The following are recommendations for Using Herbal Alternatives by Dr. James A. Duke in the book, "What the labels won't tell you" by Logan Chamberlain, PH.D.

Make sure of the diagnosis.  Self-diagnosis is a risky business, and best left to well-trained physicians.  Once you're confident of a diagnosis, though, then discuss with your physician how to treat it:  drugs, herbs, some combination of the two, or any of the foregoing plus diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

Watch out for side effects.. If you have an unpleasant reaction to an herb, such as dizziness, nausea, or headache, cut back on your dosage or stop taking the herb.  Listen to your body.  If the herb doesn't feel right, don't take it.

Beware of interactions.  Pharmaceutical medication sometimes interact badly with each other and with certain foods.  The same goes for herbal medicines.  Always be particularly careful when taking more than one drug or herb or a combination of a drug and herb.  If you suspect a bad interaction, consult your physician or pharmacist.

If you're pregnant, take special precautions.  As a general rule, you shouldn't take herbs while you're pregnant unless you discuss your selections with your obstetrician, because quite a few herbs can increase the risk of miscarriage.