This is consistent with the proposal from the FDA's Commission on Dietary Supplement Labels to make labels more reliable and uniform. Dietary supplements can claim effects on body structures or functions, but cannot claim to prevent, treat or cure a disease. A well-controlled clinical trial is needed. Topical use on broken skin is also discouraged because of the potential for systemic absorption. Historically, comfrey has been suggested for arthritis, colitis, diarrhea, gallstones and pleurisy.
Product quality varies widely due to natural conditions and differences in brewing times for teas.
A reported side effect is minor heartburn. Although there have been no reports in humans, ginger may increase bleeding if taken with anticoagulants. A well-controlled clinical trial is needed. The search command allows access to medication information and related sites, e.g., InteliHealth drug data base. The drug information link allows access to recommendations on botanicals as they are released.