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Spring Fling Champagne Brunch: A Senior Living Q&A With Our Directors
Sunday, April 7th 11am-1pm. Click HERE & RSVP Today!
Open Mobile Menu

What Seniors Need to Know About Herbal Medicines

Herbs, also known as botanicals, are one of humanity’s oldest health care tools and the basis of many modern medicines. Ancient civilizations relied on herbs for healing, as do contemporary cultures throughout the world. Are herbal medicines helpful for seniors?

The World Health Organization has estimated that 80 percent of the world’s population continues to use traditional therapies, a major part of which are derived from plants. The global market for herbal products is approximately US $60 billion.

In the U.S. alone, one in five people use herbal products. They’re available in a wide variety of forms, including teas, tablets, capsules, liquid extracts (tinctures), powders, and as the original roots, leaves, seeds, and flowers.

Because herbs are classified as dietary supplements per the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), they may be marketed without the clinical trials required for pharmaceuticals. Like vitamins and minerals, herbal supplements usually carry the statement, “This product is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease.”

Herbs Can Be Misunderstood

Herbs are all around us, but we often don’t recognize them, or understand their value. For example: most people view dandelion as a weed that sullies their well-manicured lawn.

From an herbal perspective, however, dandelion is one of the most versatile, healing plants available. It contains Vitamins A, B6, C, and K, as well as minerals, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

For seniors, dandelion is a “super herb” than can:

  • Improve bone health
  • Protect against osteoporosis and arthritis
  • Detoxify the liver, the body’s “processing plant”
  • Aid in digestion
  • Help control diabetes
  • Help prevent urinary problems
  • Promote healthy skin.

Dandelion greens, sold in many natural foods markets, can be added to salads for a nutritious health boost.

If you have questions about the care our team at The Kensington Falls Church can provide, please don’t wait to get in touch with us.

Medicine from the Kitchen

In the same way, numerous other herbs and spices can be included in a senior’s diet to support health and wellness. You may already be using many of these herbs to season a meal, without being aware of the powerful health benefits they provide:

  1. Turmeric. Turmeric has become popular for its anti-inflammatory properties. This bright orange culinary herb easily stains skin and clothing, so be careful when handling it! Used traditionally in India to treat bronchitis and diabetes, turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, is also sold separately as a supplement.
  2. Ginger. Mothers give ginger ale to children with upset stomachs. Ginger decreases nausea, and may help relieve arthritis pain and inflammation. Additional health benefits include relieving heartburn and preventing colds.
  3. Oregano. A USDA study found that oregano has the highest antioxidant activity of 27 fresh culinary herbs. Rich in phytonutrients, it contains 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 12 times more than oranges, and four times more than blueberries.
  4. Basil. Yes, it’s terrific in pesto sauce, but did you know that this herb, part of the mint family, is also helpful for arthritis, and in the prevention and treatment of cancer?
  5. Cinnamon. Who doesn’t love cinnamon, in cookies, on hot cereal, and as a mulling spice in winter? Cinnamon has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can lower blood sugar levels, help reduce inflammation, and is neuro-protective against Alzheimer’s and other forms of cognitive decline.

How to Select Herbal Medicines for Seniors

Since they’re derived from natural substances, herbal supplements are generally considered safe. However, just because a product is on the market does not mean it is safe for a particular senior, who may have a condition for which the herb is contraindicated.

Always consult your health care professional before taking any herbal supplement, and purchase it from a reputable store or health practitioner you trust.

Because supplement quality is not FDA-regulated, it’s up to the consumer to practice caveat emptor (“Let the buyer beware”). When you shop for any herbal supplement, look for:

  • An established brand. Certain companies have been manufacturing quality supplements for decades. The staff in health food stores is often knowledgeable about inventory. Ask questions about herbal supplements you’re considering to determine the best choice for you.
  • The Latin name of an herb, or the common name of the herb you want. Most herbs have more than one species, and not every species has medicinal value.
  • Customer service information. A toll-free phone number, website, or both, on the package.
  • Recommendations for use. Does the bottle state how much of the supplement to take, and when?
  • Amount per serving and % Daily Value. The latter will say “Daily Value not established” for herbs.
  • Other ingredients. Some supplements contain just the herb itself, but many contain minute amounts of binders, fillers, or artificial flavors. If you are unfamiliar with an ingredient, ask its purpose before purchase.
  • Allergens statement. The product should state whether it is free of common allergens, such as corn, wheat, soy, and lactose. For example, “Do not use if you have a nut allergy.”
  • Lot number. Helps manufacturers locate the original batch if problems arise.
  • Expiration date. Make sure it’s post-dated for at least the length of time you will spend using up the contents.
  • Storage instructions. Does it need to be refrigerated, or just kept in a cool place?

What Seniors Need to Know About Supplement Safety

If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, for example, consult your health practitioner before purchasing or taking any supplement. In addition:

  • Don’t substitute supplements for medication. If you plan to use a dietary supplement in place of drugs or in combination with any drug, consult your health care provider first. Otherwise you could be placing yourself at risk.
  • Be cautious about drug interactions. Some supplements may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Taking a combination of herbal supplements or using these products with medications (whether prescription or OTC drugs) could have potentially life-threatening results.

For example: Coumadin (a prescription heart medicine), ginkgo biloba (an herbal supplement), aspirin (an OTC drug) and vitamin E (a vitamin supplement) can each thin the blood. Taking any of these products together can increase the risk of internal bleeding.

  • Some supplements can have side effects during surgery. Inform your doctor about the vitamins, minerals, herbs and any other supplements you are taking before elective surgery. You may need to stop taking these products at least several weeks ahead of the procedure to avoid potentially dangerous supplement/drug interactions that could adversely affect the outcome of your surgery.
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