UN warning on herbal medicines

TRADITIONAL herbal medicines, complementary treatments and natural remedies can cause illness and even death if overused, misused or combined incorrectly with conventional medicines, the UN health agency warned yesterday.

The agency has released guidelines for governments, agencies and consumer groups on how to inform the public on the use of products, and how to ensure that they are receiving treatment from reputable practitioners.

Traditional medicine is used by 80% of people in developing countries.