Herbal products have long been believed to support treatment to treat a number of diseases and keep the body healthy. Herbal products can be in the form of medicines or supplements derived from plants such as leaves, roots, flowers, and parts of other plants.
However, not all herbal products marketed are safe to use. Better, understand the content in herbal products so that you avoid health problems. If necessary, consult a doctor before using any type of herbal product.
Benefits of Herbal Products
Herbal products can be available in the form of powder, capsules, liquid extracts, dried plant parts or other forms. How to consume it can be taken as a pill or powder, brewed like tea, mixed into water to drink, applied to the skin or added to water for bathing.
In general, the use of herbal products aims to support the healing process and restore the immune system. For example, pasak bumi and ginseng are considered as herbal products that can increase testosterone levels, energy and resistance to physical activity. There are also herbal products that are rich in antioxidants such as extracts from noni, basil or basil, moringa leaves, african leaves, and mahogany seeds, so they are widely used to treat conditions related to aging and endurance.
In addition, herbal products with mangosteen extract contain xanthones, which function as antioxidants and are believed to have the potential to prevent cancer.
In some cancer patients, herbal products are commonly used as complementary or alternative therapies. Some studies show that 60 out of 100 cancer patients use herbal medicines simultaneously with conventional cancer treatment methods. One example of herbal medicine that has anticancer properties is gedi leaf and ganoderma mushroom. Then, there are also herbal products that are considered to reduce the risk of heart disease.
In addition to the various benefits above, some herbal products are also claimed to be able to lose weight, so they are often processed into various products, such as supplements and slimming teas.
How Safe Are Herbal Products for Health?
Herbal medicinal products actually contain ingredients that are almost similar to medical drugs sold in pharmacies. However, what makes herbal products different from medical drugs is the extraction process. Herbal products are often mixed in order to achieve balance, while most medical drugs concentrate on only one active ingredient.
In addition, you also have to be careful because not all herbal medicines are licensed and registered with the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM). Herbal products are not included in the drug category, but are supplements, so the standards and regulations applied to the licensing process by BPOM are different from medical drugs. You are advised to consult your doctor first before using herbal products.
The use of herbal products, may cause allergic reactions in some people. Herbal products may also interact with medical drugs, causing side effects. So, when using herbal products, make sure you pay attention to the dosage information, instructions for use, as well as side effects and contraindications listed on the packaging. If necessary, consult with the product's consumer service or with your doctor.
The use of herbal products must also be considered before surgery. Some herbal ingredients may cause bleeding at the time of administration of anesthesia or anesthesia. Stop using herbal products at least two weeks before the scheduled surgery.
In addition, for children, the elderly, pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, and those who are taking certain medications (blood thinners such as aspirin, and drugs to increase or decrease blood pressure), it is advisable to confirm the use of herbal medicines to the doctor first. .
Tips for Choosing Herbal Products
Here are some tips in choosing the right herbal products:
- Read the instructions for herbal medicines and dosages listed on the packaging label. There are certain conditions that are not allowed to use herbal products.
- Pay attention to the risk of side effects on the packaging label. Reduce the dose or discontinue use if a number of side effects occur.
- Gather information from trusted sources. You can make sure the herbal product has been registered on the BPOM website or check the content in it.
- Consult a doctor or pharmacist who can provide clear instructions for herbal products, both benefits and risks.
Do not immediately believe the packaging label "natural" which means it is safe and good for health. Remember that the process of herbal products is not the same as drugs. Research the content of herbal products and consult with your doctor before consuming them, especially if you have special health conditions.
