Many Americans view herbal and dietary supplements as useful therapeutic agents for treating a wide variety of ailments. Indeed, many potent and effective prescription drugs are derived from plant and animal sources. Yet, so are familiar poisons such as hemlock, strychnine, and belladonna. However, natural products come with a full range of potential benefits and risks as do synthetic products.
Most dietary supplements are safe when consumed as directed, while others are potentially harmful.
Currently, herbal and dietary supplement products are for the most part unregulated and there are few federal or state standards for manufacturing or quality controls. Consumers who wish to rely on herbal or dietary supplements should educate themselves about the potential benefits and risks associated with the products. Always try to check out sources of information independent of promotional literature used to market the products. And, develop a healthy skepticism for information on the Internet, which is virtually unregulated. They may have been used for centuries, but substantial data on effectiveness and safety of long-term use are often lacking.