Identify the product
The phrase herbal medicine does not identify a treatment. Request the name, manufacturer, full ingredient list, proposed purpose and price before buying anything. NIH notes that supplements may contain active ingredients and can interact with medicines. NCCIH documents contamination and manufacturing errors in some traditional Chinese herbal products. A claim that a preparation is natural is not a safety test.
Share your medical context
Tell the recommending practitioner and your prescriber about medicines, other supplements, pregnancy or breastfeeding, upcoming surgery and chronic conditions. A pharmacist or treating clinician may be able to flag conflicts. If a product is mixed or unlabeled, ask for a complete written composition; otherwise the people managing your care cannot evaluate it.
Separate it from acupuncture
The practice offers acupuncture and herbal medicine, but they are distinct services with different safety questions. You can consider a needle appointment without agreeing to an oral product. Ask what outcome the herb is meant to change, what evidence supports it and how you would monitor an adverse effect. Never stop a prescribed treatment because an herb is suggested.
Questions and answers
Does an herb have to be safe because it is sold over the counter?
No. Supplements can interact with medicines, vary in quality and have unwanted effects.