs and vitamin are different, so there is no such thing as an herbal vitamin unless you mean an herbal product that also has vitamins in the formula.

Herbal weight loss product
Q. What do you consider to be a good herbal weight loss product?
   A. Diet Rx is an excellent herbal product that leads to appetite suppression with hardly any side effects. Hoodia is another herbal weight loss herb. For more information, see the link at the bottom of the page.

Herbal supplements that stimulate testosterone
There are several herbal supplements that in animal studies have been thought to stimulate testosterone release. Two such herbs are tribulus terrestris and tongkat ali. It is not clear whether the testosterone stimulation with these herbal supplements is temporary (the body my get exhausted of its testosterone supply) or consistent over days, weeks and months of use. Long term human studies are not available to give us a good understanding.

Chinese herbal medicine
Q. Is Chinese herbal medicine better than Ayurvedic herbal medicine?
   A. They both have a role to play, and a good herbal medicine doctor will combine the benefits from all forms of medicine.

Herbal medicine book
Q. Which herbal medicine book do you recommend for the best herbal alternative medicine research?
   A. Research with herbs and herbal medicine is changing so quickly, that we prefer learning about the latest information through the internet since by the time a book is written, published, and distributed, the information is already at least a year or two old. Herbal health medicine doctors often read the latest research published on Medline.

Herbs versus prescription drugs
Pharmaceutical companies have provided us with some wonderful medicines. So has nature. Pharmaceutical companies have, at times, also marketed dangerous drugs. Nature has also created herbs and plants dangerous for human consumption. We often hear people emphatically claiming that herbal therapies are safe and are preferable to drugs. Although this is generally true, it would be simplistic to unequivocally assert that substances found in nature are inherently safer and superior to those synthesized in laboratories. Each chemical, whether natural or man-made, has to be evaluated on its own merits. Let's keep in mind that during millions of years of evolution, herbs created chemicals to help them not only extract and use nutrients found in soil, water, and air, but created chemicals to make themselves unpalatable and toxic to insects and animals bent on consuming them. Poisonous Amanita mushrooms are a case in point. We know that many chemicals found in herbs are not fit for human consumption. The only good way to find out the medicinal merits of a particular herb is to do extensive human testing.
   It just happens that certain herbs and plants have produced chemicals that are beneficial for human consumption. Examples are fruits and vegetables. Not only do they contain carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, but they also have thousands of nutrients including bioflavonoids and carotenoids that have enormous health-promoting properties. Additionally, many herbs have been found to have chemicals that have potential in the therapy of a variety of human ailments.

Book on herb, drug, and supplement interactions
Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies
Mitchell Bebel Stargrove ND, LAc, Jonathan Treasure MNIMH, AHG, Dwight L. McKee MD
Presenting detailed, evidence-based coverage of the most commonly encountered therapeutic agents in modern clinical practice, this resource is designed to help you safely and effectively integrate herbal, nutrient, and drug therapy for your patients or clients. Combining pharmaceuticals with herbs or nutrients may complement or interfere with a drug's therapeutic action or may increase adverse effects. Furthermore, drug-induced depletion of essential nutrients can occur. Comprehensive clinical data, quick-reference features, and the insight and expertise of trusted authorities help you gain a confident understanding of how herbal remedies and nutritional supplements interact with pharmaceuticals and develop safe, individualized treatment strategies for your patients.

Additional web sites of interest
Aphrodisiacs natural web site discusses the various herbs that enhance sexual pleasure and stamina.
Hoodia diet weight information as an herbal remedy for weight loss.
Ray Sahelian, M.D. web site for various medical and health issues including herb and herbal knowledge and research.
Stevia sweetener for use in tea or lemon juice. Stevis is a natural no calorie sweetener that is safe to use.
Tribulus Terrestris, also called "puncture vine," is a plant long used around the world for the treatment of various ailments. Tribulus may work by relaxing smooth muscles and increasing blood flow into the corpus cavernosa. The relaxant effect observed is probably due to the increase in the release of nitric oxide from the endothelium and nerve endings.

Herbal and herb questions
Q. I'd like to ask a philosophical question. I take it that herbs by definition are considered as having some pharmacological properties to them, correct? Can one then also speak of herbs providing some sort of nutrition to the body, meaning providing nutrients to the body, not just acting like a natural drug?
   A. The answer is both. There are countless substances in the human body, and there are also countless substances in herbs. Some of the substances in herbs act as pharmaceutical agents, just like drugs. It just happens that some herbs have substances in them that are also found in the body and act as nutritional replacement or supplementation. For instance, the herb wolfberry has a high concentration of zeaxanthin, which, along with lutein, are carotenoids found in the retina of the eye. Zeaxanthin and lutein help improve vision. In this case, the zeaxanthin in wolfberry is acting as a nutritional agent. Herbs also contain many vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and flavonoids which have nutritional value. These substances are used by the body for structural repair, hormone synthesis, and enzymatic activity.

Hercampuri is a Peruvian folk medicine (Gentianella nitida)
Hyperoside flavone information

Health From The Sun Black Currant supplement
AlerBlock supplement
Nasal Cool Mist product

Q. I would like to ask you about mixing herbs to make the aphrodisiac or libido herbs of my own, I have purchased some herbs in powder such as:- Saw Palmetto herb, Yohimbe herb, Maca herb, Ashwaganda herb, Ginkgo Baluba, Muira Puama, Horny Goat Weed herb, Damiana leaf, Catuaba and also Shatavari roots for ladies?I will mix all those herbs with certain measurement including other local herbs as well, My concern is how much is the right and safe measurement should I mix each of those herbs and which herbs is can or cannot mix or it not necessary to mix at all, just take the herbs alone?
   A. We suggest first learning how each herb or herbal extract works for you by itself before mixing. It is a very complicated matter and cannot be explained in a paragraph or two. It takes months and years of study and experimentation to learn how to mix herbs properly.

Herb, vitamin and food companies
Barlean's dietary supplement company
Choice Organic teas company makes Whole Tea Organics
Lipogen PAS with phosphatidylserine
Nutiva hemp foods
Trace Minerals Research company