The problem many in the medical field see with herbal remedies is that consumers may make improper choices. St. John's Wort is a popular herbal remedy for depression. Some see it as an effective alternative to Prozac, without the side effects. Mixing the two though can cause problems with the central nervous system. Whenever a person takes them without consulting a physician it places them at risk.
Water can be harmful.
That's why I'm all for regulation. She also stresses the need for consumer responsibility. Many people are interested in herbs because it allows them greater control over their health, but this means added responsiblity. Lisa Williams is a pharmacist at Wayne Edwards' pharmacy, which her father owns. Her interest peaked when she realized customer prescriptions were tracked on the pharmacy computer, but not the herbal products they were buying at health food stores.