A REVIEW OF 12 COMMONLY USED MEDICINAL HERBS

A large and increasing number of patients use medicinal herbs or seek the advice of their physician regarding their use. More than one third of Americans use herbs for health purposes, yet patients (and physici ans) often lack accurate information about the safety and efficacy of herbal remedies. Burgeoning interest in medicinal herbs has increased scientific scrutiny of their therapeutic potential and safety, thereby providing physicians with data to help patients make wise decisions a bout their use. This article provides a review of the data on 12 of th e most commonly used herbs in the United States. In addition, we provi de practical information and guidelines for the judicious use of medic inal herbs.