Nurs Times. 2003 Aug 26-Sep 1; 99(34): 30-3.

Herbal remedies: integration into conventional medicine.

Whitehead N.

St. Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth.

There is evidence of increasing use of complementary therapies. The benefits and possible side-effects of herbal and dietary supplements in respiratory disorders are discussed. Questions have been raised about the safety of herbal products, yet their legal status is uncertain. Promotion of the integration of conventional and traditional medicine is suggested as the way forward, together with standardisation of practice and manufacturing procedures of these products.