F A Q - The Herbs Place
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What herbs can I take while pregnant or lactating?
A: Safety studies of herbs have not been conducted on pregnant or lactating women. For this reason, Nature’s Sunshine Products recommends that you avoid herbal supplements while pregnant or lactating. Exceptions include vitamin and mineral supplements essential for fetal development or other nutritional supplements as directed by your health care provider.
Q: How do stimulating laxative herbs (Cascara Sagrada, Buckthorn, Turkey Rhubarb, Senna, Whole Leaf Aloe, etc.) work in the body, and how long can I take them?
A: They work by stimulating the contraction of the colon and increasing the motility and fluid content of the stool. When taking laxative herbal products, you should take a vitamin and mineral supplement. Nature’s Sunshine Products recommends taking stimulating laxative herbs for up to two weeks as needed, never to exceed four weeks consecutively. You should plan to rest from stimulating herbal laxative use for a period of one to two months following use. A healthier, more natural way of regulating the bowel is using bulking herbs (Psyllium, Everybody’s Fiber, andLOCLO) and increasing water intake. Bulk herbs contain fiber that can help lower your risk for certain diseases. They may be taken long-term without adverse effects.
Q: Can I take herbs while preparing for surgery or any medical procedure?
A: Nature’s Sunshine recommends consulting the surgeon and anesthesiologist prior to surgery. You may need to stop taking herbal supplements up to two weeks prior to surgery. You should also consult with your health care provider prior to resuming your herbal regimen.
Q: I’m not experiencing the results I expected from Nature’s Sunshine weight-loss products. What am I doing wrong?
A: NSP weight-loss products are designed to complement a healthy diet and adequate aerobic exercise. For best results, you’ll need to improve your eating habits and food choices and increase your activity level. Please remember that permanent weight loss is a gradual process and occurs only with a healthy change in lifestyle. NSP weight-loss products are designed to help you achieve a healthy weight, but without lifestyle changes, these effects are merely short-term.
Q: Can Nature’s Sunshine products be taken with prescription medications?
A: When taking prescription medications, you should always consult your health care provider prior to taking any dietary supplements. You should make your doctor aware of any dietary supplements you are taking. Herbal supplements have biological activity, just as pharmaceuticals do. While most herbal dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals do not interact with each other, a few may interact. You should address each product on a case by case basis when consulting your health care provider.
Q: Can I exceed the recommended dosage?
A: Nature’s Sunshine Products does not recommend exceeding label dosages or taking products in a manner different than label directions, unless directed by your health care provider. It is the sole responsibility of the consumer to take products according to label directions.
Q: Are there any herbal treatments for cancer?
A: Consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplements for the treatment of cancer. You may consider taking vitamin and mineral supplements, antioxidants and immuno-stimulating herbs.
Some additional information may be found in our newsletter archives