Herbal Medicine—Medline Plus

[Admin]

Herbal Medicine—Medline Plus
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herbalmedicine.html, Sept, 2007

Also called: Botanicals, Phytotherapy

An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicine products are dietary supplements that people take to improve their health. Many herbs have been used for a long time for claimed health benefits. They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts and fresh or dried plants. However, some can cause health problems, some are not effective and some may interact with other drugs you are taking.
To use an herbal product as safely as possible

• Consult your doctor first
• Do not take a bigger dose than the label recommends
• Take it under the guidance of a trained medical professional
• Be especially cautious if you are pregnant or nursing