Have you ever considered herbal supplements as a remedy for your cold, headache, cough or any other bodily problems you’ve encountered? Chances are, you might have due to the “all-natural magical healing abilities” they claim to exhibit. However, The New York Times recently published a shocking article by Anahad O’Connor, “Herbal Supplements Are Often Not What They Seem,” that might make current or potential consumers reconsider popping these pills.
About one in four Americans consume herbal supplements every year, spending nearly $5 billion, with the hopes of being cured. While the pills do often prove to be successful, many times they have little actual effect and here’s why: Recent studies have shown that many of these healing herb pills consist of nothing but useless fillers such as rice and weeds.
Canadian researchers used a DNA barcoding test to reveal the true ingredients in 44 different bottles of popular supplements. The test exposed diluted contents and even ones replaced entirely by “cheap fillers like soybean, wheat and rice.” This disturbing discovery led the researchers to conclude that pills are often not what they are labeled to be. One of the targeted supplements was Echinacea, a common cold and flu treatment. Unfortunately, many of these bottles contained ineffective weeds and even a harmful plant called Parthenium hysterophorus.
Why is this a problem? First of all, the substitutive fillers don’t have the same effect as the advertised ingredients, which is deceptive and potentially harmful for your health. This explains why you might take an herbal supplement for a cold and nothing happens. Second, certain fillers may be a threat to people with allergies or sensitivities, such as with gluten.
Why is this happening? The Food and Drug Administration encourages companies to test their products before selling them to assure consumption safety, however, this system runs purely on the honor code. In other words, the state of supplement regulation, otherwise dubbed the “Wild West,” by Dr. David A. Baker, receives little supervision while much more is needed.
We know this can be nerve-racking, especially if you are a constant user of these pills. Don’t fret! There are alternatives for herbal supplements, and they start with your diet. Vitamin C is the most obvious solution when it comes to boosting the immune system and for a good reason! Eating citrus foods like oranges and grapefruit will leave you feeling refreshed and balanced. Other important vitamins to consider are B2 and E, which can be found in almonds and will help prevent sicknesses during stressful times. For more health tips, consult Her Campus!
Stay healthy and happy!