I would just like to agree with Judy Grundy about the safety of herbs. I would
also like to add that herbs are more than the one or two "active" components
that are likely to be synthesized into a drug. When using the whole plant
there are many components, some of which can serve to modify the "active"
ingredient which the lab tests show are producing the desired results. Thus
when you use the whole plant you will be using a product which in many ways
safer than a synthetic derivative. Of course it is always a good idea to
consult an herbalist.

Since herbs can't be patented like drugs can most will never be extensively
scientifically studied since no one will ever bother to fund such studies. So
we have to look at what plants have been safely used for thousands of years
for a specific purpose. It is important to look at what part of the plant
was used and what form it was used in (tea, tincture, bath, etc.) as this is
very important.

Hope this helps,
Julie Brill