Are herbal products and supplements effective? Get to know from an expert

So what are herbal products and effective are they? Business Standard asked Mr. Sushil Khaitan, CEO & Director, PureNutrition.me about the possible benefits of herbal products.

As people are getting increasingly conscious about their health and well-being, they are trying to avoid chemicals and are opting for natural and herbal alternatives instead. 

While chemical medications give faster results, herbal techniques are cheaper and have no side effects. Many a time, allopathic medicines only treat the symptoms, whereas natural remedies tend to heal ailments from their roots. 

So what are herbal products and how effective are they? Business Standard asked Mr Sushil Khaitan, CEO & Director, PureNutrition.me about the possible benefits of herbal products. Here are the answers:

1. What are herbal health products and supplements?

Herbal health products are organic supplements taken in addition to your diet for improving digestion, immunity, cardiovascular health etc. These products are preventive in nature and help circumvent a disease rather than focusing on the curative aspect of the situation. They may be used for therapeutic purposes and using holistic wellness to improve overall lifestyle.

2. How herbal health products are different from dietary supplements?

Common dietary supplements include vitamins and minerals (such as vitamin C or a multivitamin). On the other hand, herbal health products are derived from botanicals (herbs and plant products) and substances that come from a natural source.

3. What to know before buying herbal supplements? How do you know what's in herbal supplements?

It is important to do your research before buying herbal supplements as there are many products available in the market that are using synthetic variants. Looking out for products that have high bioavailability is of utmost importance. Invest in a recognized brand that doesn’t compromise on quality of products.

4. Are herbal health products and supplements regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

Herbal health products and supplements manufactured in India to be exported to the USA are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Herbal supplements are regulated by the FDA, but not as drugs or as foods, they fall under a category called dietary supplements. Otherwise, manufacturers don't have to seek FDA approval before selling dietary supplements.

5. Is herbal health products safe? Is it safe to take herbal health products and supplements if one has health problems?

Herbal health products manufactured by a recognized brand are absolutely safe for general consumption. Those with specific health problems (or on medication) may consult their physician before use. Being wary of allergies, if any, is also good idea.

6. How to use herbal health products or supplements safely?

Like any other medicine, the consumer has to be careful about his intake and keep track of it. Choosing the brand wisely is an absolute must! Besides that, following supplement instructions without exceeding dosage or prolonging the period of intake are enough to ensure that one is using herbal supplements safely.

7. Who shouldn't use herbal supplements?

Herbal supplements can be used by any individual looking at formulating a holistic diet for oneself. It is a good way to take care of the nutritional needs which the body may not be receiving by way of a regular diet. People with allergies must be careful of the ingredients that form a part of the supplements and ideally, take medical advice from a doctor before going ahead.

8. How to safely store herbal health products and supplements?

Herbal health supplements must be stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct contact with sunlight or refrigeration.

9. How exactly is herbal green tea healthy? What is the difference between regular green tea and herbal one?

Herbal green tea is organic as compared to regular green tea. In case of some brands, the caffeine amounts also vary. Various flowers, herbs, spices, and dried fruits which are naturally caffeine free are a part of herbal green tea.

10. How does herbal green tea help in reducing weight loss?

Green tea helps metabolism of the body to be more efficient. It contains anti-oxidants, caffeine and compounds that fastens metabolism in the body. Research has shown that the impact of green tea on weight loss is consistent and also extremely positive.

11. What are other health benefits of herbal green tea or herbal green coffee?
Herbal Green tea helps in controlling cholesterol levels and also provides greater antioxidant protection. It improves heart functioning, reduces cholesterol and also manages Type 2 Diabetes. A herbal tea like ginger tea is good for your throat and digestion whereas hibiscus tea is good for lowering blood fat levels as also boosting liver health.

12. What's healthier for weight loss: herbal green tea or green coffee?
Both herbal green tea and green coffee are known to aid weight loss so it completely depends on the user’s taste and preferences to pick one out of the two, or switch between both to get the best of both worlds!

13. When packages herbal drinks helps one to lose 2 kg in a month? Does it really happen?

In my opinion, aggressive claim-making marketing is deceiving in its very nature and buyers should be careful of such tall claims. Studies have shown that herbal drinks aid your weight loss but your goals have to be complemented by regulated diet and other healthy lifestyle choices. A herbal tea/coffee is without a doubt a good alternative to your regular beverages.

14. What is the best time to consume these drinks? For eg: empty stomach, early morning?

The best time to consume herbal drinks is between meals, ie, an hour after your breakfast or lunch. It is a good idea to refrain from drinking green tea/coffee late in the night as it can cause insomnia due to the caffeine content.

15. Why should one opt for herbal cosmetics? How they are better than normal products?

Herbal cosmetics use organic ingredients like lotus herbs and more which affect the biological functioning of skin positively. Depending upon type of functional ingredients contained in herbal cosmetics, they help to fight skin ailments, nullifying the harmful effects of free radicals.

16. Herbal products are getting processed, packaged and preservatives are added to longer shelf life and even normal products do that. So, how exactly is herbal better and healthier?

Today, preservatives are not the only way by which brands ensure long shelf life of their products. Methods like cold pressing to extract coconut oil, olive oil are employed, making sure that there is a healthier, more organic solution to the shelf-life problem. When it comes to packaging herbal products, it involves meticulous planning as compared to regular products.