The use of herbal medications and supplements in conjunction with conventional Western medication is considered as complementary medicine. When medication is used as a substitution for conventional medication, it is called alternative medicine. Scientific data on benefits of alternative medicine are few, therefore, the use of alternative medicine is generally not recommended. However, scientific data suggests that the use of complementary medicine may be safe and effective when used with conventional medicine and followed by a health care professional.

As with all medications, safety and effectiveness must be considered when consuming herbal medications and supplements. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have stringent rules and regulations requiring proof of safety and effectiveness of these remedies. Only a few have been rigorously studied for safety and effectiveness. Secondly, the FDA does not require manufactures of herbal therapies to provide proof of the amount or quality. This contrasts with conventional medicine where laws and regulations require drug companies to prove the safety and effectiveness of drugs and require manufacturers to make drugs according to stringent guidelines. Therefore, when buying herbal supplements, purchase herbal medications from a reputable manufacturer.

Herbal medications are natural drugs and may have similar effects as conventional medications. There is a common misconception that herbal medicines are safe because they are from a natural source. All precautions that are taken with conventional medications should apply to herbal medications. Children, pregnant, and breast-feeding women should not use herbal therapies. Another issue that applies to both conventional and herbal medications is the potential for drug interactions. Most herb-drug interaction concerns include high-dose antioxidants and vitamins usage during chemotherapy, estrogenic properties of supplements, and blood thinning properties of supplements. Increase safety awareness by speaking to a health care professional about herbal remedies and supplements.

Cost is another issue of herbal therapy and supplements. The herbal industry is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States. Herbal products may range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Herbal remedies are usually not covered by health care insurance. Consult with a healthcare professional before buying herbal products and supplements to reduce cost.