Natural does not mean without adverse effects.  The early pharmacy industry was started with the use of these “natural” remedies.   The everyday aspirin is derived from the willow bark.  Morphine is obtained from opium.  In fact, the pharmaceutical companies conduct research on the active components of many botanical plants to see if they can be synthesized, patented and marketed as drugs.  A primary benefit of this process it that the pharmacy companies have to test and standardize their product as well as prove that it is safe before it is marketed.    Herbs are hard to standardize, as no two plants are exactly alike.

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) does provide some guidelines concerning labeling that limits overt misrepresentation but which can easily play into the assumptions held by the consumer.   Some guidelines when using any supplement include:

• Adding them to a healthy eating plan and not using them as a substitute for it.
  
• Checking with your health care provider.  Some supplements can react with prescription drugs that you are taking.

• Using those products made by nationally known food companies, as they are more likely to have better controls because they already have standards for other products.   It is the manufacturers of the supplements who are responsible for ensuring that their labels are accurate and truthful and not the FDA.
  
• Conducting some research from reliable sources on the product.  Contact the manufacturer.  Their address is required on the label.
  
• Understand labeling guidelines under DSHEA.  Three different claims can be made on supplements and they are:

1.      Nutrient content claims states that the product is high in a nutrient. A product containing 200 mg of calcium is high in calcium.

2.      Disease Claims identifies an accepted link between a nutrient deficiency and a disease.   This claim can be based on current scientific evidence or from the authority of an agency such as the National Academy of Sciences.   Calcium and osteoporosis is such a claim.

3.      Structure-function claims include “promotes cardiovascular health” but it cannot state that it “lowers cholesterol.”   A structure-function claim is always associated with the following disclaimer. ”This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”

The more knowledgeable that you make yourself, the more likely that you will not fall prey to misrepresentation.  Remember that if a product is strong enough to produce positive benefits it might also be strong enough to produce side effects.  Learn what they are before taking the product.