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What are herbal supplements?

Herbal supplements use plant material, either whole or as a concentrated extract, rather than isolated vitamins or minerals. Common examples are turmeric and curcumin, ashwagandha, ginseng, milk thistle, echinacea, saw palmetto and valerian. In Australia most are regulated as listed complementary medicines, which means their ingredients are drawn from a permitted list and the product carries an AUST L number.

Two practical points. Standardisation matters: an extract standardised to a stated percentage of its active compound is far more predictable than unstandardised dried herb, and that is what research uses. And herbs are not automatically mild simply because they are plants. Several interact with prescription medicines, St John's wort being the best known, so the interaction question is a real one here.

Why shop herbals at Supplement Mart?

  • 187 herbal products in stock, in capsule, tablet, powder and liquid form
  • 58 stores nationwide, with click and collect available
  • Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $150, with no surcharges
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  • An in-house nutritionist you can actually ask a question

How they are usually used

Most are taken daily and judged over weeks rather than days, since herbal effects generally build gradually. Follow the label dose, which is set around the extract strength in that specific product rather than being transferable between brands. Supplements are not a substitute for medical advice. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or are managing a health condition, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting something new.

Frequently asked questions

What does an AUST L number mean?

It identifies a listed medicine on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Listed medicines use ingredients from a pre-approved low risk list and are manufactured to a required standard, but they are not individually assessed by the TGA for how well they work. It is an assurance about ingredients and manufacturing rather than a guarantee of effect.

Are herbal supplements safe to take with medication?

Not always, and this is the main caution in the category. St John's wort reduces the effectiveness of several medicines including the contraceptive pill and some antidepressants. Others affect blood clotting, which matters before surgery. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take prescription medication.

What does standardised extract mean?

It means the extract is made to contain a stated amount of a particular compound, such as curcuminoids in turmeric. Without standardisation the active content varies between batches and brands. If you are trying to match a dose used in research, you need a standardised product.

How long do herbal supplements take to work?

Usually weeks. Ashwagandha trials commonly run eight to twelve weeks, and the same is true of several others. Herbal supplements generally do not produce next day effects, so judging one after a few days will not tell you much.

Is turmeric the same as curcumin?

No. Turmeric is the root; curcumin is the active compound within it, and it makes up only a few per cent of the root by weight. Curcumin is also poorly absorbed on its own, which is why products pair it with piperine from black pepper or use a modified formulation.

Sources

Last reviewed: 10 October 2026