WHO Proper use of products of assured qualit

Proper use of products of assured quality can also do much to reduce risks associated with TM/CAM products such as herbal medicines. 

However, regulation and registration of herbal medicines are not well developed in most countries. Products may be contaminated or vary tremendously in content, quality and safety.

Garlic, for example, often claimed to have cholesterol-lowering effects, may fail to produce such effects if processed in certain ways.

At the same time, standards to control labelling of and publicity for herbal medicines are few. 

Moreover, many are sold as over-the-counter or dietary supplements, with little advice offered on their appropriate use. 

Consumers may then be unaware of potential side-effects, and how and when herbal medicines can be taken safely. 

Reversing this situation will necessitate much more stringent control of TM/CAM products and greater efforts to educate the public in this area.