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Step 1
Appreciate limits of regulation. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the government agency responsible for regulating herbal medicines; however, manufacturers do not have to prove these products are safe before placing them in stores. If the FDA has safety concerns, it must prove the allegation. The FDA does monitor reports of adverse reactions.
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Step 2
Understand the label. The FDA requires a standard format to provide consumers with basic information. It must state the name of the herb, quantity in the container, the therapeutic claim or use, directions for use, supplemental facts including part of the plant used, other ingredients and manufacturer information.
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Step 3
Know what therapeutic claims are permitted on the label. Statements of positive effects can be made but not disease treatment, prevention or cure. For example, a label can allege the product improves mobility but not that it can treat rheumatoid arthritis.
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Step 4
Look for standardization information. This assures that the product contains an established safe quantity of a key ingredient. For example, St. John's Wort is typically standardized to contain 0.3 percent of the ingredient called hypericin.
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Step 5
Locate certification of quality on the label. The National Formulary seal indicates the product was prepared according to standards established by the United States Pharmacopeia. The Good Manufacturing Practices logo indicates the National Nutritional Foods Association has certified the product. NSF labels appear on herbal products certified by NSF International.
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Step 6
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking herbal medicines. These can interfere with some prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
