Herbal medicines
Potential issues with herbal medicines
If you're taking or plan to take any herbal medicines, be aware of the following:
- They may cause problems if you're taking other medicines. They could result in reduced or enhanced effects of the medicine(s), including potential side effects.
- You may experience a bad reaction or side effects after taking a herbal medicine.
- Not all herbal medicines are regulated. Remedies specially prepared for individuals don't need a licence and those manufactured outside the UK may not be subject to regulation.
- Evidence for the effectiveness of herbal medicines is generally very limited. Although some people find them helpful, in many cases their use tends to be based on traditional use rather than scientific research.
Certain groups of people should be particularly wary of taking herbal medicines (see below).
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about herbal medicines, including what the possible risks are, who shouldn't use them and what to look for when buying them.
Potential issues with herbal medicines
If you're taking or plan to take any herbal medicines, be aware of the following: They may cause problems if you're taking other medicines. They could result in reduced or enhanced effects of the
Who should avoid herbal medicines?
Taking a herbal medicine may not be suitable for: peopletaking other medicines people with serious health conditions, such asliver or Chronic kidney disease people due to have surgery (see below)
Herbal medicines and surgery
It's important to tell your doctor if you take any herbal medicines before undergoing surgery. This is because: some herbal medicinesmight interfere with anaesthesia and other medicines used befor
What to look for when buying a herbal medicine
If you want to try a herbal medicine,look out for a Traditional Herbal Registration (THR) marking on the product packaging. This means themedicine complies with quality standards relating to safety a
Risks of buying herbal medicines online or by mail order
The risks of obtaining fake, substandard, unlicensed or contaminated medicines are increased by buying medicines online or by mail order. Unlicensed herbal medicines manufactured outside the UK may n
Reporting side effects
You can report any side effect or adverse reaction to a herbal medicine using the Yellow Card Scheme run by the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This can help theMHRA ide
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products