​Botanical supplements are dietary supplements that contain ingredients from a part of a plant or a plant. The parts or plants chosen are known for their healing and medicinal properties and are meant to be taken in supplement form in order to enhance ones diet. Botanical supplements can have more than one dietary compound, such as amino acids, minerals, herbs and vitamins. They are taken orally in a variety of forms such as capsule, pill, liquid or tablet. These supplements should be properly marked as a dietary supplement on the packaging. 

​It is easy to think of botanical supplements as plants, or substances derived from plants, that are meant to cure and eliminate disease. Plants have been used for their healing properties in a variety of cultures pre-dating our history records. It is common for botanical supplements to be referred to as herbal remedies. The reason that “botanical” is more true to the medicine is because these supplements can include parts of a plant other than herbs, such as stems, roots, seeds and bark.

Botanical supplements can in a variety of forms, such as products (fresh and dry), extracts (solid and liquid), capsules, tablets, powders, teas and more. The same plant or plant part can be available for consumption in a variety of ways. Ginger root, for example, comes in fresh, dried, powdered, liquid and capsulated form. The form in which a botanical supplement is made available is largely due to the way it is best consumed for healing the body.

​There are speculations about whether or not botanical supplements are effective due to limited studies and research. However, those that engage in a lifestyle that is supported by botanical supplementation strongly support their efficiency. There is enough research to show that using botanical supplements and herbs through guidance by a professional is effective. Botanical supplement research continues to grow and more information will be known as time goes by.

Many wonder whether botanical supplements are safe to take. It is worth noting that there are some herbs that can be harmful for pregnant women, children and individuals that have certain diseases or conditions. Botanical supplements can also have an adverse effect when mixed with pharmaceuticals, as well as other minerals and vitamins. It is important to know which herbs and botanical supplements compliment each other and which cannot be taken simultaneously. 

Those that are interested in using botanical supplements for healing purposes should find out as much as they can in regards to particular products. 

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