An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor or therapeutic properties. Herbal medicine products are dietary supplements that people take to improve their health. Many herbs have been used for a long time for claimed health benefits. They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts and fresh or dried plants. However, some can cause health problems, some are not effective and some may interact with other drugs you are taking.
To use an herbal product as safely as possible
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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Date last updated: 13 January 2009 Topic last reviewed: 17 August 2008 |