Author/expert to discuss herbs, supplements

On Wednesday, nationally recognized alternative medicine expert, speaker and author Dr. Patrick B. Massey, Ph.D., will present a program on "Dietary Supplements and Herbs" at the Dundee Township Public Library.

If you now use or are thinking about using vitamins or herbs for health purposes, plan on attending this informative discussion on the various products that are safe and available to achieve optimal health. The program begins at 7 p.m. in the library's lower level meeting room, , 555 Barrington Ave., East Dundee.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, dietary supplements are vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals (other than tobacco), amino acids, or any combination of the above ingredients.

While many substances have a long history of use and of claimed health benefit, some have caused health problems for users. An herbal supplement labeled "natural" does not necessarily mean it is safe or without any harmful effects. In many cases, the active ingredients in many herbs and supplements are not known, nor is the mechanism of action in the human body. For instance, the FDA reports that the herbs kava and comfrey, once popular home remedies, have been linked to serious liver damage.

Massey is the medical director of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Health and Wellness Center at Alexian Brothers Hospital Network headquartered in Elk Grove Village.

Register for the program in person at the library, by phone at (847) 428-3661, ext. 308, or online at www.dundeelibrary.info.