What are herbal supplements?
Herbal supplements are products made with botanical ingredients such as plant extracts, roots, leaves and herbs. Check each product label for its exact ingredients and directions.
Knowledge is power
A guide to familiar herbs.
Get to know some well-known plants through their botanical names, the parts used and the flavours they bring to food and drink.
How do I choose a supplement?
Read the ingredient information and directions carefully, and choose products from a reputable source. Follow the directions on the product label.
Can I take supplements with medication?
Some supplements may not be suitable alongside medicines or for everyone. Ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition.
What should I know about daily use?
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet or medical advice. Follow product instructions and speak with a healthcare professional if you have questions.
Plant notes
Six herbs to know.
A short introduction to familiar culinary and aromatic plants. Each entry is about botanical identity and food culture, not a claim about medicinal effects.
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Part used in food
Leaves
Soft, fragrant leaves with a sweet, peppery character. Often used fresh in salads, sauces and pesto.
Read RHS growing guideThyme
Thymus vulgaris
Part used in food
Leaves and flowering stems
A compact Mediterranean herb with a warm, earthy flavour. Common in soups, sauces, vegetables and herb blends.
Read RHS growing guideRosemary
Salvia rosmarinus
Part used in food
Aromatic leaves
Evergreen leaves with a resinous, savoury aroma. Used fresh or dried to season roasted vegetables, breads and other dishes.
Read RHS growing guideMint
Mentha species
Part used in food
Leaves
A family of aromatic plants with varied flavours. Spearmint is a familiar culinary type, used in sauces, salads, drinks and desserts.
Read RHS growing guideGerman chamomile
Matricaria chamomilla
Part used in food
Flower heads
A daisy-like annual with a distinctive apple-like scent. Its flowers are used in herbal infusions and can also be dried for potpourri.
Read RHS growing guideGinger
Zingiber officinale
Part used in food
Rhizome (underground stem)
Aromatic and pleasantly spicy, ginger is used fresh, dried or ground to flavour both savoury dishes and sweets.
Read RHS plant profileThese are examples of commonly described culinary and aromatic plants, not a list of herbs approved for medicinal use or a guarantee of safety. Plant identity, preparation and intended use matter; not every species commonly called an herb is suitable for eating.
Using supplements is different from cooking with herbs.
A herb used as food is not the same as a concentrated supplement or herbal medicine. UK rules restrict claims made about supplements, and an ingredient’s status depends on the product and how it is presented. Always check the product label. Ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional before using supplements if you take medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.
General educational information only. Not medical advice, a treatment guide or a legal opinion. The plant notes are newly written for Nye Vigour and draw on the linked RHS botanical and culinary gardening references. Check current official guidance for matters of product regulation.
Browse products