To use herbal supplements safely, which practice is recommended?

• A. Purchase any herbal product from a grocery store
• B. Use herbs only if advised by a physician and choose products with quality-control history
• C. Assume herbs are safe and do not interact with medications
• D. Herbs should be discarded if they have any color change

Answer: (B)

Herbal supplements can interact with medications and vary in strength and purity, so safe use depends on two things: getting guidance from a healthcare professional and choosing products with evidence of quality control. A clinician can review your current medications, health conditions, and goals to determine if an herb is appropriate and to flag any possible interactions or contraindications. At the same time, products with a quality-control history—such as third-party testing, clear labeling, and adherence to good manufacturing practices—are more likely to contain what they claim and be free from contaminants. This helps reduce risks from contamination, mislabeled ingredients, or unpredictable potency.

Buying from a grocery store or assuming herbs are universally safe ignores these risks, and relying on herbs without professional advice can lead to adverse interactions or ineffective treatment. Color changes or other sensory cues are not reliable indicators of safety or quality, so they should not be used as a sole safety signal.