Until recently the attitude toward herbals in Europe and other parts of the world were remarkably different from that in the United states. In much of Europe and Asia, pharmacies still prescribe and dispense many botanical drugs. But times are changing. These remedies are often promoted as cure alls for every ailment. There is little question that many drugs, herb remedies, and vitamins work.
Most herbal remedies are probably safe for most people, at least in the short run.
But there are numerous exceptions. In another case, the California Department of Health Services found combinations with drug components and potentially toxic heavy metals in at least 83 of 260 imported traditional Chinese remedies. Other reports involved side effects ranging from lead poisoning from an herbal remedy for diabetes, cognitive impairment and vomiting resulting from a body building supplement, and estrogen-like side effects from a remedy used to treat prostate cancer. While purchasing herbal products from reputable companies may minimize the risk of contamination, there is no guarantee, since manufacturing standards for herbal remedies and most other dietary supplements are not yet in place. And there is still the risk of adverse effects that are not due to contaminants.