The Great Herbal Debate

Walk into any health food store and you’re bombarded. St. John’s wort in nutritional bars; vitamin B complex in sports drinks; ginkgo biloba in potato chips? Confused about all the hype surrounding herbs and supplements these days? Who wouldn’t be? Americans’ interest in holistic healthcare is booming and, as a result, so is the marketplace.

Americans spend upward of $15 billion on dietary supplements each year, and an estimated 7 out of 10 adult consumers take some kind of nutritional supplement. What are some of the reasons behind this trend?

“People are wanting more control over their personal healthcare and have also tired of the side effects of drugs,” says Brian Ellinoy, who as a Community Hospital pharmacist for the past 22 years has seen a growing interest by the public in complementary therapies. “It’s not something traditional healthcare can ignore anymore. I see it as a very good trend. Herbs and supplements can be helpful adjuncts to traditional medicine when used with care. However, everyone must be aware that these substances can have side effects and interactions just like prescription medications, particularly when they are taken in conjunction with prescription drugs.

“People also believe that if something is ‘natural,’ it’s safe. That’s not necessarily true,” says Ellinoy. It’s important to be careful, because herbs and supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) like more conventional medicines. Prescription drugs require FDA approval before marketing and FDA quality control thereafter. On the other hand, dietary supplements may be marketed without prior FDA approval as long as no claims are made about the prevention or treatment of specific diseases, and the manufacturer is responsible for quality control. The FDA must find a supplement unsafe to be able to remove it from the marketplace. As a result, concerns exist about the standardization, quality, and effectiveness of dietary supplement products in the marketplace.

Ellinoy brings a unique perspective based on his experience in both conventional and complementary medicine. His vision of the future? A marriage between the two that most benefits the consumer.

As a University of Southern California-trained pharmacist with 35 years in the profession, he first began dabbling in complementary medicine about 10 years ago after his wife was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a disorder of unknown cause with symptoms ranging from chronic muscular aching and stiffness to joint pain and fatigue. When conventional medicine failed to help her, they began exploring more holistic treatments.

“I became intrigued,” Ellinoy says. “After 25 years in the drug business, I’d come to find out that, in order for somebody to heal, you need to deal not just with the body, but with the mind and spirit as well.”

Ellinoy began augmenting his education with the study of complementary therapies such as acupressure, herbs and supplements, aromatherapy, healing touch, guided imagery, and homeopathy. In addition to his more conventional work as a hospital pharmacist, he also teaches a free class — “Herbs, Supplements, and Complementary Therapies” — one evening a month at Community Hospital.

As a holistic pharmacist, Ellinoy recommends that consumers choose their herbs and supplements carefully, making sure the products are made by reputable manufacturers. This isn’t always easy to do. In addition, the benefits of herbs and supplements often aren’t immediately apparent, so sometimes it’s difficult to know whether or not they’re working.

For assistance, he subscribes to the Web site www.consumerlab.com, which conducts safety tests on herb and supplement products.

“Before you start taking an herb or a supplement, discuss it with your doctor, particularly if you’re taking prescription medications,” Ellinoy says. “Also talk to someone who has some formal training in herbs and supplements. The majority of patients don’t do this, not realizing it can be dangerous. They think it’s safe, or they’re fearful of their doctor’s reaction. They’re afraid of being judged. But they need to remember that supplements and herbs and drugs can interact, sometimes with potentially serious consequences.”

The herb valerian, for example, which acts as a sedative, can be dangerous if used with anesthesia. St. John’s wort can increase the metabolism, causing many drugs to work less well than expected.

Ellinoy recommends stopping all herbs and supplements at least a week before any surgery to prevent unwanted interactions.

“And remember, herbs and supplements, like medications, should be just a part of a person’s whole healthcare picture,” Ellinoy says. “Diet, exercise, and emotional health also contribute to staying well. Our society is so used to just popping pills. Often, we need these other kinds of life changes as well.”

For more information on the monthly class — Herbs, Supplements, and Complementary Therapies — call 625-4708. Preregistration is required.