55 Key Herbal Supplements Statistics for Expert Insights

Herbal supplements (botanicals) are plant-based products that have been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of illnesses. However, with the dawn of allopathic medicine, herbal supplements started to fade from mainstream use. But while there’s limited research attesting to their effectiveness, more people consume botanicals today than a year ago.  

This article contains some fascinating herbal supplements’ statistics and facts. Keep reading to learn more about botanicals’ nutritional value, their benefits, the industry, etc. 

Top 10 Herbal Supplements Statistics and Facts

• The coronavirus is driving sales in the herbal supplement industry.
• EU legislation on pharmaceutical products also applies to traditional herbal remedies.
• Flax seeds can prevent cholesterol deposition in the blood vessels of the heart.
• The global herbal supplements market was estimated at $10.8 billion in 2020.
• The global aloe vera market was valued at $602 million in 2019.
• The global milk thistle extract market is expected to reach $124.6 million by 2025.
• About 39% of American adults consumed herbal supplements in 2019.
• Caffeic acid derivatives are major active compounds in Echinacea.
• Dandelion is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
• Stinging nettle herbal supplements can lower blood sugar levels.

General Herbal Supplements Facts

We collected the most compelling facts and statistics about herbal supplements for this section. 

You’ll learn about the popular herbal supplements, consumption, uses, risks, and other essential herbal supplement facts for 2020.

1. Herbal supplements are created exclusively for internal use.

(Johns Hopkins Medicine)

Herbal supplements are produced from plants. However, unlike other herbal products, they are only used internally.

2. The coronavirus is driving sales in the herbal supplement industry.

(HerbalGram, NCBI, New Hope Network)

Consumers spent an estimated $11.26 billion on herbal supplements in 2020 in the US alone, surpassing the $10 billion figure for the first time. 

Even before the pandemic, many people worldwide started shifting towards herbal remedies to boost the immune system. One of the main reasons is the desire to avoid pharmaceuticals often made with synthetic chemicals. 

However, not all herbal supplements are entirely safe. They may contain potential adulterants and contaminants due to a lack of strict regulations in the supplements field.

3. 80% of the world’s population uses herbal supplements.

(WHO)

According to the WHO, approximately 4 billion people rely on herbal medicine worldwide.

4. Products with horehound are the most popular herbal supplements in the US.

(HerbalGram)

The statistics on herbal supplements indicate that the products containing horehound have experienced exponential growth since 2013. 

Horehound is now a common ingredient in cough drops and throat lozenges.

5. Combining herbal supplements with prescribed medicines can lead to health problems.

(Cleveland Clinic)

While herbal supplements are beneficial, they can be dangerous when combined with other medications. Taking herbal supplements with drugs like aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be harmful.

6. EU legislation on pharmaceutical products also applies to traditional herbal remedies.

(CBI, European Commission)

The regulations aim to ensure effective, safe, and high-quality products to be sold in the EU market. The list of traditional medicinal plants includes pot marigold, purple coneflower, fennel, witch hazel, tea tree, peppermint, etc.

7. Herbal dietary supplements are regulated as dietary supplements by the FDA. 

(Mayo Clinic)

Herbal supplements do not face the same scrutiny as conventional medications and are not subject to clinical trials. Also, manufacturers do not need approval from the FDA to sell their herbal products.

List of Herbal Supplements Popular in the US

Many different herbal supplements are popular with US consumers. You can learn about these herbs and their benefits to health in this section. While some of the medicinal plants grow as weeds, others are cultivated.

Below you will find some of the most popular plant-based supplements sold in the US: 

• Echinacea
• Flax seeds
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Ginseng
• Ginkgo biloba
• Black cohosh
• Evening primrose
• St. John’s wort
• Chamomile

8. Echinacea could help prevent the common cold.

(Healthline)

A clinical trial of over 4,000 people revealed that consuming the Echinacea flower reduces the risk of getting a common cold by up to 20%. However, there’s no significant evidence that the plant can cure a common cold.

