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Writer's pictureJerilyn McKeon PharmD, BCACP

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Herbals. My perspective as a Pharmacist and why I love USANA©

Updated: May 26, 2023

As a Pharmacist , I know herbal supplements can drastically improve one's health however just like medications there can also have negative implications. I do believe that supplements can have a part and be a great addition to one's daily health regimen. Public interest in using herbals, vitamins, and supplements as a means to benefit one's overall well being continues to grow. With this growth in public interest several companies have emerged. When choosing an herbal it is important to pick a reputable company that has a quality assurance program. Herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA and therefore there are a lot of companies that have lower production standards. Due to not being regulated in the same way as prescription medications, this leads to wide variations in quality and purity. I cannot stress how important it is to purchase these products from reputable sources and to always follow the dosing instructions carefully.

Companies I trust include USANA. USANA was founded by Dr. Myron Wentz and their products go through a stringent quality process. They ensure that their products also are reviewed for potency, uniformity and their bioavailability. They employ top level employees to include chemists, nutritional biochemists, pharmacists and sports science experts.

To explore all that USANA has to offer please click the link below.


The dedication to sports and athletes is also something that impressed me about USANA. Athletes are always under constant pressure to be at an optimal physical health and to perform at their highest capability. This is why many turn to supplements and herbals to help keep their bodies in the best condition possible. USANA ensures that their products meet Olympic and NCAA regulations. USANA even includes a Athlete Guarantee to promise that they are compliant!! How cool is that! I love that USANA makes this a priority. Athletes obviously work very hard to perfect their skills and make themselves be ready to compete. I love that USANA matches their commitment and ensures that their products are compliant with the required regulations thus giving athletes the opportunity to use USANA confidently. They take any guesswork out of it. They have their Sports Pharmacists and scientists ensure their products are safe to use. I seriously love this!

To further Explore USANA's commitment to athletes please click on the link below

Also it is important to be careful and leery of companies that make false or unproven claims. It is important to realize that while herbals can have supplements it is important to be careful.

It is important to talk with your Pharmacist or Provider before starting any new herbals, vitamins or supplements. They can have potential risks and interactions with other medications. You will want to make sure that you are affecting your body in a positive manner. With anything that you bring into your body it is important to realize that it has to got through a metabolism process. This process will require going through the kidneys or the liver. One should talk with their Pharmacist or Provider to make sure that they herbals will not do any harm. It is important to always weigh the benefits with the risks. Pharmacists are trained in pharmacology and are able to provide valuable insights into the potential benefits and risks of these products, as well as any interactions they may have with other medications.

Another important factor to consider is that herbals, vitamins, and supplements can interact with other medications, including prescription medications. For example, some herbals and supplements can interfere with the effectiveness of blood thinners or other medications used to treat chronic conditions.

It is also important to understand that not all herbals, vitamins, and supplements are safe for everyone. Some herbals can also be harmful and negatively work against improving ones health. They may have side effects or can interact with certain medical conditions. For example, some herbals and supplements can increase blood pressure, which can be dangerous for patients with hypertension. Or some herbals affect hormone levels. Please discuss any potential risks with your pharmacist before starting any new product.

Remembering that anything one puts into their body can have affects both positive and negative. Herbals, vitamins, and supplements can provide benefits, but it is important to understand that they can also have potential risks and interactions with other medications. Always ask your pharmacist before starting any new product, and make sure to follow dosing instructions carefully. By working with your pharmacist, you can ensure that you are making informed decisions about your health and wellness.




**Please take note, my views are my own and are not associated or representative of my employer(s). This website and its associated platforms are for education purposes only and not medical advice. (If one wants to establish a relationship in which individual circumstances can be evaluated please send a message)


***Also note this post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

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