Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements have been widely used in traditional medicine for centuries. From Ayurveda to Chinese medicine, dietary supplements have been used to treat various ailments or to prevent diseases. The use of supplements has always been motivated by a desire to optimize one's health by adding essential nutrients to the diet. Examples of dietary supplements in traditional medicine include herbal concoctions, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and probiotics. Herbal supplements are one of the most popular forms of dietary supplements utilized in traditional medicine because of their purported therapeutic benefits. Herbal supplements mainly consist of various plant-based ingredients that are believed to contain powerful healing compounds, which may be effective in the treatment of various ailments or diseases. Herbal supplements may be taken orally, typically in a tea form or as a pill or capsule. However, due to a lack of large-scale clinical trials, the evidence supporting certain herbs’ efficacy is largely anecdotal. The use of dietary supplements for curing or preventing diseases is particularly popular in Chinese Medicine, where herbs and other herbal ingredients are often combined in formulas tailored to the individual for maximum efficacy. Several Chinese herbs are known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial effects on overall health. These herbs are often combined with vitamins like Vitamin B complex and minerals like zinc and selenium to increase the supplement’s overall effectiveness. Finally, probiotics are dietary supplements that contain beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms that can help promote a healthy digestive and immune system. In some traditional medicine beliefs, probiotics are believed to not just support healthy digestion, but also support mental and overall well-being. As with any supplement, though, it is important to speak to a healthcare provider before beginning a probiotic regimen. The array of dietary supplements available for use in traditional medicine is vast and growing. As always, supplement use must be taken with caution and moderation, and under the supervision of a healthcare provider. In certain cases, dietary supplements may provide an individual with the essential nutrients lacking in his or her diet and could potentially be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of certain ailments.