You go into a food co-op, and you don't know what you're getting. About 900 of the illnesses and 44 deaths involved people taking herbal products that contain ephedrine-like stimulants. Millions of Americans take dietary supplements, particularly the herbs that are the fastest-growing segment. Supplements promise they'll slow aging, improve memory, clean kidneys, protect the heart, even prevent cancer. There is evidence that certain herbs, vitamins and minerals do help.
Folic acid prevents birth defects.
Calcium wards off osteoporosis. Many scientists agree that garlic may help lower cholesterol, ginger calms nausea, and valerian is a mild sleep aid. The National Institutes of Health is studying whether St. John's wort is an anti-depressant. But scores of other products have sparse, if any, data to support claims that even some in the industry call exaggerated. The pills, tonics and teas sell with little to guide consumers about what actually works or potential side effects.