Herbal medicine and vitamin supplements

In general, herbal medicine and vitamin supplements are referred to as 'complementary medicines'.

Herbal medicine

Herbal medicine is the use of plants to treat disease and improve wellbeing. Herbs can be just as powerful as pharmaceutical drugs and need to be treated with care.

Herbal medications should be administered by an herbalist or herbal therapist and you should always let your doctor and pharmacist know what herbal medicines you are taking.

Things to consider when taking herbal medicines

• do not self-diagnose any health conditions
• never stop taking conventional drugs without the approval of your doctor
• always tell your doctor if you are planning to start a course of herbal medicine for your condition
• always tell your herbal therapist what conventional drugs you are taking.

Vitamin supplements

Vitamin supplements can be used when dietary intake of a particular vitamin is not practical or possible. We can get vitamins naturally by eating healthy foods or by taking vitamin supplements.

It is always best to seek advice from your doctor on what vitamin supplements and minerals may be suited to your specific needs before you start taking them. Some vitamins can be harmful in high doses or may interact with prescribed drugs.

People who may benefit from vitamin and mineral supplements include:

• pregnant and breastfeeding women
• the elderly (especially those who are disabled or chronically ill)
• some vegetarians and vegans
• women with excessive bleeding during menstruation
• people with allergies to particular foods
• people who have problems with absorbing vitamins such as coeliac disease or pancreatitis.

Things to know about vitamins and minerals

• vitamins and minerals from food are usually absorbed by the body better than those contained in pills
• folic acid supplements are better absorbed by the body than folate from food sources
• vitamin and mineral pills taken as a form of medicine to cure or prevent certain ailments is a misconception
• vitamin and mineral supplements taken in high dosages can be harmful
• Vitamin supplements won't necessarily make stressful feelings or tiredness go away.

What you should know when before taking any herbal medicines or vitamin supplements

Medicines can improve your health, especially if they’re combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle. But some may have unwanted effects especially if you:

• are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• are breastfeeding
• drink alcohol
• have kidney, liver or serious stomach problems
• are allergic to any of the substances in the medicines
• don’t take the medicine as directed
• take a combination of prescribed medications and herbal medicines that  interact with each other
• use medicine prescribed for someone else.