Herbal Drugs - Are There Any Medical Reasons for Taking This Substance?
Are There Any Medical Reasons for Taking This Substance?
The healing effects of herbal drugs have not been extensively tested or proven, but the scientific study of herbals is under way in the United States and abroad. Because herbal medicines are not classified as drugs by the FDA, the manufacturers of herbals cannot make claims that their product is effective at treating any disease or disorder. They can, however, make more general—and carefully worded—health claims. For example, companies that sell St. John's wort cannot say their product is useful for treating depression or anxiety, but they can say St. John's wort helps support a healthy emotional balance or helps maintain a positive attitude.
Some medical researchers question the healing effects of herbals and believe that herbal remedies act as placebosPronounced pluh-SEE-boh; a 'sugar pill' or 'dummy pill' that contains no medicine.. Sometimes, if patients believe they are taking an effective medication, their attitude about their illness improves and they begin to feel better. This so-called "placebo effectA psychological effect noted by researchers in which patients' conditions improve if they believe they are taking a medication that will relieve their symptoms." can cause patients to report improvements in symptoms that are hard to measure, such as pain or depression. Studies continue on whether herbals exert more of a mental effect than a physical effect on users.
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