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Are you having back pain with any of the following?

  • Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
  • Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
  • Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
  • A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.

We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.

We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.

Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.

Herbs and Supplements

Overview

People have used herbs since ancient times to improve their health in some way, and the modern-day use of herbs and supplements in the U.S. is rising.
 
You may wonder if you should use herbs or supplements and which to choose. Or you may be unsure whether to use them for a specific condition or if they are safe for you. How do they interact with other medications that you take? You will need to answer these questions before taking any herbs. Talk to your medical provider if you have other questions.  

Types of Herbs and Supplements

Herbs are plants valued for their scent, flavor, or medicinal properties. A supplement is a nutrient used in addition to your daily diet. Some supplements contain herbs, while others contain vitamins, minerals, or extracts. Herbs and supplements can be found in the following forms:

  • Capsules
  • Tablets
  • Teas
  • Powders
  • Extracts
  • Fresh or dried plants
  • Spices

Safety and Quality Issues

Many people think that because an herb is natural, it must be safe. However, anything that is strong enough to affect your health is also strong enough to have side effects. In fact, some herbs can cause sickness and even death.

It's important for your health to know the facts about all of your medications, including natural products. That's why we've teamed up with the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database to bring you unbiased, scientifically reliable information so you can better evaluate dietary supplements, including:

  • Herbal remedies
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Other natural products

Before beginning any herbal treatment, talk to your doctor or other medical professional. He or she will be able to tell you if your treatment complements or interferes with other medications or with your treatment plan.

Our pharmacies carry only herbs and supplements known to be effective in treating certain medical conditions.

Regulation of Herbs and Supplements

In the U.S., herbs are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that they are not tested for safety or purity by manufacturers. The amount of any herb in an herbal product can range from 0 to 150 percent of the amount stated on the label. The herb in the bottle may even be different from the herb on the label. Here are some of the other problems that can occur:

  • Toxicity. Certain herbs can make you sick.
  • Contamination. The herb (or a pesticide used on the herb) may make you sick.
  • Impurity. Herbs imported from other countries may have prescription drugs added to them.
  • Incorrect dosage. You may be getting less – or more – of an ingredient than the label shows, even if it uses the word "standardized" or "certified." 

To manage your health, you need to be an informed consumer. We strongly recommend that you talk to your doctor before taking herbs or supplements so that you will be aware of the effects the herb or supplement may have on you.

Before You Use Herbs and Supplements

Talk to us before taking any herbs or supplements. We need a full picture of everything you do to manage your health, so that we can take the best care of you. Talk to us in person or by e-mail or visit your nearest Health Education Department. 

Before using herbs or supplements, think about these things:

  • Some herbal supplements can interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
  • Pregnant or nursing women should be especially careful when using herbal supplements. This caution also applies to giving children herbal supplements.
  • The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database provides information about when to get medical care and when it's safe to self-treat.
  • Information about the safety and effectiveness of herbal supplements can change as new research results are reported. To check for recent updates, please visit the Herbs at a Glance series online at nccam.nih.gov/herbs.

Additional References:

Related Health Tools:

Podcasts

If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.

This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.



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