Are herbal medicines drugs?
From a regulatory and legal standpoint, herbal medicines are usually self-prescribed, so that answer is no.

On the other hand, many prescription drugs were derived from some of the same plants as herbal medicines. So, from a medical viewpoint, herbal medications are drugs.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, herbal compounds are the second most popular form of alternative medicine, especially among middle-aged, college-educated American women.

The lack of regulation in the United States, however, results in a product that can have serious side effects, especially when used in combination with prescribed medications for the same conditions.

Be aware of these herbal medication guidelines:

• To reduce the risk of complications and/or side effects, patients should tell their doctors about herbal medicines they are using.

• The purity and quality of herbal medications are not regulated or guaranteed and have very few standards governing their production.

• Be especially suspicious of herbal medications from the Far East and Latin America. Some have been contaminated with metals and toxic plants.

• Avoid ordering herbal or other medications over the Internet. There are no quality checks on these products. They could have the wrong ingredients or contain no medicine at all. Don’t risk it!

• Don’t confuse the term “natural” with “safe.” The allure of the word “natural” should not hide the fact that these products could be dangerous. Rattlesnake venom is natural, but would you really want to swallow it?

• Interactions with prescription medications are unknown. You could be neutralizing your prescription or creating toxic conditions by mixing prescription and herbal medications.

The American Medical Association urges consumers to make intelligent choices about the drugs they use. If you have a medical condition, don’t self-medicate using herbal remedies. Instead, confer with your primary care physician. That’s the only way to be safe.