10 Popular Natural Supplements in NZ: What They Are and Who Should Be Careful
Herbicare Editorial Team · Herbicare NZ
Written and reviewed by the Herbicare editorial team to give balanced, practical guidance for everyday New Zealanders.
Walk into any NZ health store and you'll see the same names again and again. This plain-English guide explains what 10 popular natural supplements actually are, and the safety points worth knowing before you start. No hype, and no promises.
Before you start: supplements don't replace a varied diet, sleep and movement. Start one product at a time, follow the label, and check with a pharmacist if you take any medication.
The 10 supplements
1. Turmeric
What it is: A golden spice from the root of Curcuma longa, used in South Asian cooking and Ayurveda for thousands of years. Its main compound, curcumin, is widely researched.
Be careful: Talk to your doctor if you take blood thinners or diabetes medication, or have gallbladder problems.
2. Turmeric, Ginger & Black Pepper
What it is: A traditional trio: turmeric and ginger root powders with black pepper extract (piperine), which is traditionally paired with turmeric.
Be careful: Piperine can change how some medicines are absorbed, so check with your pharmacist.
View Herbicare Turmeric, Ginger & Black Pepper →
3. Ashwagandha
What it is: A root used in Ayurveda for over 3,000 years as a general tonic, often described as an adaptogen. Read our full ashwagandha guide.
Be careful: Not for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Check first if you have a thyroid condition or take sedatives or immunosuppressants.
4. Moringa
What it is: A leafy green from the Moringa oleifera tree that naturally contains vitamins, minerals and fibre. Read our moringa guide.
Be careful: Generally well tolerated as a food. Check first if pregnant or on medication.
5. Beetroot
What it is: Dried beetroot, a vegetable naturally rich in dietary nitrates. Capsules are a sugar-free alternative to beetroot juice.
Be careful: Check first if you have had kidney stones or take blood-pressure or nitrate medication.
6. Panax Ginseng
What it is: Korean or Asian ginseng root, used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
Be careful: Can interact with blood thinners, diabetes medication and some antidepressants. Avoid with high caffeine intake.
View Herbicare Panax Ginseng →
7. Berberine
What it is: A yellow compound from plants such as barberry, and one of the most researched plant compounds.
Be careful: Interacts with several medicines, including diabetes and blood-pressure medication. Not for pregnancy. Talk to your pharmacist first.
8. Garcinia Cambogia
What it is: A tropical fruit whose rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), long used as a food ingredient in South and Southeast Asia.
Be careful: Avoid if you have liver problems. Stop and see a doctor if you notice yellowing skin or dark urine.
View Herbicare Garcinia Cambogia →
9. Olive Leaf
What it is: An extract from the leaves of the olive tree, traditionally used around the Mediterranean. Its best-known compound is oleuropein.
Be careful: Check first if you take blood-pressure or diabetes medication.
10. Resveratrol
What it is: A plant compound found in grape skins, berries and peanuts, and a popular subject of research.
Be careful: Check first if you take blood thinners.
How to choose
- Check the ingredient list and milligrams per serve
- Look for plant-based capsules if you're vegan
- Be wary of any product that claims to treat or prevent a disease
- Buy from a seller with a New Zealand address and clear contact details
Browse all Herbicare herbal supplements.
Disclaimer: This article is general educational information only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Herbicare products are dietary supplements, not medicines, and have not been evaluated by Medsafe. Traditional use does not necessarily reflect modern scientific evidence. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If you have a health condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take prescription medication, talk to a qualified health professional before starting any supplement. Individual results vary.
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