For example, black cohosh tea has been used in Native American cultures for centuries to soothe menopausal symptoms. Although a renaissance is occurring in herbal medicine in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration still classifies herbs as dietary supplements and forbids manufacturers to claim that their products are able to treat or prevent specific diseases. Europe, however, is another matter. In Germany, for example, herbal preparations are regulated as drugs and an expert medical panel, known as the German Commission E, actively researches their safety and effectiveness. Be sure to consult your doctor before trying any herbal products.
Teas are simply dried herb materials left to soak for a few minutes in boiling water.
Syrups, made from concentrated extracts and added to sweet-tasting preparations, are frequently used for sore throats and coughs. Oils are extracted from plants and often used as rubs for massage, either alone or as part of an ointment or cream. Currently, no organization or government body regulates the manufacture or certifies the labeling of herbal preparations. This means you can't be sure that the amount of the herb contained in the bottle, or even from dose to dose, is the same as what is stated on the label. Some herbal preparations are standardized, meaning that the preparation is guaranteed to contain a specific amount of the active ingredients of the herb.