When did this tidal wave of herbal products start? One answer is that it all started when the media began to report widely on how important it is to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Knowledge of the benefits of herbal medicines and natural tonics goes back to our ancestors thousands of years in the past. All the way back to 2800 B.C., scientists and storytellers have reported on humans experiencing the amazing healing and health benefits of natural herbal remedies. And now it is your chance!

In fact, herbal medicine has been a big part of human history for the last 5,000 years according to archaeology and written records. All the way up to today, people have used herbal medicine and treatments to aid in a wide variety of ailments to improve their health and well being.

When NOT To Take Herbal Supplements And Herbal Medicine

Many herbs have a long history of beneficial use and practically guaranteed health benefits. An herb, or botanical, is either a plant or part of a plant (like the stem only) that is used for its scent, flavor, or therapeutic abilities. Although they are found in natural, herbal products are not guaranteed to be safe or without negative side effects. While they may come from plants, some plants (like certain mushrooms) are dangerous and can be damaging or poisonous to your health, instead of restoring it.

Unlike prescription drugs, herbal products are not clinically tested and proven to work for any particular ailment before they are marketed or sold to customers in health food stores like GNC (General Nutrition Center).

Also, the active ingredients in many herbal supplements and treatments remain unknown. Some supplements have been found some to contain metals, prescription drugs mixed in without any mention on the label, microorganisms or other substances.

Since most herbal products are not tested and certified by the FDA or other health authority, they may in actual fact cause health problems or complications. All of this is extremely rare as most companies do their own testing, and only use the beneficial types of herbs in their herbal products. Still, it may not be smart to try herbal products, at least before talking about it with your doctor, if you have any of these medical problems:

- High blood pressure

- Thyroid condition

- Parkinsons disease

- Blood-clotting problems

- Diabetes

- Heart disease

- Epilepsy

- Depression or psychiatric problems

- Liver problems

- Enlarged prostrate gland

- Glaucoma

- History of stroke or organ transplant

If you are pregnant or nursing, then you should take special care about using herbal products, as well as if you are about to have surgery. Some herbal products such as for weight loss or skin care are much less expensive than surgical procedures like liposuction or hiring a dermatologist, respectively. This is one other reason for the massive popularity of herbal treatments. So to always be on the sage side of things, make sure you always check with your healthcare provider before trying any herbal products you have a concern about.

It is also a good idea to talk to your doctor before using an herbal product if you are now taking any medications for a health problem. Often, an herbal supplement will not interfere with a prescription medication or even an over-the-counter product but it is always best to check with your doctor first. Some active ingredients in herbal medicines are known to interact with medications in ways that may be able to cause risks to your health.

Some benefits from herbal treatments and alternatives available on the market include but are not limited to:

1. Cost-effectiveness: Prescription drugs cost much more money than herbal medicines.

2. Lower Side Effects: Herbal medicines are generally a far healthier solution than prescription drugs due to potential harmful side effects caused by unpredicted body chemistry interactions. However as mentioned above, its important to remember that just because the word natural is included herbal medicines does not guarantee safety.

However, herbal medicines appear to have many advantages over traditional drugs, including a lower occurrence of side effects.

3. Effectiveness and Potency: Poor results with traditional drug treatments often makes people search for alternative treatments. Keep in mind, however, the potential of herbal medicines is different for everybody.

Genetics change from person to person, which affects how the ingredients work over time. Also a factor in the potency of an herb is the process and timing of harvest, as well as exposure to air and light

Ultimately, herbal medicine and herbal treatments have both weak and strong points. Keep in mind that herbal medicines are not a guaranteed and final solution to any health problem, but instead are generally effective at healing a health problem as well as being a wallet friendly solution.