Herbal therapy: What a clinician needs to know to counsel patients effectively

The use of herbal medicine In the United States has been increasing at a st eady pace over the past decade. Most recent estimates suggest that the US p opulation spends $5 billion per year for herbal supplements alone. Hel bal supplements are receiving increasing exposure through national media, in la y journals, and more recently in the scientific press. Interest in herbal m edicine has been facilitated by multiple factors, including the perception that pharmaceutical medications are expensive, overprescribed, and often da ngerous. Alternatively, herbal medicine is often perceived as being "natura l" and is therefore considered safe. While the growth of the herbal medicin e industry in the United States can probably not continue at this accelerat ed pace indefinitely, there is little indication of any major slowing. Ther efore, patients will continue to use herbal medications. Knowledge of these preparations (including their potential benefits and risks as well as thei r ability to interact with pharmaceutical medications) will enable physicia ns to provide a balanced and objective view to patients seeking information on herbal therapy.