I agree with you mikaela when you say that it doesn't mean the supplements are natural/organic, they no longer have side effects. Some people catches allergic reaction on some herbs. Herbal supplements may also cause opposing outcome when taken with other medications. That's why people still needs to be careful when taking supplements and consult with their doctors for precaution.

Excellent post! Even cocaine is "natural" but it sure isn't good for you! I do take supplements such as extra Vitamin D for my bones, fish oil for my heart, and Estroven Extra Strength for my hot flashes. I also take a vitamin with "cholestrol killers" in it. Fortunately I am very healthy and don't take any prescription medications.

Thanks JJCaraker! I'm glad you like them. Great to hear that you are in good health. Sometimes I do catch some sickness but it's not too serious though. I don't have any prescription medication either, and I do take non acidic vitamin c supplements (sodium ascorbate) to give me more energy and to strengten my immune system. The good thing about this vitamin c is that when I have acid reflux, I take 1000mg of it and it takes it away. I really like it http://www.dietforums.com/images/smilies/smile.png. I have also tried gingko biloba before which is supposed to be a natural supplement for better memory but I experienced some serious headache so I had to stop taking it. My brother though felt a very good relief and indeed better memory ever since he took gingko biloba http://www.dietforums.com/images/smilies/smile.png

Really? That is so bad. I heard some great reviews about gingko biloba but I'm glad you mentioned it so we may be advised of what to expect in case we do want to try ginko biloba. So was that the only side effect you experienced with the supplement?

My mom also tried the gingko biloba supplement and she also experienced severe headache. Aside from that she said that it also worked great. She said that it actually help her sleep better at night.

I also noticed that I sleep soundly and I don't feel cranky when I wake up. I have insomnia and I have difficulty sleeping at night but when I was taking the supplement, it puts me to sleep after a few minutes of taking it. That's what I like about it. However the headache was also killing me so I had to stop it.

That is too bad. It would have been nice to take a healthy supplement that can help me put to sleep soundly but if that will cause me severe headache, I think I will have to pass and go with warm bath and hot milk http://www.dietforums.com/images/smilies/biggrin.png

I think that is much better. That is safer and more natural than the supplement. That is why I agree that taking natural supplements are great as it replenishes and adds vitamins and minerals that we cannot get from our food all the time but it's important that we check the ingredients to see if our body will respond it well.

And it is also important to seek advice from our doctors to be sure that it is safe. Self medication is not recommended too as we do not know which supplements/meds are safe and which are not.

I must also say that gingko biloba also relieves me from PMS, however it also caused heavy menstrual flow. I could deal with heavy flow though but the headache was unbearable. It was recurring and it only stopped the moment I discontinued taking the supplement.

My mom did not mention about an increase on her menstrual flow. I'll ask her and see if she did notice that too http://www.dietforums.com/images/smilies/smile.png. Good for your brother though that he did not notice any side effects at all and only good ones.

Yeah it's really good for him and I feel envious. He's still taking it until now and enjoying the benefits http://www.dietforums.com/images/smilies/biggrin.png

What You Need To Know About Herbal Supplements
 

When we say herbal and organic, that means natural ingredients that are healthy and good for the body. However we still have to be careful in taking herbal supplements as it may have harmful effects on the body. Always take all the necessary precaution when taking herbal or organic supplements and consult your doctor for safety.


Nutrients: herbal supplements serves as alternatives providing the necessary nutrients for the body

Immune system: Consistent intake of herbal medicines such as echinacea, can boost one's immune system. Apart from this it can also improve an individual's memory and sleep quality.

Side Effects: Although, these supplements are natural, it does not mean that it does not have any side effects. Much like prescription drugs herbal supplements can be detrimental to some. Say for example echinacea, its side effect includes liver inflammation.

Interaction: Some herbs coupled with the use of other prescribed medicine or over the counter drug may have adverse effect to the body. It is not even recommended that when one is to undergo surgery, one should stay away from taking herbal supplements. This is due to the possible interaction of components from anesthesia and herbal supplements again to the body.