The use of herbal supplements has a long history - dating back thousands of years. Examples of important medicines extracted from botanicals include reserpine, morphine, penicillin, and vinca alkaloid anti-cancer drugs.

Today, herbal supplements and nutraceuticals can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) and may be labeled "all-natural". Herbal supplements are sold in many different forms - dried leaves for teas, powdered, as capsules or tablets, or in solution.

But does "all-natural" mean they are always safe?

No. While these products are intended to boost health, and may make claims to that effect, robust clinical studies may be lacking. It's important to discuss supplement use with your doctor. Drug interactions with herbs can be especially risky.