Q: What herbs can I take while pregnant or lactating?
A: Safety studies of herbs have not been conducted on pregnant or lactating women. For this reason, Nature's Sunshine Products recommends that you avoid herbal supplements while pregnant or lactating. Exceptions include vitamin and mineral supplements essential for fetal development or other nutritional supplements as directed by your health care provider.

Q: What guidelines do you offer for children taking supplements?
A: We cannot recommend that any product be taken by children under 12 years old unless it is labeled as such. Exceptions to this would be upon the recommendation of a health care provider.

Q: Can I exceed the recommended dosage?
A: Nature's Sunshine Products does not recommend exceeding label dosages or taking products in a manner different than label directions, unless directed by your health care provider. It is the sole responsibility of the consumer to take products according to label directions.

Q: Are ephedra and synephrine safe?
A: While these ingredients are generally safe when taken according to label instructions, some people may experience some of the following symptoms in association with their use: increased heart rate, jitters, shakiness and elevated blood pressure. These effects may be increased when either ephedra or synephrine is taken in conjunction with caffeine or other stimulants. Consult your health care provider before taking herbal products containing ephedra or synephrine or other weight-loss products.

Q: How do stimulating laxative herbs (Cascara Sagrada, Buckthorn, Turkey Rhubarb, Senna, Whole Leaf Aloe, etc.) work in the body, and how long can I take them?
A: They work by stimulating the contraction of the colon and increasing the motility and fluid content of the stool. When taking laxative herbal products, you should take a vitamin and mineral supplement. Nature's Sunshine Products recommends taking stimulating laxative herbs for up to two weeks as needed, never to exceed four weeks consecutively. You should plan to rest from stimulating herbal laxative use for a period of one to two months following use. A healthier, more natural way of regulating the bowel is using bulking herbs (Psyllium, LOCLO, and UltimateBuild) and increasing water intake. Bulk herbs contain fiber that can help lower your risk for certain diseases. They may be taken long-term without adverse effects.

Q: Can I take herbs while preparing for surgery or any medical procedure?
A: Nature's Sunshine recommends consulting the surgeon and anesthesiologist prior to surgery. You may need to stop taking herbal supplements up to two weeks prior to surgery. You should also consult with your health care provider prior to resuming your herbal regimen.

Q: What third-party clinical research is available for Nature's Sunshine Products?
A: Published research is available for many of the ingredients used in Nature's Sunshine Products. However, most combination products have not been specifically investigated by Nature's Sunshine or other individuals. Nature's Sunshine has plans to conduct clinical trials on a limited number of products as time and funds provide. Results of these studies will be made available as they are completed.

Q: What is the carbohydrate content of Nature's Sunshine Products?
A: Most capsule products contain less than 200 mg of carbohydrates per capsule, and tablet products will contain less than a gram.

Q: I"m not experiencing the results I expected from Nature's Sunshine weight-loss products. What am I doing wrong?
A: NSP weight-loss products are designed to complement a healthy diet and adequate aerobic exercise. For best results, you"ll need to improve your eating habits and food choices and increase your activity level. Please remember that permanent weight loss is a gradual process and occurs only with a healthy change in lifestyle. NSP weight-loss products are designed to help you achieve a healthy weight, but without lifestyle changes, these effects are merely short-term.

Q: Can Nature's Sunshine products be taken with prescription medications?
A: When taking prescription medications, you should always consult your health care provider prior to taking any dietary supplements. You should make your doctor aware of any dietary supplements you are taking. Herbal supplements have biological activity, just as pharmaceuticals do. While most herbal dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals do not interact with each other, a few may interact. You should address each product on a case by case basis when consulting your health care provider.

Q: What supplements should I avoid while on chemotherapy?
A: NSP does not recommend the use of supplements besides Paw Paw Cell-Reg® while undergoing chemotherapy. You should inform your health care provider of any herbs you may be taking before initiating chemotherapy.

Q: Why does Nature's Sunshine Products use hydrogenated soybean oil?
A: The hydrogenated soybean oil used in Nature's Sunshine Products does not contain trans-fatty acids. In addition, the extremely small amount of hydrogenated oils used in the processing of the product should have no significant effect on the body.

Q: Are there any herbal treatments for cancer?
A: Consult your doctor before taking any herbal supplements for the treatment of cancer. You may consider taking vitamin and mineral supplements, antioxidants and immuno-stimulating herbs. You might also want to read the information on our new Paw Paw Cell-Reg®.

Q: Which herbs interact with Coumadin?
A: Ginkgo, Gotu Kola, Ginger, all Ginsengs, White or Purple Willow, Vitamin K and Garlic are the most important to avoid. If you are taking Coumadin, you should consult your health care provider before taking any supplements.