9. Flax seeds can prevent cholesterol deposition in the blood vessels of the heart.

(Healthline)

According to herbal supplements information, flax seeds can effectively reduce inflammation of the arteries and tumor growth. A clinical trial with over 250,000 participants revealed that flax seeds could reduce heart disease risk by 14%.

10. Turmeric can relieve arthritis pain.

(Healthline)

Turmeric is made up of an active compound known as curcumin. Curcumin is known to alleviate pain, chronic inflammation, and anxiety.  

11. Ginger relieves nausea in pregnant women. 

According to recent herbal supplements research, ginger might help treat and prevent cancer and heart diseases. Also, a small human clinical trial indicated that ginger could reduce the risk of a blood clot.  

12. Garlic is used to treat cardiovascular conditions.

(Johns Hopkins Medicine)

A two-month trial among hypertensive patients revealed that garlic could effectively lower blood pressure. It is also helpful for treating high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

13. Ginseng contains anti-cancer and anti-diabetes properties.

(Healthline)

Multiple studies revealed that ginseng is made up of unique compounds called ginsenosides. As reported by the herbal supplements stats, these compounds have neuroprotective and immune-supporting properties. 

14. Ginkgo biloba is effective in treating heart disease and dementia.

(Healthline)

The Chinese used Ginkgo biloba for thousands of years. It’s known to help with mental difficulties, sexual dysfunction, and a host of other issues. However, there’s no known evidence that it is helpful in the treatment of other health conditions. 

15. Black cohosh can alleviate menopause symptoms.

(Johns Hopkins Medicine)

Herbal supplement statistics for black cohosh use revealed that this botanical is used to treat menopause conditions such as vaginal dryness and sleeping problems.

Black cohosh is also helpful for menstrual pain and vaginitis. 

16. Evening primrose oil can reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

(Johns Hopkins Medicine)

The oil from the bright yellow evening primrose flower can help alleviate some of PMS and arthritis symptoms. 

17. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is helpful in the treatment of depression.

(Healthline)

Studies indicate that using St. John’s wort is as effective as conventional antidepressants. However, research is inconclusive when it comes to those with suicidal thoughts and severe depression. 

The herbal supplement facts reveal that this plant can interact with certain medications and lead to several health complications. 

18. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

(Healthline)

Chamomile is made up of over 100 active chemical compounds that have multiple health benefits. 

Some studies reveal that chamomile helps treat diarrhea, premenstrual syndrome pain, and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

Herbal Supplements Market Size

This section compiles statistics on the supplement market in America, Europe, Asia, and other regions. You’ll also find out about the status of different herbs and how they rank on the market.

19. The global herbal supplements market was estimated at $10.8 billion in 2020.

(GlobeNewswire)

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the global herbal supplements sector was still able to hit incredible figures, and it continues to expand. 

It’s projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% between 2020 and 2027, reaching $16.9 billion by the end of 2027.

20. The Chinese herbal supplements market is expected to hit the $3.7 billion mark by 2027. 

(GlobeNewswire)

This market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.9% between 2020 and 2027.

21. In 2017, western herbalism accounted for 45.9% of the global herbal medicine market.

(Statista)

The herbal supplements statistics indicate that traditional Chinese medicine was a close competitor at 36.6%, while homeopathy made up 9.7%, and Ayurveda 7.8%.

22. The global aloe vera market was valued at $602 million in 2019.

(IMARC)

Aloe vera, a plant commonly used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, also attracted attention with the increase of the general herbal supplements’ popularity.

The aloe vera market has steadily grown over the past decade, and the trend is likely to continue. Statisticians forecast steady growth at a CAGR of 7% between 2021 and 2026.

23. Herb Pharm is the creator of the world’s leading liquid herbal extract line.

(Technavio)

Herb Pharm is a significant player in the industry, famous for producing the bestselling herbal liquid extract. Other top companies include Gaia Herbs, Arizona Natural Products, Bio-Botanica Inc., Nature’s Bounty, etc.  

24. The dietary supplement industry statistics for 2018 show that US consumers spent $8.842 billion on these supplements in that year alone. 

