Have you ever wandered through a health food store and wondered, “Just how popular are these herbal supplements?” The answer might surprise you.
Herbal supplement sales have skyrocketed over the past decade, establishing them as one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S.
Let’s examine some herbal supplement statistics that will astound you!
How Much is the Herbal Supplement Industry Worth?
The herbal supplement industry has experienced exponential growth, with a projected worth of USD 70 billion in 2020 and predictions reaching USD 124 billion by 2028.
This represents a CAGR of 6.5% from 2021 to 2028, highlighting the increasing popularity and demand for these products due to their purported health benefits.
Growing numbers of consumers are discovering the power that natural supplements can have on their overall wellness, driving this industry’s growth even further.
However, are they safe? The answer is yes…and no. It’s complicated! Below, we’ll examine fascinating herbal supplement industry statistics so you can decide whether taking an herbal supplement is right for you.
Herbal Supplement Industry Statistics – Highlights
- More than one-third of all Americans take some form of supplement, many of which are herbal supplements.
- Though many herbal supplements are safe for general use with minimal side effects, as some, like St. John’s wort, are known to make certain medications less effective.
- Consumers in the US spent $1.659 billion more on herbal supplements in 2020 than in 2019.
- Elderberry was the top-selling dietary supplement in 2020, with consumers spending $275,544,691 on elderberry supplements in 2020.
- 72% of American consumers have confidence in herbal supplements.
More than one-third of all Americans take some form of supplement, many of which are herbal supplements.
Source: CRN Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements
Herbal medicine has surged in popularity over recent years, with many Americans now drawn to the idea of healing themselves and their ailments using natural substances.
Consumers are increasingly willing to supplement their daily nutrition and lifestyle choices with herbs traditionally thought to provide physical and mental health benefits.
About 30% of adults older than the age of 65 take four or more herbal supplements.
Source: National Institutes of Health
This demonstrates that many seniors seek safer, more natural ways to improve their health and supplement traditional treatments. Taking natural herbs appeals to those wanting additional health benefits without risking the potentially severe side effects of modern medications.
Among the most common herbal supplements used by American adults are echinacea, cranberry, garlic, ginseng, and ginkgo biloba.
Source: National Institutes of Health
Herbal supplements have become a popular choice for many American adults seeking to improve their overall well-being. From immune-supporting echinacea to brain-protecting ginkgo biloba, these five herbs rank among the most widely used natural remedies.
Cranberry supports urinary tract and kidney health, garlic provides antioxidant properties while boosting immunity and digestion, ginseng offers energy and stress-relieving benefits, and ginkgo biloba enhances cognitive processes such as memory and concentration.
Though many herbal supplements are safe for general use with minimal side effects, as some, like St. John’s wort, are known to make certain medications less effective.
Source: National Institutes of Health
Herbal supplements are often viewed as natural, alternative treatments for various ailments. Although these supplements may seem safe due to their natural origins, it’s important to recognize that labeling on herbal products may not always be accurate or reflect all potential properties of the supplement.
This caution is exemplified by St. John’s Wort, which can decrease the effectiveness of certain medications when taken concurrently. It’s essential to heed this advice and any other guidance on a supplement’s labeling, and consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any herbal treatment.
Direct sales of herbal supplements increased by nearly 24% in 2020 alone, more than twice the annual growth percentage it had seen in years prior.
Source: HerbalGram
2020 marked a pivotal year for herbal supplements. Direct sales of these natural remedies surged by 24%, more than double the growth percentage seen in previous years. This dramatic shift in consumer behavior stems from expanding awareness of the psychological and physical benefits of herbal supplements, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Consumers now increasingly rely on herbal supplements as naturally-derived, healthy choices for boosting overall wellbeing. With health trends favoring herbs over typical over-the-counter drugs, it’s unsurprising that direct sales have skyrocketed as more people take proactive steps to support their health.
Consumers in the US spent $1.659 billion more on herbal supplements in 2020 than in 2019.
Source: HerbalGram
The convenience and accessibility of herbal supplements has fueled increased consumer interest in this area of medicine.
While herbs have served as natural treatments for centuries, modern technology has created easier avenues for people to purchase such medications, resulting in substantial growth in the herbal supplement market.
The desire of many people to find relief without prescription drugs appears to be a major factor driving sales, as increasing numbers turn to herbal supplements as an alternative form of medicine.
80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicinal products and supplements for some part of primary healthcare.
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology
Herbal medicinal products and supplements clearly represent a major component of primary healthcare worldwide.
Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years and remains a cornerstone of traditional healing worldwide. Even in Western regions where pharmaceutical medicines dominate, growing numbers of people are turning to natural remedies and supplements to maintain health, with increasing acceptance from mainstream medical professionals.
Elderberry was the top-selling dietary supplement in 2020, with consumers spending $275,544,691 on elderberry supplements in 2020.
Source: HerbalGram
Given the numerous dietary benefits elderberry offers, it’s no surprise this natural supplement became one of 2020’s highest-selling items. Elderberries are naturally rich in antioxidants, meaning they can support a healthy immune system and may help reduce inflammation.
It’s also popular during colder months, as elderberry can help treat symptoms of the common cold and flu. Additionally, elderberries contain various vitamins, including Vitamins A, B6, C, and K.
