Herbal Nutrition Supplements - For Longevity

Herbal nutrition supplements are very common today. As they grow in popularity, so do the number of them that are available on the market. What used to be available in the food you eat, is now available as herbal supplements and includes everything from herbal supplements for energy to memory, pain management, heart care, and much more. Today the problem is not in maintaining good nutrition, but in finding the right herbal nutrition supplement for your proper use.

Unlike vitamins that can be purchased with all of the day's nutritional needs in one bottle, an herbal nutrition supplement is specialized for you. What is meant by this is that you have to buy herbal supplements based on your own needs. Some of these may be:

• Energy
• Heart care
• Weight loss
• Allergies
• Overall good health
• Pain management
• Arthritis
• Good circulation
• Cancer
• Lung function
• Dietary fiber
• Liver function

Each herbal nutrition supplement has its own function, so before you begin a regimen of herbal supplements, make a list of what your needs are and research the various herbal nutrition products so that you know just which ones will be of a benefit. After all, you do not want to purchase one that includes dietary fiber if you have intestinal problems or problems with diarrhea. In addition, you do not want to take products that will be of no benefit to you. Use the ones you need rather than trying to buy many more simply because you think the more you have, the healthier you will be. These are meant to supplement your diet, not replace it.

Here is a list of the side effects and the benefits of some of the popular herbal nutrition supplements:

Feverfew
Benefits of Feverfew- Used to help prevent migraine headaches, and to treat arthritis, rheumatic disease and allergies.
Side Effects of Feverfew- May increase bleeding, especially in people who already take certain anti-clotting medications.

Echinacea
Benefits of Echinacea - Strengthens the immune system, helps prevent colds and flu, and aids in overall healing.
Side Effects of Echinacea - May cause liver inflammation if used in conjunction with certain other medications such as anabolic steroids and methotrexate, which are often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Goldenseal
Benefits of Goldenseal - Reduces inflammation and can be used as a mild laxative.
Side Effects of Goldenseal - May increase swelling or high blood pressure.

Ginseng
Benefits of Ginseng - Increases physical stamina and mental concentration.
Side Effects of Ginseng - May increase heart rate or high blood pressure. May cause bleeding in women after menopause. May decrease the effectiveness of certain anti-clotting medications.

Gingko
Benefits of Gingko - Increases blood circulation and oxygenation, and improves memory and mental alertness.
Side Effects of Gingko - May increase bleeding, especially in people who already take certain anti-clotting medications.

Garlic
Benefits of Garlic - Helps to lower cholesterol, triglyceride levels and blood pressure.
Side Effects of Garlic - May increase bleeding, especially in people who already take certain anti-clotting medications.

St. John's Wort
Benefits of St. John's Wort - Used for mild-to-moderate depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders.
Side Effects of St. John's Wort - May prolong the effects of certain anesthetics.