(American Botanical Council)

The US herbal supplement market registered a 9.4% increase in sales in 2018. This was the most vital sale for herbal supplements in two years.

25. The global milk thistle extract market is expected to reach $124.6 million by 2025.

(KTVN, NIH)

Traditional herbal medicines significantly contribute to the expansion of the size of the herbal supplement market. Milk thistle has been used for over 2,000 years to treat various health conditions, including liver and bile duct disorders.

The milk thistle market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% between 2021 and 2025, jumping from $98.9 million to $124.6 million.

26. Direct sales of herbal supplements in the US had the most substantial growth in 2018. 

(American Botanical Council)

Direct sales, including online sales, mail orders, and direct mail, had the most substantial growth for the second year in a row. Direct sales increased by 11.8% and totaled $4.480 billion.

27. In the US, herbal supplements that contain horehound as an active ingredient had the highest sales in 2018.

(American Botanical Council)

Reports on the American herbal supplement market size revealed that, in 2018, supplements with horehound had the highest sales since 2013. In that year, sales of horehound supplements amounted to over $146 million, registering a 4.1% increase from 2013. 

28. In 2018, CBD was the top-selling and fastest-growing ingredient in the US. 

(American Botanical Council)

In 2017, supplements that contain CBD experienced a 303% increase in sales from the previous year. In 2018, CBD herbal supplements’ sales increased by 332.8% to reach $52.7 million.

Herbal Supplements: Consumption Stats

Consumption of herbal supplements considerably varies by country. Let’s go through the most relevant statistics and facts about herbal supplement consumption derived from the herbal supplement market in 2020 (and recent past) information.

29. About 90% of the African population uses some form of herbal medicine.

(NCBI)

Around 70% of the Indian population depends on traditional herbal medicine to meet their healthcare needs. Also, herbal medicine accounts for 40% of all healthcare used in China.

30. About 39% of American adults consumed herbal supplements in 2019.

(CRN)

A 2019 consumer survey revealed that 77% of US adults consume dietary supplements. Approximately 76% use vitamins and minerals, and 40% consume specialty supplements.

31. In 2017, green tea was the most-consumed herbal supplement in the US.

(Statista)

The herbal supplement statistics reveal that green tea was consumed by 14% of American adults in 2017. Cranberry and turmeric were consumed by 9% each, garlic and ginseng by 8%, and Ginkgo biloba by 6% of adult supplement users.

32. In 2018, roughly 20% of herbal supplement consumers purchased weight loss products.

(American Botanical Council) 

According to a survey, only supplement consumers aged 18–34 years claimed weight loss was one of the six reasons they take supplements. 

33. In the US, herbal supplements are used mainly by the elderly population.  

(NCBI)

A study on herbal supplements and their users’ demographics reveals that plant-based supplements are consumed by 40.2% of Americans aged 70 or older. The lowest consumption was seen among millennials aged between 18–33 (33.1%). 

34. Approximately 37% of plan-based supplements consumers in the US have post high school education.

(NCBI)

A study showed that only 28.9% of the US herbal supplement consumers attended high school. Moreover, around 35.2% of consumers are female, and 35.1% are male. 

Nutritional Value of Popular Herbal Supplements

Herbs are not only medicinal but also possess some nutrients our bodies need. We’ve looked at herbs that contain specific vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional properties and put them together under this section.

35. Caffeic acid derivatives are major active compounds in Echinacea.

(Now Foods)

Echinacea is used in natural medicine, and it’s made of biologically and pharmacologically active phenolic compounds—polysaccharides, alkamides, and glycoproteins.

36. Dandelions are a good source of antioxidants.

(Medical News Today)

Dandelions are a rich source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that prevents cell damage. They’re also packed with polyphenols, another type of antioxidant. 

Another reason dandelion is included in some of the most popular herbal supplements is its anti-cholesterol, anti-inflammation, and blood-pressure-regulating properties. Additionally, it supports weight loss, reduces cancer risk, etc.

37. There are 29 calories in a tablespoon of turmeric powder. 

(WebMD)

A tablespoon of ground turmeric contains 6 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and almost 1 gram of protein. Turmeric powder is also known to have minerals like manganese, phosphorus, and potassium.