72% of American consumers have confidence in herbal supplements.
Source: Zippia
While consumers should exercise caution when taking any supplement, the growing body of evidence supporting their effectiveness has been encouraging. Herbal medicine supports bodily functions or treats various medical conditions and includes diverse natural ingredients from plants.
Since different herbs contain unique concentrations of active components, understanding potential side effects and interactions before taking any supplement is crucial. However, with increased research and understanding of herbal supplement benefits, public confidence has only strengthened.
Immune health is the most common reason or second-to-most-common reason (depending on age group surveyed) for taking herbal supplements in 2020.
Source: HerbalGram
While rigorously tested pharmaceutical drugs dominate the healthcare market, pre-made herbal remedies have surged in popularity due to the perceived benefits of natural ingredients, coupled with desires for more holistic prevention and overall well-being.
This shift reveals people’s willingness to take control of their health, hoping these supplements can provide protection as our world navigates this unprecedented era.
Of the Americans who take herbal supplements, only about a third of them inform their physicians that they are doing so.
Source: American Family Physician
Most Americans now recognize that herbal supplements offer viable options for improving their health, yet a concerning number fail to inform their physicians about their usage.
When complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments and therapies are used alongside standard medications, it’s vital for doctors to know about them so potential side effects or interactions can be avoided.
Therefore, everyone should communicate what treatments they’re using to stay healthy and avoid potentially hazardous reactions. The takeaway is simple: communicate with your physician if you’re taking herbal supplements!
In China, the use of herbal medicines represents 40% of all healthcare services.
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology
This statistic testifies to the power of traditional medicine in China. For centuries, Chinese citizens have used herbs and other botanicals as part of their medical treatments, a practice that continues into the modern age.
This reliance on nature reflects the Chinese people’s commitment to the ancient system of holistic healthcare, with herbal medicines playing integral roles in countless successful treatments. It demonstrates that traditional techniques still hold incredible value in modern times.
Sales of ashwagandha, an herb used for its stress-relieving benefits, was another top-selling herb in 2020, with sales increasing by 185.2%.
Source: HerbalGram
An adaptogen root native to India, ashwagandha helps the body naturally cope with and manage physical and mental stresses from everyday life. This surge in demand reflects the search for additional tools to support better mental and physical health during a challenging year.
Between 40 and 60% of all American adults with chronic diseases take dietary supplements, with 20 to 25% using them concurrently with prescription medications.
Source: American Family Physician
This means over half of adults use some form of dietary therapy, which is concerning since dietary supplements aren’t regulated. Their effectiveness and safety can’t be guaranteed.
Furthermore, serious complications can arise when taken alongside prescription drugs due to interactions or overdoses. It’s wise to take dietary supplements only after consulting with a doctor or healthcare professional.
Mainstream ACV supplements that were marketed for their benefits to cleanse and detox (as well as other digestive health benefits) had some of the greatest overall sales increases in 2020.
Source: HerbalGram
According to consumers, these products helped cleanse and detox their bodies while promoting better digestive health overall.
While mainstream scientific studies haven’t yet backed up these claims, many people swear by the effects of taking these supplements, which likely contributed to their success in 2020.
Among herbal supplements that experienced decreased growth in 2020 were garcinia, ivy leaf, and CBD.
Source: HerbalGram
Despite the ongoing pandemic, 2020 remained a significant year for health and wellness products. Interestingly, some herbal supplements saw their popularity adversely affected.
Year-end surveys showed decreased sales for garcinia, ivy leaf, and CBD. Many believe this occurred because people shifted their focus toward immunization and overall health maintenance due to the virus.
The herbal supplements with the highest risk of drug interactions are Goldenseal and St. John’s wort.
Source: American Family Physician
Understanding potential interaction risks for herbal supplements is crucial to ensuring you make the best choice for your health. Goldenseal and St. John’s wort are two herbal supplements known for their possible serious drug interactions.
Both alternatives can interact with prescribed medications, causing unintended consequences and possible long-term health implications. In some cases, these symptoms are severe enough to require medical attention.
Before adding a dietary supplement to your routine, discussing it with a medical professional is essential to avoiding dangerous reactions between medications and natural treatments.
In a 2020 FDA analysis of 147 products advertised as containing CBD, another top-selling herbal supplement, almost all had levels of CBD that did not match the product description.
Source: HerbalGram
This finding highlights an alarming issue in the health-supplement industry: many products aren’t living up to their claims. A 2020 FDA analysis of 147 products advertised as containing CBD, a popular herbal supplement, illustrates this problem.
Results showed that almost all supplements tested contained CBD levels lower than promised on packaging. This is unacceptable and can create serious health risks if consumers trust their product and take what’s listed without question.
Everyone should be aware of this issue to become more informed and hopefully protect themselves from subpar products and possible health hazards.
Final Thoughts
Herbal supplements are clearly here to stay, as evidenced by these statistics showing incredible growth across multiple categories within this industry over recent years.
Whether you’re looking to improve your overall health or seeking relief from specific physical or mental ailments, exploring natural alternatives like herbs or nutritional supplements could be beneficial – so why not discuss with your doctor whether taking herbal supplements is right for you?
