Herbal remedy cures and various other natural remedies are said to cure all matter of ills without the use of a prescription. But are they effective? And are they safe?

Advocates And Opponents

Various groups have argued for and against these supplements for decades. Advocates believe that natural supplements are better for you because, like their namesake, they include all natural ingredients. They site customer evidence, books, magazines, and studies undertaken by proponents that unlike other drugs there are no side effects to these remedies and that they are perfectly safe for both men and women. Opponents of these products often cite the lack of FDA approval of most of these drugs, that they are not tested as critically as over the counter medications, that they lack proper labeling and that there is no way to prove whether the studies advocating these pills are healthy or not. This is usually because unlike prescription and over the counter drugs, many herbal supplements have not been subjected to clinical trials to prove their effectiveness.

Are They Right For You?

How does one determine if these supplements are right for them in the case of such conflicting evidence? The first step is to educate yourself. Try to find as many sources as you can to determine whether the effects of these drugs are factual or not. This includes reading government websites, company websites, and websites from Universities and clinics that have tested the remedy you are seeking to try. Other good resources include books, magazines and newspaper articles. It is also helpful to talk to friends and neighbors who have taken the supplement you are thinking about to see if they have had any problems or complications with the medication. Finally, make sure to talk to your doctor to find out their opinion on the nutritional supplements.

Armed with knowledge you too will be able to make a more informed decision as to whether nutritional supplements are right for you.