38. There are 37 calories in every 7 grams of flax seeds.

(Healthline)

A tablespoon or 7 grams of flax seeds is made up of 3 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbs, 1.9 grams of fiber, and 1.3 grams of protein. 

The herbal supplement statistics show that flax seeds are rich in vitamins B1, vitamins B6, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. 

39. One tablespoon of ginger has 0.11 grams of protein.

(EverydayHealth)

A tablespoon of ginger has been found to contain 4.8 calories, 0.12 grams of dietary fiber, 0.05 grams of fat, and 0.1 grams of sugar. Ginger is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins B3, B6, riboflavin, potassium, iron, etc.

40. Dandelion is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.

(TMR)

Dandelion is one of the medicinal plants traditionally used to address stomach problems, joint pain, eczema, intestinal gas, etc.

It’s also used in traditional cuisines of Kashmir, Korea, China, Slovenia, etc., and various industries (wine, coffee, root beer, etc.).

41. One clove of raw garlic contains one gram of carbs.

(Healthline)

One clove, or 3 grams of raw garlic, comprises 4.5 calories, 0.2 grams of protein, and 0.06 grams of fiber. 

Garlic—one of the best-selling herbal supplements—is rich in manganese, copper, potassium, selenium, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.

42. Ginseng root contains about 3% of ginsenosides.

(NCBI)

Ginsenosides have been identified as the primary active ingredient in ginseng. Other compounds, such as polysaccharides, volatile oils, and flavonoids, are also present.   

43. About 100 grams of Ginkgo biloba offers 37.6 grams of carbohydrates.

(HealthBenefitsTimes)

Ginkgo biloba is one of the popular types of herbal supplements. About 100 grams of Ginkgo biloba contains 6 grams of vitamin B3, 15 milligrams of vitamin C, 0.328 milligrams of vitamin B6, and 0.22 milligrams of vitamin B1.  

44. Glycosides are the primary active substances in black cohosh. 

(Mount Sinai)

Studies show that 150 milligrams of black cohosh root contain 2.5% of triterpene glycosides. Black cohosh contains sugar compounds, isoferulic acids, and phytoestrogens.  

45. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid.

(NIH)

Evening primrose oil is a rich source of linoleic acid and essential omega-6 fatty acids, which are vital myelin components. The dietary supplement use statistics also show that it has polyphenols, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.

46. St. John’s wort contains hypericin and hyperforin. 

(Healthline)

St. John’s wort contains multiple active ingredients, including isohyperin, adhyperforin,         cyclo-pseudohypericin, protohypericin, and other flavonoids that increase dopamine levels in the brain. 

47. Chamomile has only two calories per cup.

(EverydayHealth)

While chamomile may not be a significant source of any nutrient, it’s still an essential herb that offers many benefits. For example, 100 grams of chamomile tea contains 0.20 grams of carbohydrates and 40.3 grams of dietary fiber.

Health Benefits of Herbal Supplements

Herbal health benefits are one of the key drivers of demand in that industry. There are too many health benefits of herbs to exhaust here, but you’ll learn about some of the most critical health contributions of herbal supplements.

48. Herbal supplements can improve mental health. 

(LilachBullock)

Inhaling some herbs can reduce stress levels. St. John’s wort is one of the most popular herbs for depression and anxiety disorders. Moreover, chamomile can be used to treat sleeping disorders. 

49. Herbal supplements can boost the immune system.

(LilachBullock)

Using herbs like Echinacea—which contains vitamins and antioxidants—can help prevent colds and the flu. Also, ginger can be used to enhance the immune system, as it has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.

50. Great plantain is effective against a wide range of health issues.

(RxList)

Due to their antifungal and antibacterial properties, great plantain leaves and seeds are used for treating various conditions. They include bladder infection, bronchitis, cold, bleeding hemorrhoids, skin conditions, eye irritation, etc.

