An herb is any plant substance that is used for medicinal purposes. Some herbs have been shown to have benefit but need to be used with caution since some may interact adversely with prescription drugs or have adverse effects on medical conditions.

While many herbs are used based on the wisdom of the ages, modern science is weighing in with some evidence based research. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a division of the National Institutes of Health, acts as a clearing house for information related to herbs and supplements and supports many ongoing research projects related to herbal compounds. Their website contains "herbs at a glance" fact sheets for more than 40 common herbs.

According to the NCCAM the most commonly used supplements in the United States are fish oil, glucosamine, echinacea, flaxseed oil and ginseng. Information on these substances is below:

Fish Oil

Also known as Omega 3 or DHA is, as the name suggests, derived from fish, especially cold water fish. While not an herb, fish oil is the number one used supplement so bears mention here. Omega 3 fats are known to be beneficial for heart and brain health. The recommendation of the American Heart Association is to eat 2 fish meals per week. If you don’t or can’t eat fish, supplementation is an option, but you should check with your doctor.

Glucosamine

Also not an herb, this substance is used in the formation of cartilage in the body. The supplement is derived most often from crustacean shells and is used to treat arthritis pain, sometimes in conjunction with chondroitin.

Much interest has focused on the glucosamine/chondroitin for arthritis symptoms. Recent research showed that although the popular supplement did not help relieve pain of all the participants with knee arthritis, it did seem to help a smaller subgroup with moderate-severe pain. The results of a follow-up study conducted on some of the participants in the GAIT Trial showed that the supplement fared no better than placebo in slowing cartilage loss. Since many older adults may have difficulty taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, your doctor may suggest a 4-6 month course to determine if there is symptomatic relief.

Echinacea

This is an herb that is derived from the purple cone flower. Most often it is used to treat the common cold. Study results are mixed on whether echinacea effectively treats colds or flu. For example, two NCCAM-funded studies did not find a benefit from echinacea; however, other studies have shown that echinacea may be beneficial in treating upper respiratory infections.

Most studies to date indicate that echinacea does not appear to prevent colds or other infections.

NCCAM is continuing to support the study of echinacea for the treatment of upper respiratory infections. NCCAM is also studying echinacea for its potential effects on the immune system.

Echinacea has few side effects but can cause allergic reactions in sensitive persons.

Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed is the seed of the flax plant, which is believed to have originated in Egypt. It grows throughout Canada and the northwestern United States. Flaxseed oil comes from flaxseeds.

Flaxseed contains soluble fiber, like that found in oat bran, and is an effective laxative.
Studies of flaxseed preparations to lower cholesterol levels report mixed results.

• Some studies suggest that alpha-linolenic acid (a substance found in flaxseed and flaxseed oil) may benefit people with heart disease. But not enough reliable data are available to determine whether flaxseed is effective for heart conditions.
• Study results are mixed on whether flaxseed decreases hot flashes.
• NCCAM is funding studies on flaxseed. Recent studies have looked at the effects of flaxseed on high cholesterol levels, as well as its possible role in preventing conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
• Flax is generally well toloerated with a few known side effects.

Ginseng

Asian ginseng is native to China and Korea and has been used in various systems of medicine for many centuries. Treatment claims for Asian ginseng are numerous and include the use of the herb to support overall health and boost the immune system.

• Some studies have shown that Asian ginseng may lower blood glucose. Other studies indicate possible beneficial effects on immune function.
• To date, research results on Asian ginseng are not conclusive enough to prove health claims associated with the herb. Only a handful of large clinical trials on Asian ginseng have been conducted. Most studies have been small or have had flaws in design and reporting. Some claims for health benefits have been based only on studies conducted in animals.
• NCCAM supports studies to better understand the use of Asian ginseng. Areas of recent NCCAM-funded research include Asian ginseng's interactions with other herbs and drugs and the herb's potential to treat chronic lung infection, impaired glucose tolerance, and Alzheimer's disease.
• Side effects of ginseng can include headaches, sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal problems. It is wise to consult your doctor about the use of this herb due to its many potential side effects.

Home remedies:

Herbal supplements should be used with caution and under a doctor’s care because the compounds they contain have powerful effects on the body and may interact with medication. However, some spices and simple things around the house can be safely used for medicinal purposes. Examples are below:

• Aloe-  the clear gel from the aloe plant is an effective treatment for minor burns. Many people keep an aloe plant growing in the house and simply break off a leaf and extract the gel when needed.
• Cinnamon-  reduces blood sugar and has antibacterial properties, anti clotting and anti inflammatory properties as well.
• Ginger-  use for nausea, vomiting and motion sickness
• Red chili peppers-  contain a substance called capsaicin a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that helps relieve pain.  Also thought to help reduce cholesterol and boost immunity.
• Chamomile tea-  use it for a tummy ache, often given to colicky babies

Any symptom that is serious or lasts more than a day or two should be checked out by your health care provider.

If you choose to use herbal supplements keep in mind a few precautions. First, herbs and supplements are not regulated by the FDA. In some cases products may not contain the amount of active ingredient that they claim on the label and they may also contain things not on the label such as pesticides or lead.

• A growing number of dietary supplement manufacturers are adhering to USP standards. The USP symbol on a supplement label communicates that the product has met standards for disintegration, dissolution, purity, strength, packaging, labeling, and weight variation.
• USP designations are now found on most vitamins and minerals. In addition, current USP standard monographs are available for a small but growing number of herbal products, including feverfew, ginger, chamomile, cranberry and ginkgo biloba.
• A useful resource is Consumerlab.com. This company provides independent evaluations of dietary supplements and other products that affect health, wellness, and nutrition. The company publishes the results of its reports on its web site which requires a yearly subscription.
• If you choose to purchase supplements, do so at a store where there is oversight by a pharmacist who is monitoring the brands they stock for quality testing.

Second, be sure you always tell medical practitioners about everything you take. If you are having surgery or medical testing, discontinue use of all supplements 1 week before the procedure.


Best Wishes,
Kevin W. O’Neil, MD, FACP
Medical Director
Brookdale Senior Living

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