Herbal Medicines: Possible Risks and Benefits

Each type of medicine has many strengths and weaknesses. In order to protect and improve our health, it is important to become an informed medical consumer. Herbal drugs are used widely for preventive and therapeutic purposes. The manufacturers of these products are not required to submit proof of safety and efficacy before marketing, so the adverse effects associated with remedies are largely unknown. Also, herbal products are not regulated for purity and potency. Thus, some of adverse effects reported could be caused by impurities or batch to batch variability. The potency of herbal products may increase the possibility of adverse effects. This paper highlights potential benefits and possible risks associated with consumption of herbal product so that conventional treatments can be made more safe and effective.