By Susan J. White
NorthShore University HealthSystem
As integrative or complementary medical practices continue to increase in popularity, more and more people are looking to herbal supplements and Chinese herbs as a way to address a variety of health challenges.
“Herbs help nudge the body toward a healing response,” says Leslie Mendoza Temple, MD, Director of NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) Integrative Medicine program.
Herbs work slowly and are not a cure-all, says Dr. Mendoza Temple, nor should people rely solely on herbs to treat life-threatening conditions, however many traditional formulas of Chinese herbs have been in continuous use by experienced practitioners for thousands of years, and have a long history of significant health benefits.
This time of year, many people suffer from allergies and Dr. Mendoza Temple fields numerous inquiries from patients who either don’t like taking over-the-counter or prescription medications or are not finding sufficient relief from their allergy drugs. She often suggests nettles or D-Hist, which is a combination of four different ingredients including quercetin, stinging nettles leaf, bromelain and N-acetyl l-cysteine (NAC). While these supplements can be purchased separately, Dr. Mendoza Temple likes the combination and the fact that patients can get all of these compounds without taking multiple pills.
Many patients combine supplements with allergy medicine like Zyrtec, though Dr. Mendoza suggests it is always best to consult with a physician about possible interactions between herbs and any other medications being taken.
In general, blood thinners like Coumadin and anti-HIV medications have a higher tendency for negative interactions with herbs than many other prescription drugs, she adds.
Dr. Mendoza Temple recommends Consumerlab.com as good resource for people looking to learn more about herbs and supplements as well as to compare different supplement brands.
“There is a great variability in herbs and supplement manufacturing,” explains Dr. Mendoza Temple. While regulation has been increasing in recent years, there is still no where near the tight regulation in place for herbs and supplements that exist for pharmaceuticals.
Menopause is another concern generating lots of interest in herbal remedies, says Dr. Mendoza Temple. “I hear from women who don’t want to take hormones, but are looking for ways to mitigate hot flashes.” Black cohosh and organic soy supplements both help many of her patients, she adds.
For adults looking for supplements to help them sleep, Dr. Mendoza Temple recommends L-theanine, melatonin, 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) or SAM-e. But she is careful to remind patients that herbs do work slowly, and on average take three to four months of consistent use before reaching full benefit.
For those looking to improve basic health and supplement a healthy diet, Dr. Mendoza Temple suggests taking Vitamin D, Omega 3 fatty acids and probiotics.
Getting children to take these basic, important supplements can be a challenge, as Dr. Mendoza Temple knows from her own children, and she suggests starting them early, at one year or older by hiding probiotic liquids in yogurt or apple sauce. Fish oil and Vitamin D drops can also be added into yogurt, but best to start with young children who won’t fight a new or different tasting yogurt.
Dr. Mendoza Temple is a board-certified Family Practitioner. She cares for adults, children and infants with a wide variety of conditions and preventative health needs. Her passion for complementary and alternative medicine evolved as she became increasingly aware of the success of these therapies among patients. She completed a two-year fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona under the supervision of Andrew Weil, MD, an integrative medicine pioneer.