However, this beneficial medicinal plant should be used with care. Individuals with melon and plantain allergies should avoid it to avert allergic reactions. It’s also unsafe to use during pregnancy, as it can increase the chance of miscarriage.

51. Herbal supplements can effectively treat menopausal symptoms.

(Johns Hopkins Medicine)

Black cohosh has been used for thousands of years to treat vaginal dryness, night sweats, and hot flashes. Soy and other nutritional supplements can also be used to reduce inflammatory proteins associated with menopause.

52. Stinging nettle herbal supplements can lower blood sugar levels.

(Medical News Today)

Particular studies suggest that taking 500-mg nettle capsules for an extended period lowers blood glucose levels and alleviates diabetes symptoms. 

Like some other medicinal plants, stinging nettle can also be used for treating arthritis (up to 1,300 mg) and even seasonal allergies due to its medicinal properties.

53. Herbal supplements can be used to treat nausea and indigestion.

(Cleveland Clinic)

Herbal supplements such as peppermint oil and aloe vera can effectively treat bowel problems, constipation, and gastritis. Chamomile can be used for upset stomach and diarrhea.

54. Burdock might have anti-carcinogenic properties.

(TMR)

Great burdock is a valuable raw material in the herbal supplements industry. It’s one of the four ingredients of essiac, an alternative herbal formulation for cancer treatment. 

However, despite its impressive antioxidant and antibiotic properties, more research is required to confirm burdock’s anti-cancer properties. 

55. Herbal supplements are an excellent remedy for wounds, infections, and diseases.

(Cleveland Clinic)

Aloe vera and tea tree oil can be used to treat burns, wounds, oral yeast infections, lice, cold sores, osteoarthritis, and psoriasis. Also, Ginkgo biloba can effectively treat dementia and other conditions associated with aging.  

FAQs 

What percentage of people take supplements?

A 2019 consumer survey by CRN revealed that 77% of American adults consume dietary supplements. Around 79% are female, and 74% are male. 

Also, vitamins and minerals are the most consumed supplements, at 76%. Specialty supplements follow at 40%, and herbal supplements account for 39%. 

Weight management supplements are the least used supplements, at 17%.

What is the number 1 nutritional supplement in the world?

Nutrilite is the world’s number one bestselling vitamin and dietary company in the world. The brand produces a wide range of products, including essential vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, meal replacement, sports nutrition, and antioxidants.  

What are the 3 most popular herbal supplements?

The three most popular supplements sold in the United States are Echinacea, flax seeds, and ginseng. Other common herbal supplements are Ginkgo biloba, turmeric, ginger, garlic, evening primrose oil, and black cohosh.

What are the top 5 best-selling herbal supplements?

According to the American Botanical Council, horehound, echinacea, turmeric, elderberry, and green tea were the top five best-selling supplements for 2018.

What are the top-selling types of herbal supplements?

In 2018, the top-selling kinds of herbal supplements contained horehound or echinacea as the primary ingredient. Other top ingredients include turmeric, elderberry, green tea, ginger, ivy leaf, garlic, fenugreek, and black cohosh.

Conclusion

It’s clear that herbal supplements are incredibly beneficial and can be used for various ailments. These supplements are filled with rich, essential nutrients and serve as a suitable complementary medication.

According to the herbal supplements statistics highlighted above, the global herbal market size will continue to grow as more people turn to herbal medicine for more accessible and affordable healing. 

However, it is vital to inform your doctor when taking a herbal supplement, as some of them can cause health complications due to drug interactions.

Sources:

• American Botanical Council
• CBI
• Cleveland Clinic
• CRN
• European Commission
• EverydayHealth
• EverydayHealth
• GlobeNewswire
• HealthBenefitsTimes
• Healthline
• Healthline
• Healthline
• Healthline
• HerbalGram
• IMARC
• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• KTVN
• Lilach Bullock
• Mayo Clinic
• Medical News Today
• Medical News Today
• Mount Sinai
• NCBI
• NCBI
• NCBI
• New Hope Network
• NIH
• NIH
• NowFoods
• RxList
• Statista
• Technavio
• TMR
• TMR
• WebMD
• WHO