About half of these people take vitamin and mineral supplements, a third take some type of herbal product, and the rest take other ergogenic aids, such as amino acids or protein powders. The herbal market is growing steadily at about 20 percent each year. With this increase, however, come many questions. The term herbs in this fact sheet refers to plants used for oral medicinal purposes, not herbs for cooking. It includes botanicals, herbs, herbals, herbal products, herbal medicines, herbal remedies and herbal supplements.
People take herbs for many reasons and many conditions.
One of the biggest reasons is that herbs are considered natural and therefore healthier and gentler than conventional drugs. They are used for everything from upset stomachs to headaches. Some people take them for overall health and well-being, not for any specific condition. For others, herbal use is grounded in traditions passed down from generation to generation or recommended by folk healers. Many herbs have health benefits.